MILLYPENNY

I'm a member of the Quilters Guild of the British Isles - previously an International member as Region 17 used to just cover Northern Ireland. At the last AGM, this was changed so Region 17 now covers all of Ireland. The Quilters Guild are celebrating 40 years in existence this year, and wanted all branches etc. to host a party. So, Region 17 had their own party last week in Margaret McCrory's house in Co. Down. There was lots of cake and numerous rounds of tea and coffee.     There was a good turnout for the meeting, 6 of us came from the South, and the rest from all over Northern Ireland. We had all agreed to bring two quilts for show and tell, some members brought their first quilt, so it was lovely hearing the stories related to the quilts. As well as the food, we also got through some guild/business related matters and I'm now on the committee of Region 17.

Two weeks ago I went to the Loughrea Medieval Festival, the festival has been running for a good few years but it was the 1st time I'd gone to it. Have to say, I really enjoyed the day, the weather was glorious and picked up loads of interesting facts and tid-bits at the fair. One woman was demonstrating bobbin lace and had folders full of samples and notes showing how it was constructed. There was lots of people (mostly men) dressed in Medieval armour, having sword-fights etc. but there was also stands with straw-weaving, wood-carving etc. straw weaving    There was a blacksmith from Mountshannon I think who was making copper keychains with children (who had a steam-punk bicycle and other interesting objects).  steam punk milk  churn steam-punk bicycle One stand had a woman showing natural dyed yarns, so she had used lichens, onions and nettles to create some lovely subtle shades.

A few weeks ago I went up to see the 12th Annual Patchwork and Quilting Exhibition run by Quilt Yarn Stitch (quilt shop in Tuam, Co. Galway). I've gone up for the last few years to see this exhibit as it's always interesting. Thanks to the new motorway between Gort and Tuam, going up to Tuam is now even faster. I really liked seeing the quilts made by children, they had great ideas and their quilts were really well made. One girl made a quilt for her grandmother which was really lovely. This quilt was made by a 12 year old boy. Quilt by Naomi Wynne-Collins      This was a fun bear quilt (didn't get the makers name unfortunately).