Out and About

This week has been very busy.  After the heatwave that we experienced the week before when I did very little because it was so hot, the weather broke at the weekend, which was just as well because my younger son ran his 100th marathon, in pouring rain.  He was supported by his running friends who were brilliant, and because this run was made up of 5 laps of 5 miles many accompanied him on the final lap including my grandson.  I am so proud of them both.

My son in the white cap

Arriving at the finish, arm aloft

The cake!

His shirt!

We were all drenched by the end but luckily the sun came out in the afternoon and we started to dry out.

A few weeks ago I was asked to accompany someone to the Festival of Quilts at the NEC in Birmingham.   Now I don't usually go to this one but I decided to go so off we went from Northampton station on Friday morning.  A great many very fit young men on the platform and we realised they were on their way to Edgbaston where England were playing Australia in the Ashes.  However we got off before them 

and after walking round the stalls, where I was extremely frugal and only bought a pattern and some sewing machine needles, we looked at the competition quilts.  I took over 70 photos but I am not going to show them all and have just picked out a few.

 I loved this one based on the London Underground map and entitled 'Mind the Gap'.  It was Highly Commended..

What fun this one was - Dame of Australia - based on Dame Edna Everage and an Emu and made by an Australian.

Entitled 'Mary Simon Re-visited' this Baltimore quilt I found stunning.  It is hand quilted and hand appliqued.

Finally (I have not subjected you to too many photos), I was pleased that there were juniors exhibiting because I think it is so important to pass on these sewing skills to the next generation.  I loved this one:-

'I Wore That When'

Second place in the Young Quilter/Embroiderer aged 10-13 years.  This young lady had minimal help and used recycled clothes and buttons.  She used hand and machine quilting.

A good exhibition in good company, so thank you for making me go!!

Sock club was yesterday and I have finished my 'cable' socks that are the current project.  However they will be going off to Yarndale for the Sock Line, with my patchwork socks.

Patchwork socks

Cable socks

I have now started a new pair of socks for a friend, but what will be our next project?