A California Quilter Crosses the Pond: Part 1 — A Sampling of Quilts from Autumn Quilt Festiva

Feeling a bit jet-lagged at the moment, but it’s all good. I’ve just returned from an incredible ten-day visit with my friend (and co-author), Chris Porter, and her husband Neil in Bristol, England. My last visit was in 2010, and Chris and I were in the mad scramble to meet the deadline for our book, A Year in the Life of Sunbonnet Sue. Between the cold January weather and the business in the sewing room, there was little time to play. Not this time!

Breakfast in Bristol–that’s “oatmeal” to us Yanks

As luck would have it, the tail end of this year’s visit coincided with the opening of the 2013 Autumn Quilt Festival in Malvern. Although there is no competition at this event (as there is at Quilts UK, held at the same site each May), the show overflows with special quilt exhibits to enjoy–and vendors, of course!

In today’s post, I’ll share a peek at some of the wonderful quilts. In Friday’s post, I’ll offer a raft of patchwork, applique, and quilting inspiration gleaned from day trips to London, Sudeley Castle, and Wells Cathedral–along with a quilt or two, naturally. There will also be a giveaway, so be sure to check back.

Sudeley Castle . . . just to whet your appetite for Friday’s post

So now, on with the show!

Advent 2000 by Marlene Chaffey, Exeter

Jacobean Rhapsodies by Margaret Ede, Cornwall

Hearts Aflutter by Marlene Chaffey, Exeter; a sweet interpretation of the traditional Shoofly pattern

Pietre Dure by Sue Davies, Buckinghamshire

Pietre Dure, detail

Jean Bartlett of Devon made great use of a whimsical cow print in her quilt, Till the Cows Come Home. Looks like this one took a ribbon in a previous competition. Note the “moo” quilting in the border!

Till the Cows Come Home, detail

Ferret is the unusual “alias” of an award-winning longarm quilter and textile artist from Middlesex. Her special exhibit was full of surprises, as demonstrated in this amazing wholecloth quilt. Wish the photo were better, but wait until you see the detail!

Winter Star by Ferret, Middlesex

Winter Star, detail; Ferret says: “The ‘patches’ are all hand-guided–no marking, no computer.” Wow!

Here’s another of Ferret’s pieces.

Skadi by Ferret, Middlesex