Last week I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Quilt NSW exhibition as an exhibitor with my shop.
This event is always a highlight in my calendar as every year it just seems to get better and better. There were over 300 quilts in this years show as well as a special showing of quilts by the Japan Contemporary Quilters Association.
There is always a lot of preparation before doing a show. This was probably the first time I wasn’t working until 11pm every night, cutting papers and fabric, getting stock and kits ready! It was a nice feeling to be a little more relaxed going into it. I still had a bit of prep work to do, but I was able to better manage my time this time around.
I love getting to set up my little shop, displaying all of my carefully curated fabrics, threads and items and displaying my quilts and projects.
Shows offer me a rare chance to connect face-to-face with my customers and followers instead of through a screen. I had so many wonderful conversations with many kindred spirits. It’s a beautiful thing to see regular customers and catch up with them and what they have been stitching. I even had the chance to meet a regular customer of mine who had come up from Victoria, so nice to put a face to the name.
I also get to meet lots of new people who haven’t seen what I do or are unfamiliar with EPP and Slow Stitching and its wonderful to share my knowledge, enthusiasm and joy for these crafts. I love seeing them leave with a pattern, or their first packet of hexagons, excited to give EPP a go.
Another fun part of the show for me is catching up with all my quilt biz friends. I feel blessed to be a part of an industry that is largely very giving of their time, advice and support. I am a firm believer in community over competition and so it’s lovely to meet and know people in the industry who are of the same feeling.
This year I did the show completely on my own and so I’m very grateful for the patience of everyone that visited my stand as it was really busy! Thursday was go go go all day long, I didn’t even get to stitch like I normally do! Friday and Saturday were still busy but not as manic so I did get to sit and stitch on some projects in-between chatting to and serving customers.
Stitching at a show gives me a chance to demonstrate certain techniques I use with my visitors, but I also do it as I feel incredibly awkward just standing there watching people! It’s the introvert in me, plus my dislike of having idle hands!
There were so many incredible quilts on display at the show and I took a lot of photos! There are too many to share here in this blog post so I have put a video together on my YouTube channel which you can find below.
I did want to share my most favourite quilt with you which was this one called Doileys…Deconstructed by Maria-Jose Lopez. Here is what Maria said about her quilt:
“Discarded doileys – made with love yet rejected as heirlooms. Women were resilient during wars and social upheaval. Embroidery provided a welcome respite from domestic responsibilities. This eight year project celebrates their spirit and creativity.”
I love what Maria says about women being resilient and turning to their crafts during wars and socila upheaval and I think that is still very true of where we find ourselves today.
There is so much discord and turmoil in the world, as well as constant overwhelm in our home lives. Just like in the past, turning to our stitching is a way for us to block out the noise, to find some peace and to create some joy. I think the work of what is deemed traditionally ‘women’s crafts’ is so important and it’s up to us to continue the traditions of stitch.
I love your quilt, Maria — not only what it represents, but also the way I could stand there all day discovering its many hidden wonders and honoring the work of all those unseen hands.
My Mum visited the show with my daughter Matilda on the last day. Ordinarily I try to bring Matilda with me one of the days at the show as she loves to help Mummy in her shop and she enjoys the quilts and being surrounded by so many crafty things. It wasn’t possible this time though, so it was really lovely that Mum and Tilly got to come down and see the show together. Three generations of stitchers together for always ❤️❤️❤️
I hope you have enjoyed a little look at this years Quilt NSW Show and my stall. I am already excited to attend next year. My next and last show for this year is Craft Alive Orange, 6-8th November.
Until next time, Happy Stitching!
Miss Leela x
