Shirley Quilters' Exhibition, Saturday 17th October 2026
Review by Jackie S
As I entered the exhibition there was a busy room with a very full sales table, and many customers, consisting of all sorts of items made by SQ members, and a colourful raffle quilt on the wall. After collecting my programme, I discovered the tombola stall, Creative Quilting trader and Wojtek Markowski selling his wonderful wooden creations. I won a brightly coloured, mainly orange, fabric bowl on the tombola and had a brief look at the fabric stall, to return to later.
I then found the hall where the challenges were displayed. I was impressed by the inventiveness of all the quilters and their clever interpretations of the Temperature Challenge, likewise the Periodic Table Challenge quilts demonstrated many different ways and ideas on how to portray this different subject. The Vintage and Tea Towel Challenges also demonstrated many different ideas and designs, together with very colourful quilted pieces showing what can be achieved with a Till Roll. The group was donated fabric “of its time” and members were asked to be inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee to use it in different ways, resulting in the Transformation Challenge. Again, there were many very different and clever ways and ideas of interpreting this challenge, all of which were very interesting.
Also on display were many quilts, Christmas stockings and knitted toys/items made by SQ members for the Linus organisation to be distributed to hospitals in the area, together with appreciative letters and cards from the parents of the children who had received a quilt.
After visiting the tea and cake room, a must, and admiring the many colourful quilts used to cover the tables I found my way to the hall where the range of colours and designs of so many large quilts was overwhelming. All the quilts were very well made to a very high standard and I spent a long time in here trying to choose my favourite to vote for, as I could have picked several but finally decided on one. The quilts were displayed very well and it was easy to see each one.
At the close of the exhibition the winner of the visitors’ choice quilt and raffle quilt was announced and Deirdre thanked everyone for their support of another successful Shirley Quilters exhibition. This was also due to the hard work of the committee and the members for their wonderful quilt contributions, which the many visitors seemed to appreciate.
Altogether a very impressive exhibition and wonderful afternoon spent enjoying it.
Review by Erica
What a wonderful day this past Saturday was. You could be forgiven for not knowing where to look first when you walked into the foyer of Shirley Methodist Church for the 2026 Shirley Quilters' Biennual Exhibition. Should I start at the large quilts to the left? Follow the temping smells and chatter around to the refreshments room? Or treat myself to a goodie or two from the sales table? Try my luck at the tombola or add to my sewing space with a purchase from one of our guest vendors?.....Perhaps I'll just stand here a little longer and admire the stunning raffle quilt.... But honestly, you couldn't go wrong wherever you started, as every room was a treasure trove.
I am always amazed at the variety of quilt styles and the depth of talent that is on show at this exhibition. We quilt together and catch up monthly, and yet it isn't until the exhibition that I find what masterpieces my fellow Quilters have been crafting at home. Large, precision pieced quilts, bold colours, endearing whimsical characters, calm and cosy quilts and practical quilted items - they were all there to view and inspire. I wanted to track down every maker and hear the story of their beautiful pieces.
Another highlight for me was the table heaving with Linus quilts and stockings. What an incredible team effort our group has made to support this charity and the children that they are there for. It was touching and affirming to read the cards of thanks. What a worthwhile addition this makes to our sewing practice.
A big thank you to the committee for doing the hard work behind the scenes - as always you have provided a wonderful stage to showcase and celebrate our work. I hope the buzz of the day fuels everyone with creative adrenaline for many months to come. (However, the committee will be forgiven for first having a little rest, before I expect to see them buzzing with creative energy...).
Thank you again, a day like Saturday makes me especially proud to be a Shirley Quilter.