The first job was to arrange the blocks into a pleasing arrangement. Luckily we were able to use Clipston Village Hall's large tables to do this. There was such a variety of block designs and diferent fabrics, but everyone had kept to the stipulated autumn colours, so it wasn't difficult to make them play nicely together. Then we hit the first snag.
Di started to square up the blocks and found one where the maker had thought the measurements were 12" raw edge, rather than 12" finished, and had already cut the block to 12". We scratched our heads, but there was nothing we could do to include it, as if we cut the other blocks to 12" we would cut off all the points! Luckily Gill had sent a spare, so we will use the 12" block for the label!
Ruth, Lynda and Di began to join the blocks into rows, when the next snag was found. There was a hole in one of the blocks. Either it was poor foundation-piecing or heavy handed cutting. To my embarrassment, it was my block! (I was able to find more fabric and make good the block later!) All good things come in threes, and the next snag was a block which had a black felt tip stain on one side. This was found to be Ruth's block, and despite careful washing, the stain couldn't be removed. Luckily, it was right on the edge and once it was sewn into its row, the stain was contained in the seam allowance! Hooray!
We decided to make the top easier to quilt, by dividing it into three sections, and joining them together later. We had worked so hard that there was even time to layer up the sections. Di and Jane were delighted that we had accomplished so much in the time. Thanks to all the block-makers, and we'll have the whole quilt ready soon.
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.
Some of the Contemporary Quilt Group's "Thin Blue Line" challenge quilts.
Paula & Di having an energy boost to keep them going all day! 
Here are her samples of what the finished article will look like.
She was generous in her advice, and even experienced quilters benefited from her tips on mitring corners, and joining binding.
Many people brought machines and fabric to make these designs.
and others took the opportunity to brouse and chat! 
Some people really worked hard, and Jill was one of several who managed to assemble the pieces. What wonderful colour choices!
Moast of the stars for the group quilt had been brought in, and they are looking fabulous! We also had volunteers to help Ruth and Lynda assemble it (thank goodness!)
Andrea had discovered these Mile a Minute blocks in her UFO box, and joined them together for Project Linus. She was surprised how good they looked when they were finished!
Nik had made this quilt for Project Linus. I t's actually a masterclass in using scraps. The dark sections are all made from scraps, and the quilt is unified by the lime green and the lighter sections. You can't see it here, but it's also beautifully quilted. Nik, you're a star! 
Gaynor made this quilt at a retreat. Well, she made most of the blocks, but ran out of the cream fabric before she had got the quilt to the required size. She cleverly added two piano keys borders to add a bit of extra width. 
Ruth has been fascinated by Manx quilting. On the Isle of man they traditionally made log cabin blocks, but using folded strips. She decided to make a piece for exhibition, called Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. On the left is a piece of traditionally made Manx quilting, in the centre a contemporary piece, and on the right, a piece of art quilting. They are cleverly linked together with the three-legged symbol of the island. Good luck, Ruth - we think it's a winner!
Ruth has been extra busy recently and completed this quilt for a challenge. The challenge fabric has butterflies on it, hence the wings!
Here are two scrap qilts made from left overs in the same colour. A great way to reduce your scrap box!
This quilt is mine, and was made using the star blocks which I won in a raffle. I was so pleased with them that I designed the Irish Chain block to eke them out and make a double bed quilt. It's on its way to my sister-in-law for her birthday. Hope she likes it. 
Liz's husband keeps Koi carp, and so she has made this gorgeous quilt for him. The centre is a panel, and she has added borders to make it the right size. The flowers on the black are actually beautifully executed broderie perse. 
And finally, a chirpy chicken to wish everyone Happy Easter!
Here is Brenda with several quilts she brought to show us. These are utilitarian quilts, made often from 
This one is one which was brought along on the night for Brenda to take.
Here is another one with a very patriotic colourway!
Once she had inspired us, everyone got to work. Here are some members chosing fabrics from the selection Brenda had brought.
Some people had brought sewing machines, while others cut, ironed, advised or supervised! 
Every little helped, and Brenda was pleased to take home several completed strips ready to be made up by her group of volunteers.
Some people spent time perusing the goods on the sales table - which grew from one table to three as more and more items arrived. Most of us were tempted to buy a goodie or two, and some of the sellers must have a lot of room in their cupboards now!
Here is the first completed item from the Anja Townrow workshop we held last month. What a fabulous choice of colours.
This is another, different, piece from the workshop - the lime green definitely adds a certain something!
Ruth had taken some novelty fabric with boats on it out of the Linus box, and had managed to make two appealing quilts out of it. This one has appliqued boats and quilted waves.
Di had also been inspired by the novelty fabric, and had made two prem quilts, this one with nursery rhyme figures on it.
Last month we challenged the group to make blocks for our group quilt, which will be domnated to the Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance. The blocks were to be 12" stars of any design, in autumnal colours. Here are the first few blocks. I can't wait to see them all! 
Could you try to bring a used man's shirt or sheet or duvet cover or fabric from your stash in masculine colours? Plains, stripes or checked look good.If you can bring along your machine, cutting board, large scissors or rotary cutter as there will be jobs for all. If you have time beforehand ready cut 6 inch squares will mean we can start to sew straight away.