Another fabulous exhibition!

Last weekend was our exhibition 'Sew Beautiful' in the Walcote Memorial Hall in Walcote.  Ruth, Judy and Rebecca organised it (with a little help from everyone else!) and did a wonderful job.  

Here is the sign outside the hall to welcome everyone.  The hall is a little difficult to find, but we put lots of signs and an A board up to direct people.  I think it must have worked as we had about 275 visitors in all!  

Inside the door was the welcoming committee, giving out Visitors' Choice slips and selling raffle tickets for our splendid celebration cake. 

Here it is - completely inedible!  Twelve lucky people won a slice. 

For those who didn't want to win fabric, Holłie was asking how many cotton reels were in the jar, and raffling a lovely pink cushion too. 

There were also prizes to be won on the tombola, bags, pouches, purses, toys, patterns and all manner of goodies. 

We were very lucky to have 'Hannah's Room' as our trader, and Roxana did us proud with her lovely display.  Her batik fabrics are beautiful, and I think she tempted lots of us to take some home. 

The members sales table was in the same room, and was groaning with fabric, books and home made items.  Di and Gill worked hard to try and keep everything under control.  

And here are some of the 100 quilts.  They ranged from small to giant, and everything inbetween.  

Another section of the display. 

So much to see. 

The variety was amazing. 

We struggled to display all the quilts, but did our very best.  

And we made sure our charity and community activities were represented, with Project Linus quilts, quilts for the elderly and fiddle cushions all displayed.  Several people were interested in the fiddle cushions, and thought they would be very useful for either relatives or friends.

The refreshments area was moved into the main hall, so that there was easy access to the kitchen.  This seemed to work well.  We decorated the screens with some of our bobbin bunting - very suitable. The cakes were a particular draw, as you can't beat a home made cake! 

Everyone who visited was complimentary about the show and well they might be.  The organisers had put lots of effort into making sure the weekend ran smoothly, and the group pulled together to welcome, share and encourage.  

But what of the Visitors' Choice?  

First prize went to Liz for her fabulously constructed and quilted design. 

Second prize to Hazel for her quilt made by several generations of her family and incorporating old lace and tatting completed by family members.  It doesn't show up very well on this photo, sorry. 

And third prize for Chris for both her quilts.  Would you believe that both of the quilts she had entered tied for third prize?  What are the odds of that happening!  She looks quite pleased. 

For the smaller items, Ann got first prize with her 'Oh to be tall and thin', Out of Africa, Pam second prize with her springtime wall hanging, 

And Maria was awarded third prize with her chickens.  Worthy winners.  Although every item in the show was chosen by someone, as the standards were very high.  Many thanks to all who helped make our exhibition so successful and so enjoyable, and here's to 2017! 

Exhibition sneak peek

We are all getting very excited about our forthcoming exhibition!  It will be on next weekend, Saturday and Sunday 24th and 25th October at the Walcote Memorial Hall from 10 till 4, admission £2 with accompanied children free.  There will be quilts galore hanging on our newly purchased stands, sales table, trader Roxana from Hannah's Room in Coalville, teas, coffees, home made cakes, Project Linus stand and another of June's fabulous raffles.  Here is the sneak peek. 

June always puts lots of thought into her raffle prizes, and this is no exception.  It's a celebration cake for our fifteenth anniversary!  June, you've excelled yourself.  Just make sure I get one of the winning tickets! 

Make a note in your diary to come along and get inspired!  See you there! 

Quilting with young people

A couple of years ago, we bid for some money from Waitrose, and decided to use it to encourage young people to do patchwork.  We were lucky to find a fabulous pattern from 'Quiltmaker' magazine which was very forgiving, and made a cushion or bag with all the 10 and 11 year olds in Lutterworth schools, that was about 120 children. It was delightful for us to work with these enthusiastic young people, and as organiser, I thank all the people who gave up their time to help with this.  We have recently been to Bitteswell School and worked with 31 pupils. 

Here is Di, working with some youngsters.  They were very interested in her machine, and all the different stitches it could make.   She kindly offered to show some of them if there was time, and ended up using the alphabet stitches to sew each pupils' initials on each finished cushion!  How generous is that! 

Liz always clears her calendar to help young people.  She has a wonderful rapport with them, and handles the most difficult child very sensitively.  You missed your vocation, Liz. 

Gwyneth is another stalwart for sewing with young people.  She is patient and kind, and encourages children who struggle.  Thank you. 

Madeleine came every session, and was unflappable, even when her machine malfunctioned and decided to go on strike.  Luckily it was sortable, but she kept calm. 

Here are some of the finished products.  Thé children's fabric choices always impress me.  They have their own ideas, and it fills them with pleasure.  

Many thanks to Liz D, Liz I, Gwyneth, Maria (the flattening lady!), Madeleine, Di, Ruth and Lorraine for giving so generously of their time and skills to give good experiences to the possible future sewers.  Well done!