Yesterday I had a great day out with sewing friends Dawn, Sian and Sue at the West Country Quilt & Textiles Show in Bristol. I took LOTS of photos, but these have loaded SO slowly that you just have a few to go on with this morning. This first (slightly out of focus) photo is of a fabulous applique quilt from Cairo. The work is done mostly by men, but apparently women are becoming involved now. Looking at the photo, below left I see what I didn't notice at the time (being overwhelmed by the colourful hanging above) - from my Pictish studies days, these sort of key patterns turned up in Romilly Allen's ECMS (the Early Christian Monuments of Scotland) and my well-thumbed copies show examples from Scotland and indeed Wales too. I am now kicking myself that I didn't take a photograph of this particular panel. Who knew that there were connections with Egypt in this design?
Below, a lovely Arab horse executed in applique with Egyptian script on his body.
A Christmassy corner of one stand.
You can see why this superb quilt was a double winner. All hand-quilted, as you can see below. Trapunto work too. Stunning is a much-abused word, but here it is totally apt.
Above: a bright and colourful quilt.
I am now hooked on these beakheads! They come from Romanesque architecture and I had a lovely chat with the lady whose stall this was. Sadly, there are none in Welsh architecture, and none at Kilpeck, where I would expect them to be, so I shall have to try and find some when we are in England on holiday again.
Above and below - another stunning wholecloth quilt which had been superbly quilted. Sorry the close-up is a bit fuzzy.
Finally for today, bright an cheerful, with wildlife. I love the Log Cabin Pineapple block at the top.
