Tuesday 11 September 2012

Opening Day!

Saturday dawned a beautiful sunny and warm day and I presented myself bright and fairly early at Stitchcraft Studio for their Opening Day event.  I hadn't really known what to take with me or what to expect but hoped the day would be well attended.


Kathryn and Christine had already hung some of my quilts on the wall behind my area. The second from the right is not mine but is by my friend Wendy Skinner who was also in attendance with some of her quilts and her beautiful sewing machine covers.


As there wasn't much hanging space I laid my journal quilts out on the table and invited people to pick them up if they wanted to.   My portraits of DH and I attracted a lot of attention and laughs, especially as my DH is quite well known locally from his years working at the hospital.


I took a range of work going right back to when I first started stitching and before I had ever thought of making anything with the word 'quilt' attached to it.  I felt quite delighted to have my name in 'lights' LOL


My companion in the studio (one of several workrooms at Stitchcraft) was Wendy Skinner who, amazingly, started me on this journey more years ago than we'd both care to remember when I joined her Painting for Pleasure group.  Both Wendy and I were kept busy all day with a constant stream of people popping in for a look at all the work and for a chat.  I am sorry to say that I don't have a photograph of Wendy's lovely sewing machine cover houses as I had a problem with my camera. but if you have Fabrications magazine from April/May 2012 her pattern is in there.

As we were somewhat trapped in the room with our quilts we didn't get to see any other proceedings in the lecture room and the shop but when we eventually emerged it was to find the shop had been hectic all day and the talk by Dawn Cameron-Dick had been well received. 

The shop looked wonderfully tempting now it was more fully equipped and I came home with a few Valdani threads.








I had hoped to show you how busy the venue was throughout the day but as I said, my camera let me down so the photos above have been kindly supplied by Christine's husband.  Take my word for it, the place was jumping!

To round off the day Kathryn and Christine asked me if I would consider leading one or two small workshops so I am going to give it some thought.  I get very anxious about standing up in front of people or trying to describe the procedures for making something but maybe I'll give it a go.

I mustn't forget to thank Heather and Joe for keeping us supplied with refreshments all day.

So, after all the excitement of the launch day I wish everyone at Stichcraft the very best of luck and success for the future.  I'll see you soon.



18 comments:

Sandra Wyman said...

Makes me wish I lived closer!

Anonymous said...

Nice views on your table. Beautiful work Julie, what a lovely space there. xox

Su said...

Looks great - glad it was a successful day for you all.

ju-north said...

Wow! You are becoming famous! I'm sure lots of people loved your work!
Hope you will do the workshops

Heather said...

It sounds like a wonderful event and your table looks most interesting. The shop itself would induce any of us to run amok and part with cash!

Emma said...

Fabulous, what a treasure to have. I must have been thinking my comments on the last 4 wonderful posts!!!! Where does the time go. Love the FoQ posts, everyone's are so different which is great for us ;) y faves from yours were Sarah Welsby & Nadine Reid, lovely textures & well done you!

Your breakdown printing was just great, too. I'll try to keep up more!

Clare Wassermann said...

Give the workshops a go, your enthusiasm will carry you through x

Deborah OHare said...

This looks like a great venue, and the displays are gorgeous.

Peneller said...

What a lovely day for you, but I bet you were tired! I hope you decide to do the workshops. It's getting the first one done that's hard, after that it gets easier. Don't be scared, you have such a lot of knowledge to pass on and remember that the people who attend are all wanting to hear what you've got to say!

Enjoy your holiday in St Ives!

Lis Harwood said...

How lovely to see your display and to have those views of the new Stitchcraft. Do give it a go, doing a workshop or two, I for one would love to learn a thing or two from you.

Gina said...

Your work looks wonderful all set out Julie and don't be scared about giving workshops. You have to remember that people who come to workshops want to be there and hear what you have to say. You would be great!

Maggi said...

Your demonstration area looks fabulous Julie. What a great shop, very spacious and airy.

Unknown said...

The table is just fantastic. It's just amazing. I like your blog too. Thanks for sharing.

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Unknown said...

The table is just fantastic. It's just amazing. I like your blog too. Thanks for sharing.

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Mrs Mac said...

Thank you for your kind words re Scooter, who has now gone to Rainbow Bridge. The support and kindness of people in blogworld has been an indescribable help. Thank you so much.

Hugs

Helena

Digitalgran said...

Looks wonderful Julie! You will be perfect as a tutor, it's scary to begin with, but you will love it.

Digitalgran said...

Looks wonderful Julie! You will be perfect as a tutor, it's scary to begin with, but you will love it.

Linda Vincent said...

Wow, what a great day that must have been.... your work looks amazing Julie! And I'd love to do a workshop led by you....
XX