Please read the "Exhibition Reviews" below written members
by Debbie
Gill (my partner in crime) and I are newbies to the sales table for this exhibition and we set out not to ruin what our predecessors had achieved!
Group members had created varied and beautiful sewn goods. We revved up our creative flair in the hope of producing an inviting display to encourage a buying frenzy!
Through the day we had many visitors who admired the items for sale and numerous purchases were made. We had a steady stream of people throughout the day.
Many expressed their appreciation for all the quilts and heard many compliments, possibly inspired some to take up quilting!
By the end of the afternoon we were ready to shut up shop but were so pleased to see that so many items had been sold.
I had many laughs along the way which made the day speed by.
As always an amazing bunch of ladies (with the help from a few hubbies) and of course led by a brilliant committee, had achieved an enjoyable and successful exhibition.
by Jenny
With over 130 quilts on display, the Shirley Quilters 2024 exhibition was an early autumn treat.
So much to see - two rooms of members’ quilts, a sales table of crafty makes, our Linus quilts, our two traders - Little Shop of Fabrics and Wojek the woodman, and our ever popular tombola which was piled high with lovely prizes.
The stars of the show were, of course, the most beautiful quilts made by members of Shirley Quilters. The main hall of quilts presented a variety of styles, colours, skills and sizes - visitors could be heard discussing the many different techniques and finishes on display. Luckily the weather was kind and the sun was shining – with plenty of daylight the quilts could be seen at their very best.
Every January members are set several quilting tasks, the idea behind these challenges is for members to learn a new skill or technique. On display in the small hall were the results of these 2024 Challenges: a Charm Pack Challenge – to make a small quilt based on the same design but using a “charm pack” and a Disappearing Block Challenge – but this one had the added twist of only using colours based on the sewer’s initials.
The Linus Project is a charity that Shirley Quilters have taken to heart and generously supported for a number of years. This year’s donations were on display for all to see – members have made quilts, blankets and Christmas stockings. We were presented with a certificate of thanks from The Linus Project for donating the largest number of items in the South East area, which now totals well over 2000. Reading the moving cards and letters of thanks from the families that received one of our quilts – all made with love - shows just how much they are appreciated.
Every member of SQ contributed to the 1st prize in the raffle, a beautiful red and blue ‘Wensleydale’ quilt. The lucky winner now has a beautiful heirloom to admire and treasure.
This year we asked visitors to tell us their favourite– an almost impossible decision! Eventually two quilts emerged, Kate E's stunning Wildflower quilt and Chrissie's intricate Colours of Japan.
Throughout the day there was a steady stream of visitors, and I am sure stitchers and non-stitchers alike left the exhibition inspired. Then in a blink of an eye it was all over – quilts retrieved, stands and tables packed away and the Church was returned to its former state.
Well done Shirley Quilters for putting on such a lovely exhibition- and a big thank you to everyone who played a part in putting the show together – it would not have happened without you.
by Jane M
Jenny and Debbie have both written wonderful accounts of the day. I would like to add a few words of thanks to all those who were involved in the exhibition.
The committee had planned the event so well that the talent and skill of Shirley. Quilters were shown to their full glory.
The organisation and hanging of the quilts and setting up of the sales table, tombola, books and refreshments all took considerable time and effort. The day went off without a hitch, with members moving seamlessly from activity to stalls to stewarding and serving tea and cake. I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did. It was lovely to hear people appreciate and compliment our creations. It is a privilege being part of a group who are so talented and work so well as a team.
Thank you all for a thoroughly enjoyable day!
P.S. Special thanks to Russell( not a Shirley Quilter) who was chained to the sink all day and all family members who helped us set up and support us.
Roll on 2026