After a misty, murky journey, my friend and I arrived at the show after opening time – no standing in the cold and wet waiting for the doors to open.  

To begin, we walked around the traders generally looking. My only “proper” shopping list was to purchase the fabrics for my challenge. I did already have in mind the fabrics I wanted and the colours were the ones I had been given, in a sealed envelope, at the January meeting. Fabrics purchased - enough said.

Many of the traders from previous years were in attendance, oh I do so like the way Sew Enchanted display their area with quilts, patterns, fabrics, books – it is all too tempting and this year I made a purchase. One of their quilt kits, well a wall hanging size, but everything included and I don’t have to overspend on trying to find numerous fabrics that all work together.

We did notice that a number of traders from previous years seem to have given up coming and I can’t really say that there was anyone new in attendance.  

After we had both made some more purchases and had a chat with Liz (Shirley Quilters’ area co-ordinator) for Project Linus, we went upstairs to look at the display of quilts. Straight away we bumped into two members of Shirley Quilters, one of whom was also about to go and look for fabrics to match her challenge colours, she had been inspired by something she had seen on display. It is going to be a very interesting mini exhibition in November both for colours and designs.

After a nice sit down over tea and cake we went for a final look and shop downstairs before making our way home. By the time we left just before 3 p.m., it was fairly quiet and most of the cars had left the car park. 

The show is still on for Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th and I hope there are lots of visitors in attendance to look at the lovely quilts and to buy fabric to add to their stash. I recently read that buying fabric and actually using it are two different hobbies – how true!