FESTIVAL OF QUILTS, BIRMINGHAM 2011

[Lorchen]

Well, Pippa, this is the first time since that "Wee Hick-Up" that I have risked handing over one of my quilts. I took it to York with less than 2 hours to spare till the deadline (and I wasn't the last). This piece nearly didn't make it either, but for different reasons. Life just kept interfering with my plans lately. So I'm expecting the judges to comment: "Could do with more quilting". I simply ran out of time.

Pippa, I'll try and cruise by the BQSG table on Saturday or Sunday.

Teresita, I bet you have had a lovely time with Alicia.

Anybody doing any workshops? I have opted for a couple of German ladies (Regine Grewe and Pia Welsch) because I normally don't get to see them (the curse of being stuck with school holidays for any travelling).

[Lorchen]

Lorchen, I'm doing the Free Motion Quilting with Pia Welsch. See you belly dancing!!

[Lorchen]

Oh noooooooo........ And I thought I could keep that effort secret. Giggle....... If I don't see you before, I'll definitely see you there.

Lorchen

[Margo]

WHAT???? :shock:

ok..we need pictures now!!! :lol:

[Lorchen]

Mmmmhhhh...... I don't know if I can do that, Margo. The workshop is on Friday. I'll take my camera, but my laptop hasn't got the right software on it, so I can only download any pictures when I'm back home sometime next Monday. Pia Welsch has promised to cure me of my FMQ-Phobia....... That won't be an easy job.

[Margo]

Watching the news tonight, seeing videos of horrible violence in Birmingham. Y'all, please be careful and stay safe.

[Lorchen]

Margo, and everybody else: Yes there has been rioting over the last few days in several big cities in the UK. But the National Exhibition Centre where The Festival of Quilts takes place is outside of Birmingham, on a large site that's easy to keep secure. There have been no problems here.

The belly dancing took place tonight and I bet I'm going to be relly stiff in the morning. A sequence of movements that are part of belly dancing are the perfect preparation for a session of Free Motion Quilting because it makes both sides of your brain work together (according to the teacher). No photos (sorry), but imagine it: A very fit, slim and bendable Terasita looking like poetry in motion, and....... me. But I am now no longer a FMQ virgin. We were told to practice a minimum of 15 minutes every day from now on (after 10 minutes of belly dancing), in order to really get used to it.

I better get some sleep now. Two more busy days.......

[Margo]

Thanks for letting us know you are safe from the ugliness going on.

It sounds like your classes are lots of fun and productive too!! Have a great time!

[Margo]

Yes, it's been fun and an incredibly original approach to quilting! And Lorchen, thank you for the idealised image you generously portrayed of me, but I'm telling the rest, especially those I have to meet on Sunday at the Quilter's Guild stand, not to take it seriously or else you won't be able to recognize me when you see me standing there!

[Lorchen]

Shaking head........ My parents brought me up to always tell the truth, Teresita!

A couple of interesting facts about FoQ: What started some years ago as a predominantly British show has attracted more and more exhibitors, quilts, and visitors from all over the world, especially Europe and is truly international these days (I even spotted Luana Rubin yesterday).

The show this year has lost some of the well-known British quilters who entered quilts every year. The organisers of the show changed the rules. There are size restrictions and I know that some people felt that this stops them from doing what they really want. Personally I think this is a shame. It leaves a gap between miniatures and fairly large pieces.

The organisers also now keep the winning quilts for several months in order to display them at other events. This means that these pieces would not be available for Houston and other big shows. So some of the professional textile artists have had a tough decision to make.

Teresita and I had the pleasure to work on the new Bernina 550 in our workshop yesterday. Very, very nice and smooth machine.

Anyway...... it's a great show with an amazing variety. So you'll have to excuse me. I have to get dressed and get over there to get my senses stimulated a bit more and do a little more shopping.

[Lorchen]

following all the lovely e-mails I will be there...dragging mother and aunt behind me if necessary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also will have camera in hot hand!!

[Lorchen]

TQS members at the Festival of Quilts, Birmingham, UK

[Lorchen]

Lorchan, it is probably safer to suggest it from here, but how about that little purple number in the wearable art section as your 'Mother of the Groom' outfit?

8) :lol: :lol:

[RGold]

Thank you, Rosemary! I've been looking forward to seeing this photo!! You all look like you've had a wonderful time!!

[pam7040]

I had a great time. This is the first TQS meet and greet we have had at FOQ. Is was lovely to finally meet friends who I have emailed, talked to on the phone and Facebooked with. We all recongised each other straight away and chatted like old friends.

For anyone interested

back row left to right Pam7040, Lorna1021, saucrewe (Diane) Lorchen (sorry I left you off first time, Lorchen)
Front row left to right PosyP (Rosemary) Yjenn (Yvonne) and Teresita