Inspired by...The Festival of Quilts 2013

Last week I headed off to The Festival of Quilts at the NEC with a few work buddies. The whole event was really inspiring and it got me so excited about my fabric and crafty stash once more. The Festival of Quilts is 'the ultimate patchwork and quilting experience' and it didn't fail to impress. Three halls in the NEC were full to the brim of quilts, fabric and supplies to buy.

There were hundreds of quilts on display ranging from fine art quilts, contemporary quilts, traditional quilts, pictorial quilts and the impressive miniature quilts. I spent around 3 hours looking at the quilts while I was there. I was so impressed at the amount of work that had gone into every single one. I couldn't imagine how long these talented quilters had spent dreaming up their designs, cutting the fabric, piecing it together and then quilting and adding embroidery. Here are a few of my favourite details and parts of quilts that I saw. Unfortunately in my excitement I didn't make notes of all of the names of the quilts and who made them!

 

I loved the variety of quilting styles that were all brought together under one roof. I was so impressed at the level of detail that had gone into every quilt and how very different they all were. It made me want to find out more about the different styles and try them out for myself.

As part of the festival there were also hundreds of exhibitors and retailers selling equipment, fabrics and books. While I was at the festival I did indulge in a little shopping and I came away with two very helpful rulers from Creative Grids which I'm going to try out this weekend, and some gorgeous spotty and patterned teal fabric for a few projects I have planned.

Going to The Festival of Quilts 2013 has really inspired me to kick start a few projects I have been thinking about for some time. I've got many ideas of cushions and quilts I'd like to make and also a few embroidery pieces I want to try too. I plan to make a start on these projects over the next few months and will share with you how I'm getting on.

I hope that these examples of quilts inspire you to get some fabric and start making too!