Quilts UK event at Three Counties Showground is a huge hit

Quilts UK is an inspirational and annual sewing, crafting and competitive quilt show, held in May each year at the Three Counties Showground. Filled with a wonderful exhibition of stunning and amazing quilts and textile art, from miniature to king size, made by both amateurs and experts. And that’s not all!

Dozens of helpful and friendly retailers displayed their wares, on well-stocked, colourful and beautifully laid out stands. Offering patchwork and quilting fabrics, craft and sewing books, sewing machines, haberdashery, dressmaking fabrics, sewing tools and notions, block printing, fabric marbling, felt craft, fabric printing, beads and buttons, and fabulous kits and patterns too – a true cornucopia of craft and creativity.

Debbie Harris, of Debbie Harris Designs

Also, a wonderful opportunity to meet and catch up with the many sewing and crafting friends that perhaps we haven’t seen for a while. And to watch and learn from close up demonstrations – and to ‘have a go’ for yourself too.

Yvonne McAtamney, from Village Fabrics

Hosted by Grosvenor Exhibitions, which runs similar competitive quilt shows all around the UK, Quilts UK is a long-standing, highly regarded and incredibly popular show.

And it has been much missed over the last couple of Covid years. Ironically, crafts of all kinds blossomed and increased during our lockdowns, so visitors to the show were undoubtedly delighted to stock up on their depleted stashes.

Sue Belton Award for a Sampler Quilt: "Shipton Sampler" by Sue Watters

Whilst many of the incredibly talented and dedicated retailers also offer an impressive and high quality online service, there are still those who prefer to offer their wares on a much smaller and more local scale. And all welcome at the show.

So there is almost nothing more enjoyable for a keen stitcher and crafter than to take a trip out to a show like Quilts UK.

Under 16 Quilt Award: "Many Hearts Make a School" by Pencombe School

It’s a fabulous location, with stunning views, at the foot of the Malvern Hills. And a hugely enjoyable day out, whether you visit on your own or visit the show with friends. By the end of the day, you are likely to have made several new friends too.

Judges' Merit: "Christopher Wilson-Tate Quilt" by Jo Colwill

The show is held undercover, so no worries about inclement weather. And with plentiful outdoor seating too, if the sun is shining. There is free parking and plenty of it, with disabled parking right outside the venue. With helpful staff on hand to guide you and to ensure that your arrival and show visit is a very pleasant experience.

Theme Quilt Award (3rd place): "Flower Border" by Claire Tinsley

Plus a variety of food and drink retailers on-site, and even a newsagent. A bag drop and a coat drop too. All of which make for a relaxing, stress-free and very enjoyable day.

The Quilt Room Award for Piecing: "The Colours of Love", by Helen Burnham

There’s a huge buzz of excitement, happiness and beaming smiles on everyone’s faces at the show. It’s a real joy. Meeting the people behind websites and shop fronts, chatting with designers and makers, seeing and feeling the quality and wide variety of their offerings, watching demos close up, trying out products and notions for yourself, and asking for one to one advice. It’s an invaluable opportunity – and one not to be missed.

 

If you enjoyed your visit to Quilts UK, or missed out this time and would like to enjoy a future Grosvenor show at The Three Counties Showground, the good news is that the next one is the Autumn Show.

Held from Friday to Sunday, October 21 to 23, the Autumn Show at Malvern will exhibit a wide selection of non-competitive quilts, and once again welcome a variety of traders and food vendors too.

For more information, visit grosvenorshows.co.uk