35FEATURE // the quilters' guildThe Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles
St Anthony’s Hall, Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PW
[email protected]
Offi ce hours Mon to Friday 9.30 – 4.30
http://www.quiltersguild.org.uk
The Festival of Quilts will be held on 1 - 4 August at
the NEC, Birmingham. For more information visit
http://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk
The Knitting and Stitching Show will be held on
10 – 13 October at Alexandra Palace, London. For more
information visit http://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.comthe ‘Bloomfi eld Coverlet’ (1850) and bearing the names Edwin
and Mary Bloomfi eld, the groups have been invited to create
a quilt inspired by any aspect of the Coverlet’s design or
history. The quilt has a rich history and includes embroidered
religious texts and references to the tragic loss of a child.
A gallery of entries, curated by teacher and author Lynne
Edwards MBE, will be displayed at the Festival alongside an
exhibit celebrating the Guild’s forty years of collecting, themed
around the 80s, 90s, 00s and 10s.
Finally, a block of the month project, inspired by the
‘Red Manor House Coverlet’ (1840-1860) housed in the
collection will be launched at the Festival of Quilts. Starting
in September, participants will be invited to make their
own quilt, creating twelve blocks and covering a wide range
of techniques such as appliqué, foundation piecing and
traditional piecing, off ering a fresh approach on the original
coverlet. For book lovers, ‘Forty – the Evolution of a Collection’
has been written and is available from the Quilters’ Guild
shop. This explores the four decades of the collection,
looking in detail at many of the items, the motivation behind
their acquisition and how the Guild’s idea of what should
be collected to represent quilting to future generations has
evolved over forty years. Readers will learn about the Guild’s
development, its former members and how it has evolved
into the organisation that exists today. A selection of exclusive
anniversary gifts, carefully selected by brand manager,
Catherine Candlin, who has handpicked specifi c quilts to be
featured, will also be unveiled at the Festival of Quilts.
It seems that forty years after its original inception, the
Quilters’ Guild continues to grow from strength to strength
and shows no signs of stopping! Four decades have seen many
changes but the aims and objectives remain the same and
the continually evolving collection of Heritage Quilts ensures
that the skills and traditions of yesteryear are preserved and
documented for future generations. During its celebrations, the
Guild is encouraging us to learn from our ancestors but also
to promote the future by participating in the birthday projects.
Through these activities we are creating our own history
but also ensuring that the traditional arts of patchwork and
quilting continue into the future. Chief Executive Chris Gatman
says, ‘Our members should be so proud of how The Quilters’
Guild has grown from a small beginning to a wonderful
community of quilters from around the world. Together we
share, learn, create and enjoy our beautiful craft in all its
forms. We will continue to work together to help preserve and
develop all aspects of quilting for future generations.’Here’s to the next 40 years!‘Bloomfield Coverlet’. 1850 Details, ‘Bloomfield Coverlet' Cover, ‘Forty – the Evolution of a
Collection’
’Blocks from the block of the month inspired by the ‘Red Manor
House Coverlet’