We enjoyed a good look around the stalls downstairs, the majority of these have been attending the show for years. There are certainly a lot fewer traders this year than when I first went, which would have been about fourteen years ago and a lot less bargains to be had in fabrics. Apparently the outlay for the traders has risen and for many it is just not cost effective, sad for the quilters as it is always nice to see "shops" that we would not otherwise get the chance to purchase from and although we now have the internet, it is lovely to "look, touch and stroke" - quilters will know what I mean.  

One of my favourite stalls is BatiksnBeads, selling exactly that. The colours of the batiks, hand dyed felt and threads are beautiful and this is the stall where my first purchase was made. Tucked away in the corner - but bursting with people we found Sew Enchanted who are based in Devon so a bit far for a day trip. The layout, the fabrics, the designs - everything about this stand says "come and buy" and so I did!!

Upstairs, now to take a look at the quilts on display, of which there were many. Not all to my taste - but I have to admire the work involved and the standard people work too.

This was not a totally me/us day. No, we made some purchases for Shirley Quilters including a couple of new books for the Library, one of which has some very interesting and innovative designs for log cabin, which we thought would assist members in the main challenge for 2017.

Having earned another sit down we rested our weary legs over tea and cake, where we could check that we had made the purchases we needed, another quick visit to Fabrics Galore on behalf of Shirley Quilters and then hit the road home. A very enjoyable and staisfying day out.