Sunday 22 June 2014

Gresford 34th Festival of Textile Crafts

This week, I part made two of these simple bags. So easy to do as they are merely strips sewn together into a straight panel then folded to create this bag. I will post instructions as soon as I have finished the handles.
I saw one displayed at the patchwork and quilting show I attended in Germany, in May, but there were no instructions so I did my usual and improvised to make this similar one below. 
It's shown here showing the fold and before the panel is stitched together or the handles attached. 
I finished my windmill bag and I love using it. I added huge eyelets and knotted the handles through them but I discretely added a few safety stitches to secure the knots.
I had a super day on Thursday at 
the Festival of Textile Crafts 
in Gresford Village, North Wales.
I bought a stash of super fabric, on sale in the Memorial Hall at bargain prices.....
We enjoyed delicious fish and chips in the sunshine....
Later we managed tea and home made cakes (don't count those the calories) in the old school house...
Such an amazing amount of beautiful crafts to view. 
Patchwork and quilting, embroidery, beadwork, weaving, knitting and crochet amongst other skills. 
This, following, is merely a small cross section but still lots of pics from me!
 Exquisite beading...
 The main displays were in the wonderful old church and the stained glass windows provided a perfect back cloth to all the quilts.


 Close up of the beaded lantern hanging in the previous picture.

 These tiny beaded boxes were only a couple of inches in diameter.

 The hundreds of hexagons for this huge Granny's Garden quilt were made as a group project to raise funds for charity.
 Dozens of quilts of different styles...
 Here's just a part of the "Big Knit" display of over 1,000 tiny knitted hats which will raise funds for Age Concern when they are sold in supermarkets on top of Innocent Smoothie bottles.  



We sat beside the duck pond for a while before we took the bus and train home and we had to hold up the traffic to allow this brood to cross safely.
 A super crafty day was really enjoyed by my quilting group. 
This was my first visit but the other members have attended for several years and say that it is amazing how much excellent work is produced each year.
Last year the exhibition raised a staggering £6244.60 and most of it was donated to several charities.
If you are close enough to get there, be sure to attend next year when it will be held from Tues 16th to Fri 19th June 2015


11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful bags, love your windmill bag. Is it difficult to make?
Oh how I envy you visiting the fabulous Festival of textiles. Such exquisite work and beautiful samples. Love your fabric stash too!
How sweet the family of ducks held up the traffic :)

Helen said...

What fabulous quilts, wish I was close enough to go...
The fabrics you bought are also wonderful - I especially love the one on the left, with the black background to it. Can't wait to see the end results of your talents!!

Neet said...

What a fabulous display of quilts and other crafts. I just love those hats - so cute. Scrolled back and forth to try to find a favourite but can't - they are all so beautiful - thanks for sharing.
Love the fabrics you got, especially the one on the left - fantas-i-dobi.
Hugs Neet xx

tilly said...

what a splendid display of talent....it looks like a fantastic day out,, and your bag and bargin fabric are super
Tilly

mamapez5 said...

What a wonderful display of work. I am filled with admiration for the patient bead workers, but its the colours of all the wools and fabrics that really shout out to me.
I love the duck patrol too!
Kate xx

Annie said...

Gorgeous pics of all those amazing quilts Jo. Looks like you had a special day out :-)
Hugs,
Annie x

cockney blonde said...

Love your bags and thanks for sharing those fabulous photos. What an amazing array of art, x

Carol Q said...

what a fabulous show Jo, my jaw would have been on the ground. I've done some beading and know how fiddly it can be. your windmill bag looks gorgeous and great idea with the eyelets. I LOVE mine. it's such a useful weekend bag. You can chuck so much in it.

Kyla said...

Some lovely quilts and beadwork and I love your bag, you make it look so easy!!

Kyla

Twiglet said...

What a fab day out Jo. Guess Gresford is not too far from us. maybe we will go next time. x Jo

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Seems like a little bit of heaven at this fun celebration. Wow the items are awesome. I've loved all the photos I've seen of Wales, hoping someday I can visit. Thanks for sharing all the photos..