Visit to Trentham

It was with some misgivings that our group travelled to the 'Quilts in the Garden' exhibition, which, this year, wasn't in the garden! Heavy snow earlier in the year had brought down the marquee at Trentham, so an alternative venue (a conference centre) had been booked. However, nobody need have worried, as all thought the alternative venue offered more space and better facilities and hope it is staged there again. There was a nice caferteria serving reasonably priced food (eat your heart out NEC!) and a lovely room for those who had brought a packed lunch to eat in comfort (again, a little different from the NEC!) There was room for more traders and plenty of space between the quilt stands. Most of the group went on to enjoy Trentham in the afternoon as it was so sunny.

This quilt won the first place in the Heritage category

This is Ruth's entry in same class. It is Manx quilting, a form of log cabin, but traditional to the Isle of Man.
This wall-hanging was rather interesting.

Here is a beautiful example of hand applique & quilting

This quilt took first place in the wallhanging class and was the overall champion.

Bottle Kilns - a visitor choice for many, and a symbol of Staffordshire heritage.

Fantastic workmanship - Hardanger blocks which had been hand pieced immaculately.

This quilt was a group's 25th anniversary celebration quilt - such fun!

Some of the Contemporary Quilt Group's "Thin Blue Line" challenge quilts.

Paula & Di having an energy boost to keep them going all day!

Trentham outing

Ruth organised a trip to 'Quilts in the Garden' at Trentham Gardens. Unfortunately I couldn't go because we had been invited to a wedding, but those who went had a great day. Here is Ruth's account of the outing.
'A group of members & friends had a delightful day out to Trentham on Saturday. After a reviving coffee we went to the quilt exhibition, which is in a large marquee, to be greeted by the winning Bed Quilt by Anja Townrow - made to use up her Christmas fabric scraps plus a few bought lengths to make up the yardage. Determined not just to seek out other winners but to enjoy the huge variety of inspirations, techniques & fabrics we chatted to each other & complete strangers with a common interest. The well known quilters’ work was amongst that of complete beginners, City & Guilds students & experienced amateurs so hopefully something for everyone.
I was not the only one to find the theme of “Evolution” hard to get inspired by as there were only 17 entries. Next year it is “Our Heritage” which should be easier to interpret.
There were demonstrators & of course retail therapy stands which, by the look of our bags on the coach, were well supported.
The other retail outlets & garden centre on the site attracted our attention but the biggest buy was a piece of furniture that Gaynor struggled to carry back to the coach! Wish I’d had my camera out to catch the look on our driver’s face!'



Here is a photo of the lovely gardens, which are extensive,
and here is a photo of the show, which also looks extensive!