I had a vague shopping list in mind, which I'm glad I did because otherwise I think that the whole thing would have been overwhelming. That, the fact that I forgot to take more cash with me and many of the card terminals weren't working because of a lousy signal, and the fact that I refused to pay almost £2 for the privilege of taking money out of the cash machines that were dotted around saved me from spending A LOT more money than I did.
There were so many amazing, beautiful and inspiring things on show, but of course I also forgot to charge my phone so only came away with a handful of photos! Please forgive the quality of the photos - I took them all in a hurry so that my battery would last and some of them are a bit out of focus, but here are some of my favourites:
One of the first things I came across was a display of quilts. I'm not a quilter but some of the creations were amazing, like this elephant quilt (I didn't see a maker's name). I just love the colours in this.
Also this mini quilt "The Rose of Versailles" bu Kumiko Frydl. From a distance it looks like pink fabric...
...but get close up and you can see that it's all been stitched!
I love this embroidered clock that I saw at the Embroiderers' Guild stand. My picture doesn't do it justice at all (not least because it isn't quite in focus!), but it really was breathtaking. I also saw some fabulous examples of floral stumpwork, but alas no pictures :-(
One of the stands that I couldn't buy from because of a lack of cash and no card facilities was Aarti J which was filled with some of the most gorgeous trims that I have ever seen. (Probably a good thing that I couldn't spend there.)
It was a great day out, but by the end of the day even I was starting to lose the will to look at more fabric! I came away with a pretty good stash - several fat quarters and half metres of fabric including a good selection of Christmas fabric, fabric wax crayons, dissolvable fabric, quite a few magazine back-issues including Stitch, some linen thread yarn, buttons and brooch backs:
Did any of you get to the show? What goodies did you pick up?
You got a nice selection there. I'm going to the show at Harrogate at the end of November - same show, most of the same vendors but some different. I'm not sure if the exhibitions will be the same but I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteKumiko Frydl's work is always fascinating; she has won the Miniature contest at Festival of Quilts several years in a row, and once even the Best of Show!
ReplyDeleteThe Arti J trader's stand is at FOQ, too, and a place to stop and drool over all the lovely ribbons and trimmings.
I am glad you had a good time.
Lilian the Ali Pali show was my favoiurite show when I worked at the shows, do not get to it now but will be going to Harrogate, at least twice and maybe for 3 days, will no doubt spend too much money. Wonder if you have the stitch magazine there with my bsicornu hardanger cushion in. See Wendy is going to Harrogate too, wonder if I can track her down
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