IPS National Exhibition

 Members of the Western Branch of the IPS travelled to Dublin to visit the National Exhibition, which took place in the Botanical Gardens. On arrival we had to top up on the tea and coffee, and who could resist all these wonderful pastries.

Here is Ester Kiely's beautiful Quilt.

I loved the colours in these two pieces.

It was very obvious that the quilts had been hung with great care and attention. I loved the combination with my own quilt Poppy Love. The butterfly above was fabulous.

Caution: Sun glasses needed for this one

Following Laura Kemshall's DMTV show I got out my hand dyed fabric and gave it a go. This first Photo shows the four different pieces I used. These were all dyed on the same day using the same dye lots, so it was easy to get a good colour combination.

I cut the pieces into 4.5" x 1.5" rectangles. Sorted them into piles of matching colours and then sewed four pieces together to make 4.5 inch squares. Now the fun begins, I lay them out on the floor and try to find a nice composition. Getting all the kids involved as well. Best to walk away and come back for a fresh look. Not sure if I stitched them back in the right order or not. Rail Fence is a good way to practice your 1/4" seams.

This is the finished piece. Its hard to judge where to place the pieces. I see some now that I could have placed differently but I'm not fond of the ripper so I may leave well alone.