Festival of Quilts Celebration Giveaway :: The Final One and It's From Me!!!!

So we've made it to the end and here is the final #cutandalterfoqgiveaway .....

EDITED ON 04/08/20 AT 12:00 :: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

This one's from me to you .....

So now it's my turn on the #cutandalterfoqgiveaway but I find it so hard to write about myself ...... Let's start with what I am - I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother, quilter, educator, one time home educator (we did it voluntarily for years ;)), reader, crocheter and lots more things beside.

I have been a longarm quilter for 5 years now and have been quilting for others for 4 1/2 of those.  In 2018 I became a Handi Quilter Educator and I have found my passion - I love teaching.  Hopefully classes will be up and running again soon and I am also going to be teaching patchwork and quilting on domestic sewing machines aswell.  I give talks and run workshops for Clubs and Guilds and I have to say that I love being in this quilting community.  I get to sew, chat and teach like minded people, generally with coffee and cake thrown in.

Giveaway Prize:  Quilted, zippered pouch along with 5 long quarters of Kona Cotton and maybe, just maybe, there's something in the pouch!

Apologies to overseas readers but due to postage costs this prize is limited to UK addresses only

Conditions of Entry:

To enter this giveaway you need to go to Instagram or Facebook on the links below.

Enter on Instagram

Enter on Facebook

Good Luck!!

Festival of Quilts Celebration Giveaway :: Sew Me Something Sunday

This is the 4th and final giveaway offered by  SMS as part of #cutandalterfoqgiveaway


EDITED ON 02/08/2020 AT 20:00  ::  THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Sew Me Something is a regular trader at shows around the country and would have been at Festival of Quilts this year selling their patterns and fabric.  If you are into dressmaking you have probably already come across the SMS patterns designed by Jules in her wonderful studio just outside of Stratford upon Avon.  It is from this studio that a range of classes and workshops are held which will hopefully be back up and running soon.  In the meantime there is a lot of digital content you can access from FB lives every Tuesday and Friday or why not join Jules in The Sewing Studio, a new virtual venture offering online classes for numerous projects and techniques.

Giveaway Prize:  One paper pattern from the SMS online shop

Apologies to overseas readers but due to postage costs this prize is limited to UK addresses only

Conditions of Entry:

To enter this giveaway you need to go to Instagram or Facebook on the links below.

Enter on Instagram

Enter on Facebook

Good luck!!

Where to find Sew Me Something

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Festival of Quilts Celebration Giveaway :: Quilts from the Attic

And here's something that hasn't been up for grabs yet in the #cutandalterfoqgiveaway ....


EDITED ON 02/08/2020 AT 20:00  ::  THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Nick, from Quilts from the Atttic, was the first male quilter I ever met.  We were waiting to collect quilts at the end of FoQ one year and when he mentioned which quilt was his I knew which one it was instantly .... out of all the quilts that I had seen!  (It was his Warholian Cabbage in case you were wondering!)  He has a signature style of quilts and is passionate about sharing his love of making quilts and quilting.  Ordinarily you can find him teaching at various shops and groups around the UK but at the moment he has teamed up with Crafty Monkies and is teaching via zoom.  His first class next week is sold out but be sure to follow him to hear of any forthcoming dates. 

Giveaway Prize:  Inspiring Improv Book by Nicholas Ball

Apologies to overseas readers but due to postage costs this prize is limited to UK addresses only

Conditions of Entry:

To enter this giveaway you need to go to Instagram or Facebook on the links below.

Enter on Instagram

Enter on Facebook

Good Luck!!

Where you can find Quilts from the Attic

Blog

Instagram

Facebook

Festival of Quilts Celebration Giveaway :: Olive & Flo Handcraft

The #cutandalterfoqgiveaway continues .... 

EDITED ON 02/08/2020 AT 20:00  ::  THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Olive & Flo Handcraft were another first time trader at Festival of Quilts last year and I am delighted that they were happy to take part in these giveaways.  Primarily an online fabric store, they stock designer fabric from Ruby Star, Andover, Freespirit, Art Gallery, Windham and many others, Aurifil thread, lots of designer patterns and they also run fabric clubs.  Whilst their online shop is open 24/7 a day you can find them at various quilting groups around the country as an in person Pop Up Shop.  If you need to restock your stash or find the perfect fabric for a project the chances are that you will find it at Olive + Flo and it will be a pleasure to buy from them because their customer service and personal touches really are second to none.

Giveaway Prize:  4 FQs of Tula Pink Fabrics

Apologies to overseas readers but due to postage costs this prize is limited to UK addresses only

Conditions of Entry:

To enter this giveaway you need to go to Instagram or Facebook on the links below

To enter on Instagram

To enter on Facebook

Be sure to follow the hashtag both on FB and IG so that you can keep track of the giveaways :)

Good luck!!

Where you can find Olive & Flo Handcraft

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Festival of Quilts Celebration Giveaway :: Sew Me Something Saturday

The next SMS #cutandalterfoqgiveaway is live!!

EDITED ON 01/08/2020 AT 19:00  ::  THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Here is the third giveaway from Jules at Sew Me Something ....

Sew Me Something is a regular trader at shows around the country and would have been at Festival of Quilts this year selling their patterns and fabric.  If you are into dressmaking you have probably already come across the SMS patterns designed by Jules in her wonderful studio just outside of Stratford upon Avon.  It is from this studio that a range of classes and workshops are held which will hopefully be back up and running soon.  In the meantime there is a lot of digital content you can access from FB lives every Tuesday and Friday or why not join Jules in The Sewing Studio, a new virtual venture offering online classes for numerous projects and techniques.

Giveaway Prize:  One paper pattern from the SMS online shop

Apologies to overseas readers but due to postage costs this prize is limited to UK addresses only

Conditions of Entry:

To enter this giveaway you need to go to Instagram or Facebook on the links below.

Enter on Instagram

Enter on Facebook

Good luck!!

Where to find Sew Me Something

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Festival of Quilts Celebration Giveaway :: Lou Orth Designs

Anyone fancy some new quilt patterns, that's what's up next in the #cutandalterfoqgiveaway ...

EDITED ON 01/08/2020 AT 19:00  ::  THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

If you are into Modern Quilts then you will definitely have seen some of Lou's designs, not only at Festival of Quilts, but also in quilting magazines in which she regularly has her patterns.  

She has an online shop where all of her patterns are available as paper or pdf.  Her recent big news is that one of her patterns, Fraction (can I admit that it's a favourite of mine?), has just featured on Sewing Street!!

Giveaway Prize:  Fraction, Vintage Tiles and Sprout Quilt paper patterns 

Apologies to overseas readers but due to postage costs this prize is limited to UK addresses only

Conditions of Entry:

To enter this giveaway you need to go to Instagram or Facebook on the links below.

Enter on Instagram

Enter on Facebook

Good Luck!!

Where you can find Lou Orth Designs

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Festival of Quilts Celebration Giveaway :: The Quilter's Den

Right, who's next on the #cutandalterfoqgiveaway?

EDITED ON 01/08/2020 AT 17:35  ::  THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Last year was the first time that the team from the Quilter's Den had exhibited at Festival of Quilts and they were really looking forward to going back this year.  

They stock a wide range of fabric, wadding and thread, along with books and other accessories, which are available in the bricks and mortar shop in Warwick or from the online store.  

There is usually a wide range of workshops regularly available which will be up and running again soon.

Giveaway Prize:  4 FQs of Liberty Summer

Apologies to overseas readers but due to postage costs this prize is limited to UK addresses only

Conditions of Entry:

To enter this giveaway you need to go to Instagram or Facebook on the links below

To enter on Instagram

To enter on Facebook

Where to find The Quilter's Den

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Festival of Quilts Celebration Giveaway :: Sew Me Something Friday

The next SMS #cutandalterfoqgiveaway is live!!

EDITED ON 31/07/20 AT 19:00  ::  THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Here is the second giveaway from Jules at Sew Me Something ....

Sew Me Something is a regular trader at shows around the country and would have been at Festival of Quilts this year selling their patterns and fabric.  If you are into dressmaking you have probably already come across the SMS patterns designed by Jules in her wonderful studio just outside of Stratford upon Avon.  It is from this studio that a range of classes and workshops are held which will hopefully be back up and running soon.  In the meantime there is a lot of digital content you can access from FB lives every Tuesday and Friday or why not join Jules in The Sewing Studio, a new virtual venture offering online classes for numerous projects and techniques.

Giveaway Prize:  One paper pattern from the SMS online shop

Apologies to overseas readers but due to postage costs this prize is limited to UK addresses only

Conditions of Entry:

To enter this giveaway you need to go to Instagram or Facebook on the links below.

Enter on Instagram

Enter on Facebook

Good luck!!

Where to find Sew Me Something

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Festival of Quilts Celebration Giveaway :: The Crafty Nomad

There will be THREE lucky winners for this #cutandalterfoqgiveaway from Jo at The Crafty Nomad

EDITED ON 31/07/20 AT 20:25 :: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

If you have been to the Festival of Quilts in the last couple of years you may well have seen one of Jo's quilts hanging in the show.  She has recognisable style of quilts and also has a little something for rainbows - who can blame her?  

She designs quilts under the name The Crafty Nomad which can be found in her online shop along with kits and cards.  Aswell as designing, she also gives talks and teaches workshops, which will hopefully be back up and running again sometime soon!  In the meantime you could always take a online class with her - details to be released soon.

Giveaway Prize:  3 lucky winners will each receive a pack of sewing themed postcards and their choice of pattern from The Crafty Nomad online shop

Apologies to overseas readers but due to postage costs this prize is limited to UK addresses only

Conditions of Entry:

To enter this giveaway you need to go to Instagram or Facebook on the links below

To enter on Instagram

To enter on Facebook

Where to find The Crafty Nomad

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Festival of Quilts Celebration Giveaway :: Sarah Hibbert Quilts

Next #cutandalterfoqgiveaaway is open!!

EDITED ON 31/07/20 AT 17:13  ::  THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

One of the biggest disappointments for me about Festival of Quilts 2020 being postponed was the fact that I wouldn't see Sarah's gallery.  You have probably already seen her work - one of her pieces was the main promotional pic for the show!  The great news is that the gallery will be hung at the 2021 show so we do get a chance to see it after all. 

I have long admired her work, both big and small, and to see it hung in its own gallery was going to be a treat.  The fact I could also see Sarah was also going to be good!  Aswell as making all types of quilts and smaller items, Sarah gives talks and workshops which I am looking forward to attending once they are up and running again.

Giveaway Prize:  5" hand quilted linen coaster made by Sarah using Cherrywood fabric 

Apologies to overseas readers but due to postage costs this prize is limited to UK addresses only

Conditions of Entry:

To enter this giveaway you need to go to Instagram or Facebook on the links below

To enter on Instagram

To enter on Facebook

Be sure to follow the hashtag both on FB and IG so that you can keep track of the giveaways :)  Good Luck!

Where you can find Sarah Hibbert Quilts

Instagram

Facebook

Festival of Quilts Celebration Giveaway :: Sew Me Something - Thursday

First #cutandalterfoqgiveaway is live!!

EDITED ::  THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

Kicking off the fun four days bright and early is Jules from Sew Me Something ....

Sew Me Something is a regular trader at shows around the country and would have been at Festival of Quilts this year selling their patterns and fabric.  If you are into dressmaking you have probably already come across the SMS patterns designed by Jules in her wonderful studio just outside of Stratford upon Avon.  It is from this studio that a range of classes and workshops are held which will hopefully be back up and running soon.  In the meantime there is a lot of digital content you can access from FB lives every Tuesday and Friday or why not join Jules in The Sewing Studio, a new virtual venture offering online classes for numerous projects and techniques.

Giveaway Prize:  One paper pattern from the SMS online shop

Apologies to overseas readers but due to postage costs this prize is limited to UK addresses only

Conditions of Entry:

To enter this giveaway you need to go to Instagram or Facebook on the links below.

Enter on Instagram

Enter on Facebook

Good luck!!

Where to find Sew Me Something

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Festival of Quilts Celebration Giveaway :: The Participants

Festival of Quilts 2020 has been cancelled and, as its such a huge event in the quilting year, I thought that I  would like to mark it in some way.  

What brings smiles to people's faces?  Giveaways of course!  

I have teamed up with some people I have met over the years, who would either have been traders at the show or who would have entered quilts into the show, and I have got some lovely prizes to be able to offer you .......

It all starts tomorrow and runs until Sunday and will be posted across my blog, Instagram and Facebook.  If you want to be notified when each giveaway goes live then follow the #cutandalterfoqgiveaway on instagram, follow my cutandalter IG account and turn on notifications, like and follow my FB page and again turn on notifications!

Everyone participating is a small, independent business or person within the quilting industry and would all benefit and appreciate any support that you may be able to offer them.

Be sure to stay tuned for all the happenings .......

And who is playing along?  All these lovely people!!

Where can you find me?

Here!

Instagram

Facebook

Where you can find Lou Orth Designs

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Where can you find Olive + Flo Handcraft

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Where to find Pinhole Quilting

Website

Shop

Instagram

Facebook

Where to find The Quilter's Den

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Where you can find Quilts from the Attic

Blog

Instagram

Facebook

Where you can find Sarah Hibbert Quilts

Instagram

Facebook

Where to find Sew Me Something

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Where to find The Crafty Nomad

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Stop Press - News Day!

I often have things to say and then the moment's not quite right and then too much time has passed and then I just don't!  So I thought I would try to make a habit of sharing any news on a Tuesday!  You can also stay up to date with any news by getting my Newsletter - usually once a fortnight - delivered straight to your inbox - sign ups are just over there on the left!

My exciting piece of news this week is .....

Oh and I am so excited!!!!!!

I have worked at the Festival of Quilts for the last three years on Pinhole Quilting's stand, both demonstrating the machines and teaching one on one sessions.  Last year I had the opportunity to be a classroom assistant in the Handi Quilter classroom.  This was the first time they had a classroom at Festival and I was lucky enough to assist some lovely international Handi Quilter Educators, Diane Henry and Denise Best from the States and Sue Pattern from Canada.  I had a blast and learnt so much from them.

This year I will be teaching in the classroom along with some other wonderful ladies ..... more on that soon!

I love the poster for this year's event - it's a gorgeous quilt from Sarah Hibbert, @quiltscornerstone, with fantastic quilting by Christine Perrigo, @ccpquilt  Sarah is having a gallery at Festival this year which I can't wait to see.  If you are planning on going this year I would definitely recommend popping by her gallery - not only are her quilts wonderful she is a really lovely lady!

Festival of Quilts :: From the other side ....

Want to know what setting up for Festival of Quilts is like?  

Then head over to my recent blog post on UKQU website!

Festival of Quilts :: A year on ....

↓↓↓  For big news scroll down  ↓↓↓

Yesterday I dropped my show entries at the NEC for Festival of Quilts 2018.  It is always so funny to see it empty - a far cry from what it will look like on Thursday morning!

When I got home, my daughters said they remembered going there last year with their dad to drop my quilt.  It took me a little while to remember why they had gone and not me ..... oh that's right I had the little matter of a quilt to finish for the In the Spotlight Gallery, which I didn't have to hand in until the Tuesday evening and so it wasn't finished until the Tuesday lunchtime!

Where to Next?  in progress

I love quilting words onto quilts

I can't believe it's been a year already and soooo much has happened.  Last Festival was my first time demonstrating on the Handi Quilter longarm machines for Pinhole Quilting. Whilst I knew and loved my machine, I have to admit to being somewhat nervous at the thought of setting up and demonstrating at such a big show.  I needn't  have worried I really enjoyed the experience and signed up for more!  

My trusty Handi Quilter Avante - I love it!!

So I am back again this year and not only demonstrating.  A couple of weeks ago I received great news ..... 

I HAVE BEEN MADE A 

HANDI QUILTER EDUCATOR 

- ONE OF ONLY TWO IN THE UK!!!!!  

I am thrilled.  I have started teaching at the Foundation and Intermediate classes run by Pinhole Quilting for their Handi Quilter owners and I love it.  It has been fabulous to help these people on their own longarm journey, which actually never stops, and to see that 'ah-ha' moment when something really clicks.  Further teaching news will be up here shortly!

I have met some wonderful American HQ Educators and Ambassadors over the last year, Debbie Brown at FoQ 17, Laurie Tigner last November when she taught 4 days of classes in Worcester, and Kimmy Brunner and Kelly Cline, who were the tutors at the UK's first Longarm Quilting Academy held in February.  It was a pleasure to be the classroom assistant for their sessions and I learnt so much.  I would highly recommend any of the teachers above if you ever get the chance to take a class with them.

I have written my first quilt pattern, which is available over here, and I am running a QAL for it starting on 05 September - wow that's only 4 weeks away!!!!

On the family front, we have done our first full academic year of school, after years of home education ..... and we survived!  There were lots of sporting fixtures, a Y6 residential for a week to North Wales when there was still snow on the ground, productions, SATs, leavers activities and much more.  It has been wonderful to see how the girls have settled into school and made great friends.  My youngest goes up to secondary school in September so we have more big changes coming our way!

It is always good to look back at what you have done because more often than not, whilst you are in the midst of it, you don't really appreciate all that you have achieved.  I am looking forward to September and the start of a 'new year' to refocus after this hot, hot summer, make plans and put some long held ideas into practice.  I hope you will join me! x