I was super proud and excited to take my little shop to the inaugural Quilt NSW Exhibition at Rosehill Racecourse. This wonderful three-day event included the always inspiring Sydney Quilt Show, and it did not disappoint. The show comprised of a wide selection of quilts from traditional, applique, modern, and of course English Paper pieced quilts (always my favourite to see).
This year the Quilt NSW Guild decided to hold their own show and exhibition, bringing on board Craft Alive event organisers to help with the coordination of the show and run the vendor section. As always the Craft Alive team went above and beyond which resulted in a fantastic show with over 20 patchwork businesses setting up to sell.
I was there as soon as we could access the venue Thursday morning to set up my stall, a task that takes me all day. Unfortunately, that night I came down with a highly inconvenient bout of gastro! I could not believe my bad luck. I will not subject you to the details but let us just say I spent a lot of time in the bathroom that night and got little sleep. I had to be at the venue by 9:30am for Friday, day one of the show. All I wanted to do was curl up in a ball in my bed and sleep!
Thankfully, my Mum was helping me on my stall for the three days of the show. I honestly would not have gotten through Friday without her. The first day also turned out to be the busiest day. We could not believe the number of quilters that streamed through the doors. Everyone was so excited to be attending a Quilting & Patchwork exclusive event.
I survived through most of the day, but by around 3pm I was getting very weary, and I am ashamed to say I had to lie down on the floor under my display tables for a rest. I was utterly drained! As soon as I got home that day, I said a quick hello to my family and then went straight to bed.
Saturday morning, I awoke feeling so much better and with a lot more energy, thank God! I felt so much more present for the rest of the weekend, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone who came to my stall. It always reignites the passion for EPP in me when I get to talk with others who love slow stitching as much as I do.
I was able to put up a small display wall of all my mini EPP pieces and samples, my own little Mini Exhibition of sorts. I had many people admiring them, and naturally I received a few comments along the lines of ‘are you insane’ and ‘too tiny for me’! It was a wonderful source of encouragement for me to keep doing what I am doing, and to follow my own slow stitching path.
I am so thankful to the Quilt NSW Guild for having me, for the support and encouragement that Sally, Brett, and the Craft Alive team have shown me, and for all of the wonderful customers that supported my business. Having my little shop really is a dream come true for me and it is the Quilt Community that make it possible.
And of course, I could not have done it with out the unwavering and unconditional support of my beautiful Mother. I would not be stitching today if it had not been for her. Thank you, Mum, from the bottom of my heart for everything xxx
You can view the Quilt Show Gallery Here!
I am excited to let you know that the Quilt NSW Exhibition has been booked for next year and will take place at Rosehill Racecourse September 15 to 17. See you there next year!
Happy Stitching,
Miss Leela
