Well, you have to, don't you? Yesterday my very good friend Ann and I went to York for the day to see the current exhibition at the Quilt Museum. My brother looked after Mum for the day so that we could have a day off from caring duties and my DH went off to Lincoln with his friend for a photographic foray.
Unfortunately you are not allowed to take photographs in the Quilt Museum so I can't show you what we saw but the exhibition, as always, was excellent and gave both of us inspiration for future project possibilities. There are two exhibitions on until 29 of this month so if you live within reach of York there is still time to go. The main exhibition 'Freedom to Stitch: The emergence of Embroiderer as Artist' included work by many well known names including Michael Brennand-Wood, Julia Caprara, Alice Kettle, Paddy Killer, and Audrey Walker and the additional exhibition of quilts by Barbara Bailey, whose generous legacy gave birth to the Quilt Museum, was so impressive. Barbara Bailey's work was largely hand quilted and was beautifully and gloriously colourful.
In a side room was a small exhibition of quilts by members of my own Region of the Quilters Guild which I hadn't realised was going to be there. That's what I like about belonging to the Quilters Guild and going to the Quilt Museum, the main exhibits never let you down in their interest and work by people you know makes it delightfully personal.
It was lovely to see Gilli Theokritoff's beautiful 'Karma' quilt again. There are over 4000 tiny squares in this mosaic and Gilli has embroidered the word 'Wisdom' in many languages across the quilt.
As you might expect a special day out with a good friend has to involve a little retail therapy and we couldn't let you down ;-)
My friend Tina has been nagging me to get a safety cutter so I can justify that little expenditure and I got it in the sale! Bargain! I couldn't resist the glorious threads and the jazzy fabric which I think will inspire my Journal Quilts for 2011. I have decided to work on a theme of Gaudi and his works in Barcelona and I'm really excited to start this project. I am hoping to work on the 12 pieces so that they can be made into a single wallhanging at the end of the year. I bought the threads and beads at a fantastic little shop called The Viking Loom which is an Aladdin's cave once you step through the door. I had to be very strong willed! I bought the Janice Gunner book at the Quilt Museum as I like to support them when I go and I'd rather put the pennies in their till if I can.
Not much else to share with you at the moment. I'm finding things tough with looking after Mum but I'm trying to stay positive. We are seeing her social worker and stroke support worker this week to talk about where we go next and this week looks to be very busy so I may be missing for a while but I will still be browsing and visiting. See you soon and hopefully with more textiley content.
13 comments:
Pleased you both had a good day out! You are obviously inspired so I await further developments eagerly!
Sounds good Julie - thinking about your mum - must be a tireless job you are doing (((HUGS)))
What a great trip you had. Very envious.
Lovely post Julie - so glad you had a good day out. Looking forward to seeing what comes out of it. That Karma quilt is just amazing. All good wishes for the meetings with social worker, etc., on your Mum's behalf - and yours, of course. Take care.
Sounds like a lovely day out. Looking forward to seeing you Gaudi inspired quilts. Look after yourself. x
So glad you got a chance to go out. Good luck with everything.....one step at a time.
So glad you had a good time Julie. I've been meaning to go up to the museum to see these exhibitions but just haven't got round to it! It's so good that you were able to get out and have a day off. You deserve it!
I love your phrase retail therapy....made me laugh. What a quilt with 4000 squares, would have driven me batty, but so unbelievable. Glad you had a bit of fun and time to recharge. xox Corrine
Glad you nhad a good day out Julie - you deserve it. And fingers crossed things go well with your Mum
well done with the cutter!glad you had a lovely day...
Does this mean I can spend a few quid? now Dearest.?lol
Pleased you had a good day out in York, and to have a respite from your caring duties. I shall miss going to York now I'm down South, but lots of things to catch up on in Dorset and Hampshire. I've seen the exhibition that you've visited and it's a really good one with the embroiderers and enjoyed the Barbara Bailey one too.
What a marvellous day - you deserved a little time out and your purchases look inspiring - I love Janice Gunner!
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