Mrs Webmuppet Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 I know it's not until August but I wondered if anyone is planning to go? LMW and I may go. It's a bit of a hike from Suffolk but we do have the advantage of a stopover at my Dads on the way (in fact I'm thinking of leaving my car at Dads and getting the train to the NEC). Anyone have any words of wisdom for those that are Festival of Quilts novices? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 Take lots of money Yes I'm sure I'll be there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 I went last year (my first ever quilt show) and was blown away. The quilts are amazing. I went for 2 days and did some workshops but 2 days wasn't really enough. So this year I thinking of doing 3. I stayed at the Hilton last year but wasn't very impressed so I'm thinking of doing it cheap this year and staying at ETAP and getting the shuttle in. My tips: Comfy shoes (goes without saying really) A secure bag for your cash and keep close to hand ready for those impulse buys A large bag for your shopping (empty out into a spare empty suitcase each night) If its a bargain buy it quick as it won't be there when you go back - I missed out on some really pretty fat quarters for £1 as I thought I should look around first. Bottle of water - I got really thirsty all the time Eat a really good breakfast and try to miss the main lunch crowds at the few cafes (carrying a pack lunch wasn't going to happen for me - though plenty do) If the quilts are crowded when you first get there go back and look later in the day, coach parties tend to leave at 4ish so it empties out a bit then and you can get closer and have room to take photos. I don't think the list of workshops has been released yet but when it is you need to book quickly as they fill up fast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share Posted January 24, 2010 Thanks Sally. I will make sure I take my back pack (and LMW can take her back pack too!) we nearly always take packups with us when we go to anything like that, it's easier than trying to find something that LMW will eat and it will be a long day as the train takes just over 2 hours each way to Dads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 ooooh, might have to think about this another recommendation for an exhibition , get a trolly bag if you buy tons of stuff, you will really struggle to carry it, get a trolly and you can really pull a great amount ive used mine loads cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 Take lots of money Yes I'm sure I'll be there. I'd like to go - never been. Rushes off to start a looooong list of things I need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share Posted January 24, 2010 For those who are interested the Travel Lodge Birmingham are doing really cheap deals if you book your hotel room now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted August 11, 2010 Author Share Posted August 11, 2010 So who's going on Saturday 21st? LMW and I will be there, I will try and get LMW to wear her Omlet t shirt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted August 13, 2010 Share Posted August 13, 2010 I'm there with a friend Friday through to Sunday, we're staying at the Etap. I'll keep an eye out for you and Little MW on Saturday. I know we have met before but I'm not very good with faces so apologises in advance if I don't recognise you!! I can PM you my mobile no, happy to meet up for a quick coffee and chat if you find you have time on the day. I'm really looking forward to it, I have several classes booked but am going to try and be very selective with my purchases this year as I still have fabric and other bits that I bought last year and haven't used yet. Have a safe trip and a great day and if we don't manage to meet up I compare notes with you on here after the event. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 13, 2010 Share Posted August 13, 2010 Well I'll have bought it all on thursday so you'll be saved. Have fun but gutted I'm missing you, next year eh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 Oh am gutted that we are missing each other too Plum. Especially as you are my patchwork mentor. Next year we must meet up for sure Have fun buying the place up on Thursday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 Am jealous of your megafest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Just back from a really good day out. Lots of excellent quilts as usual and even more traders Found some great egg fabric which I bought up sorry girls, not much chicken fabric around but lots of other yummy stuff. The pink, duck egg blue and green soft fabrics for Tilda patterns still feature strongly as do Kaffe Fassett, Amy Butler and Heather Bailey. Some nice childrens fabrics and the pirate range is fun. Some good hand dyed cotton traders, bit pricey but so inspiring. I just bought small pieces. Not as much silk but there was a stall on left hand side selling some real bargain silk cloth that is gorgeous, lovely for making jewellery bags or whatever takes your fancy. Lots of yummy threads and beads, unusual buttons etc., and we only saw part of it. Tried out several sewing machines because I am thinking of chucking my Bernina out of the window and replacing it. However, spoke to the man at the Bernina stall and may take it to Birmingham and give it one last chance of reprieve. Have a great time those of you who are going. You get a nice free bag on the Handi quilter stall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Ooooo thanks for wheting my appetite Plum it sounds like you had a fabulous day I like the sound of the silk - one day I'd like to have a go at an arty piece with different textured fabrics and silks, I can see it in my minds eye but goodness knows how I'd actually do it! In the meantime though it might be good to start collecting some silk. I'm so excited, I'm going to try and get to bed early so tomorrow comes quicker But first I'm going to look at the floor plan to see where the Handi Quilter stall is - I don't want to miss out on a freebie Glad you had a lovely day Plum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Straight down from the entrance towards the coffee shop Have a great time and look forward to hearing how you get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 I don't think I'll be able to go this year! As Pooh would say "oh bother"!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emily95 Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 I'm going with my mum tomorrow! Should be good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 OK little Em, rub it in - I'm so going to smack you when I see you! Just kidding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emily95 Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 Sorry Kerry It wasn't that great actually You can steal the fabric I bought if you likes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 That's a pity. Hope it didn't spoil your day too much. Don't worry little Em, your fabric is safe - you are welcome to come and sift through my bulging cupboard (I have been banned from getting more fabric unless I start using up my stash )! I'm after an Alto Quilt cutter. They make it look so easy, plus I've seen it a couple of times in a quilting book. Don't know whether it's sold over here - something like £250 but that was before the exchange rate went kaput. The cost of shipping it over really isn't worth it. Of course if I had one of those I could cut up my stash much faster ready for using it all up. Hinty hint to OH and fluttering eyelashes. Been fluttering eyelashes over a gorgeous cochin but all I've got was an enthusiastic "lovely chicken - in the future". Men! They really don't understand our neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 PS I can see you were kidding, you little !!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emily95 Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 You need that machine!! I mean, think of how much space the piles of fabric take up, compared to how much a shiny new machine and some snazzy quilts would take up! It makes perfect sense to me I'll have a google for you, see if I can find it in the UK. Did anyone else see the Decopatch stall? I think I've found myself a new hobby! I'm making a list of all the things I plan to cover with my lovely new paper from their stall! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 You can slice through lots of fabric, all nicely measured out without having to fiddle with rulers and rotary cutters. Ohhh the joy . . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 And here it is: http://www.quiltcut.com/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emily95 Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 Very nice! I found it, but not in the UK I WILL find it though. It is my new mission! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
