Life | Birmingham Festival of Quilts 2013

Something exciting is happening in Birmingham this weekend! Do you know what it is? Are you going?

From the 8th-11th August Birmingham is playing host to its annual "Festival of Quilts!"...And I so wish I could be there.

On display is the "International block swap quilts." Waaaay back in 2012, the online magazine Quilt around the World started a global quilt block swap. They invited quilters from around the world to take part in this one of a kind project. They had until March 2012 to quilt 12 identical quilt blocks according to their individual taste and skill level. There were no restrictions regarding technique, colour or design. There were several specifications- all blocks had to measure 12" or 30cm, have an off-white background and must also include the colour red. Initially the organisers expected maybe 40-50 participants, however, what they received was 168 block packages from 16 different countires! A pretty nice feel-good project hey? These blocks were then put together in quilts and some of these are now on show for the first time on the first stop of their European tour.

Another exhibition which I would love to see is "Treasures of the Quilter's Guild-" a collection of quilts from the 19th century made by The Quilters' Guild of the British Isles.The Quilter's Guild had over 800 quilts stored at the Quilter's Museum in York and some of these treasured quilts will be on display. The selection of quilts choosen this year "represents a range of patchwork styles and fabrics which were made in the 19th century, including a beautiful strip cotton patchwork featuring Hearts and Crosses." Gorgeous. I love the little heart borders.

 

And THIS, I would just drooool over! "Shots and Stripes Quilts" exhibition by Kaffe Fassett.

 He's presenting a selection of quilts from his latest book, "Shots and Stripes." This time around he's used solid colours of fabric called "shot cotton" andwoven stripe cotton fabric. Stunning effect!

As you would expect the Festival of Quilts is brimming full of workshops, quilting competitions (over 700 quilts have been entered and are on display!), loads of exhibitions from renowned international artists and lots and lots of the latest patchwork and quilting supplies.

*sigh*

....one day....

Are you going? Please tell me how it was.

Comments

[Kim Suleman]

Hi Bronwyn, I will be there with lots of YOUR patterns and a couple of your books. Last year we had the privilege of displaying some of your quilts as well. Calling all of Bronwyns followers call by and say hello on The Fat Quarters stand G26.
Ki

[Susan]

it would be lovely wouldn't it? - I think you would need a few days to see it all!

[Esthre]

We (me and my friend Jo) are going and we can't wait! We will also be going to a lecture with Kaffe Fasset and really looking forward to seeing some of his quilts on display. I'll try and post some pictures and an update every day (we will be there Friday thru sunday).. so please feel free to check out my blog!

[martine b.]

I'm going there too this week-end, for the third year, and we are never disappointed.
You will see some photos on my blog http://quiltinusa.blogspot.com

[Lavender Dreams]

What a wonderful event! I wanted to stop by and tell you that I made a mouse using your pattern and posted pics of it today! I hope you get a chance to stop by soon. Thank you so much!
http://lavenderdreamstoo.blogspot.com/

[Pam bailey]

I went Bronwyn and it was really great you will have to come one year soon........

[Bronwyn Hayes]

Pam!! You Lucky thing!!
I'd love to go.
Just a tad expensive from here. But am working on it.
Did you say "Hi" to Kim at the Fat Quarters Shop stand?
Stand G26.
Cheers-
Bronwyn ...

[Fungsi]

I went Bronwyn and it was really great you will have to come one year soon.........

[Pengertian]

I'm going there too this week-end, for the third year, and we are never disappointed.,....