There is something so enjoyable and inspiring about visiting local Quilt Guild Exhibitions. It is such a wonderful opportunity to come together to celebrate this incredible craft that brings us all so much joy. After a two year hiatus, the Camden Country Quilters Guild held their 31st Annual Exhibition last weekend, 5th and 6th of August. I was thrilled to be able to take my shop down there and set up among the other fantastic stall holders.
It is always such a joy for me to set up my booth. I always aim to create my own little mini version of my dream shop, and I feel like I have now got my set up perfected, creating an aesthetic that matches my brand, and a space that is pretty and inviting. I had so many lovely comments on my stall over the weekend which was very humbling.
It was wonderful to catch up with other patchwork business owners, and the sense of camaraderie was fantastic. I am a big believer in community over competition, and that by building each other up, supporting and encouraging each other, we can all succeed, and our unique voices can reach across the country and globe. I had many business and design chats with my peers that as a relative newcomer, I am so grateful for.
Of course, I never come away empty handed when I visit a quilt show! I love to support my fellow patchwork businesses and so I picked up these beauties. I have a thing for collecting strawberry themed fabric at the moment, and fruit themed fabric in general…not sure why? I couldn’t resist the gorgeous Fabelism ginghams, and of course I got some pretty florals and Liberty too. Fabrics were purchased from The Stitchers Cupboard, Material Obsession and The Makers Republic.
I also had the opportunity to visit a local op shop prior to setting up on the Friday. I love to have a good rummage through op shops, I find it exciting and thrilling not knowing what treasures I will come across. This visit proved most successful! I picked up some vintage embroidered linens and doilies, some carlton ware plates, blue transfer ware, vintage fabric and royal albert mugs (there were four of these and I wish now I had gotten them all). I also loved the rose folk art key storage box, though I don’t know that I’ll store keys in it.
After I had finished setting up on Friday I had a little time to spare before the Members only opening night, so I took myself off to a local restaurant bar for a bite to eat and a sneaky cocktail! I felt it was well deserved.
I thoroughly enjoyed perusing the many quilts on display, and I loved the variety of designs, styles, aesthetic, and techniques that were on display. Below is a gallery of my favorite quilts from the show.
I must thank everyone who came and visited me at the show, for supporting my business and what I create. There was much admiration for my tiny EPP pieces I had on display, and it is this that motivates me to continue pursuing my passion for this craft. A big thank you to the Camden Country Quilters Guild, the ladies run a tight ship and are so friendly, inviting and helpful.
Lastly, a huge shout out to my Mum who helped me on my stall over the weekend. I would not be doing this craft if you hadn’t dragged me to quilt shows twenty years ago! Your help, guidance and encouragement is invaluable to me, and I greatly appreciate all of your help.
If you can get out to a local Quilt Guild show I highly recommend you do. It is a wonderful way to grow awareness of this craft, to celebrate it and each other. It made me so happy to have some people come to my stall who had never done patchwork quilting but wanted to come along and check it all out. Every single one of them left inspired and with a desire to get started on their own quilting journey.
I can’t wait until next year’s show!
Happy Stitching, Miss Leela x