Hay on Wye, Talgarth and the Festival of quilts

On Thursday, 6 August, we headed into Hay on Wye for a castle tour. We have seen the castle before but we haven't been inside it. There are major renovations going on and there are guided tours of the castle grounds and the interior. It was interesting to hear all about the castle's long history.

 We then went to the Booth's Book store for lunch which was delicious. In the afternoon, Penny, Mary, who was visiting Penny and John too, and I headed to Talgarth. We came for afternoon tea to catch up with Ginny, who I have known since I first came to visit Penny a few years ago. Ginny sells some of her handiwork in the Talgarth craft store. We were fascinated but these rag rugs made by Rosemary Stowe. She sells them in the shop. They are made with folded worsted wool.

On Friday, Mary, Penny and I headed to Birmingham for the Festival of Quilts at the NEC. It was amazing. It is very large and hard to see all the stalls and all the quilts! It is about 2 or 3 times the size of the Sydney Craft show.

 We visited Lynette Anderson's stall which was being run very ably by some lovely ladies in Lynette's absence. Penny and I had to have our picture taken with Lynette on instagram along with some other ladies. I borrowed this picture from Lynette's blog.

It was lovely to meet Karen from Somerset Quilting, who is another Australian designer. 

 We loved this beautiful quilt. Must order the pattern! It is mostly hand pieced.

We also enjoyed meeting Janet Clare and just had to puchase one of her books.

 Another highlight was meeting Kaffe Fassett, who was calmly knitting as everyone stopped to see him.

 I much admired these gorgeous crocheted scarfs designed by Sophie Digard.

 And then there were the quilts. So many wonderful creations both traditional and modern.

 The pieces on this quilt for so tiny.

I just loved this antique quilt.

I will leave it there as this post is so long already. Will share some more soon.