On a rather damp and dreary January morning I set off to visit the Ardingly Quilt Show collecting my quilting friend on the way.

The Show does not change the way of entry in all the years I have been visiting and always the same stall is on the right hand side as you enter. I am sure they do more business from visitors leaving than going in as once inside you want to get into the main area.

Many of the stallholders are regulars and it is always nice to look at their stands and see what they have that is new, some have offers on for the show. Many names that we know have been and gone, still trading but not attending shows. It was therefore, nice to see some new names. Thimble Wood were selling patterns, many of which were available as kits, not traditional quilting. These varied from Christmas through to Easter and vases of flowers, they sell through Etsy. Another new stand was Made and Making – Learn it, make it, love it. The ladies here were promoting their business of sewing and craft workshops and are based in Hassocks, West Sussex.

Upstairs to have a look at the quilts and the small quilt categories. I wish I knew where some people found their inspiration from? I don’t think that there are as many quilts on show as in the past but some of them were absolutely stunning, particularly one which I would think was double bed size and made in red and cream, it really did catch you eye.

Trying to find a seat to have a rest and a drink is always difficult here as both areas are quite small, we did manage it and saw a few of our fellow Shirley Quilters. Had they been shopping for the “Twenty Challenge”? – We will have to wait and see.

The first show of the year, always a nice day out and a good opportunity to stock up on “the stash”.

Tip:- When we left we went to The Gardeners Arms, a pub just over the road and had a lovely coffee and piece of cake. Full meals available of course. A real log fire and a lovely atmosphere. Turn left out of the gates and the pub is a couple of hundred yards on your right.