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ARTICLES FROM NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2006 WESTON SUPER QUILT 2006 This is probably going to seem a very biased piece on the WSQ 2006 show, but as it has occupied almost my total spare thinking time for the last two years, that is really only to be expected. Of course as you all know, being ‘out of action’ for a considerable while was very frustrating, but our wonderful committee kept me fully informed as soon as they were aware that I was able to ‘take-in’ what was being said. They, and lots of our members, are due a huge ‘pat on the back’ for their hard work on this show, the accolades about which from outside sources and professional quilters what’s more, should make us all proud to have been involved. The exhibits at the show were of a very high standard and seemed to be equally distributed throughout all eight categories. Some categories obviously had more appeal than others to quilters of different types, but that, in my view, was what made it all so interesting. People who in the past had only ever done ‘traditional’ work, started to make wall-hangings and pictorial pieces, taking their skills to a different and unknown level. Imaginative pieces were shown in all categories; workshop skills were utilised and groups of friends met to exchange ideas, to jointly motivate and for general support …. And of course to drink tea and eat cake and biscuits! We have had our official assessment of the show and it does not need adding to. The next show in 2008 will be better, - the improved version – that is the way of things. Putting on the show was extremely hard work for everyone involved but friendships and companionships were established throughout the two years from planning to execution, and they will be lasting. PENNY ORCHARD
RONI MORGAN’S SHOW Savouring one of the last warm Summer Saturday afternoons and after a most pleasant drive through the countryside, we arrived on a busy afternoon in Burnham On Sea. With locals milling around with the last of the holidaymakers, the pavements were full but the mood buoyant. With smiling faces we made our way to Material Needs on the High Street. An Aladdin’s cave full of craft, we were greeted over the top of the clientele with a knowing nod and pointed towards the back of the shop. Following the signs we made our way up the stairs to find Veronica Morgan and her collection of quilts. As ever, we were greeted enthusiastically by Roni and Bill. Each of Roni’s quilts were beautifully hung across the walls. Jenny and I took our time looking closely at each, taking in their colours, construction techniques, use of dyes, etc. I tried explaining everything to my daughter as we went, but so thankful Roni was there to take up where I could no longer continue. Roni then entertained us with the stories that went with each of the quilts. Apart from her beautiful creations, we also leafed through the marvellous display of notebooks that were laid out on the table alongside. These in themselves were pieces of art and it was lovely to see where the beginnings of some of the quilts had started. We hope to be lucky enough to have Roni as one of our guest speakers in 2007, and for those who missed her show, perhaps you too can be awed by her creativity. VICKI AND JENNY MCHUGH
ANOTHER JOLLY "The intention was to take a new member of WQ, who is also new to the UK , across the Mendips to see the Autumn Colour and then, and why not, on to Chilcompton to Midsomer Quilting. Of course, being such a friendly bunch we seemed to expand on numbers and eventually set off on the most dreadfully wet morning with six of us. Now the trouble was no one could actually remember how to get there. Some said keep turning left then, no right. Others felt straight ahead would be best. Any road we got there and were feeling triumphant. We just wished the rain would stop, but we made a dash for the shop, well some did, others struggled keeping their sticks out of the puddles. A warm welcome greeted us with an even more welcome cup of coffee. I do believe everyone had a great time, drinking in all the colours of the fabrics, browsing the books and another cup of coffee. We had spent such a long time in the shop Chris Howell actually booked us a table for lunch at a local hostelry. I am not sure whether that was to move us on or hoping that we would come back. I prefer to think the latter. Following a super lunch and our parcels stashed away in the back we made our way home. Another successful day in good company with like minded friends. Feeling inspired, just fed up or a long week ahead; get a friend or two together and go off for a coffee - especially if there is a quilting fabric shop, exhibition or Christmas Decorations with quilts nearby. I certainly thank Pat Nicholls for the day she asked me to come along to WQ meeting. I have never had so many happy days and new friends." RONI TAPLIN
A TOOTH FAIRY TALE All of you who are Grandmas will have, like me, had the grandchildren to stay several times over the summer holidays. Over the August Bank Holiday I entertained Holly (nearly 9) and Hannah, who was 7 on 30th August. Holly was excited that we were going to finish our little group quilt ready for the show and Hannah was exited that it was almost her birthday party. Then it happened! Hannah lost her front tooth. Later in the day the girls were both writing. Hannah wrote a note telling the Tooth Fairy she would be hiding her tooth in a very secret place and hoped she could find it. I cleverly insisted I help Hannah hide her tooth, so at least I knew where to find it. Holly, her older sister said, “I suppose you will answer the letter Grandma; whatever happens at your house, the writing always looks like yours.” Another Challenge! Hannah was in bed asleep, tooth and note in place. I had to wait for Holly to got bed before I could start writing. I was going to be the best tooth fairy ever. I grabbed a really pretty, fine-nib pen in a lilac colour – and wrote a really lovely letter from the tooth fairy, answering all Hannah’s questions; did the Tooth Fairy live with the Easter Bunny, etc., and wrote in a really small print, so they wouldn’t think it was my writing. I ended with, “I am wearing my pink glitter outfit, and I am sitting on your bed writing this. I hope I don’t leave glitter all over your bed.” Then Eric and I rubbed glitter glue all over the letter. Yes, I thought. This is great. Hannah will be over the moon in the morning. So I found the tooth, swapped the notes, left the money, and, well pleased with myself, went off to bed. Next morning Hannah came into us. “Did the Tooth Fairy come?” I asked. “Yes, Grandma.” she said. “My tooth’s gone and I have the money.” “Oh, great,” I said. “Anything else?”. “Yes Grandma, there is a note but I cant read it.” “Why”. I asked. “Show me.” The printing I had spent so much time doing had almost faded away. I had used on of my fabric pens that disappears over a period of time. I can’t describe how I felt. So be warned all you Grandmothers out there. If you ever have to be a tooth fairy, be careful what you write with!! I have since received a note from THE TOOTH FAIRY, putting my mistake down to a senile moment. I take my punishment. DENISE ABRAM A Really Sad Grandma
BOVEY TRACEY – SUMMER 2006 On a beautiful summers day earlier this year, a friend and I went to Bovey Tracey in Devon to see the Patchwork and Quilting shop we had heard so much about – ‘Serendipity’. At the time of our visit there was an exhibition by Jan Hassard and it was a real treat to be able to see lots of her work really close up. We were there early, so there was no-one else in the shop when we arrived and we had the exhibits to ourselves. The show consisted of large and small quilts, bags, cushions and many other pieces of work all bearing Jan’s inimitable style. Bold, bright colours, simple designs put together to make complicated patterns, with quilting to enhance the work to perfection. We loved the shop too. It is pleasing and well set out with new things around corners, so surprises were in store for us. Lots of fabrics in bolts, fat quarters and countless types of thread, both natural and man-made fibres in plain and multicoloured reels, all displayed to ease your purse and fire your imagination. Once we had had our fill of ‘Serendipity’, not easy I can assure you, we had lunch just along the road from the shop and after lunch we continued on foot to the Design Guild Craft Centre, which may have been an old mill in the past, but is now an amazing, light and airy space, filled with modern objects for sale, including glass, ceramics, bags, belts, pictures, jewellery and furniture. This palce alone could have filled a complete day for me, as there was so much to see and admire. On the whole it was a very exciting day out for us all and Bovey Tracey has much to recommend it. PENNY ORCHARD |
