forward facing, window, table

slow, quiet note no.30

This is my preferred seat request when travelling solo by train. It offers the opportunity for a spot of stitching and the potential for a sprawl if the neighbours don’t turn up. Friday’s 9.06 Crewe to Birmingham International, however, was packed and I spent an hour and a half aisle-side, travelling backwards next to the luggage rack.

Detail: podcast stitching

My seat buddy wasn’t very welcoming and took some time to relocate his train picnic from my seat but once settled I took the opportunity to catch up on a little embroidery and couple of episodes from the ever-enriching Haptic and Hue podcast.

I snuck in this year’s trip to The Festival of Quilts just before a fabulous weekend celebrating my lovely sister’s significant birthday. A fun-packed weekend of family, friends and excellent partying has been had and here I am after a short Sunday afternoon snooze. You may notice I’ve chosen to lean heavily on my camera roll for this post.

I wrote a little about the Festival last week and if you’re interested in seeing more FoQ content, I’d suggest heading over to Instagram and searching #festivalofquilts or #festivalofquilts2025 - you will also find a comprehensive listing of exhibitors over on the show’s website.

First stop, the galleries and a standout presentation of around a dozen quilts co-created by Anitha N Reddy and Siddi women from Karnataka. These quilts are a feast for the eyes with their incredible colour composition and construction from the outside in towards the centre.

Detail, Lotus Form in the Centre, Anitha Reddy in collaboration with Bibijan Gunjavati

Next, on to something very different and the subtle text-based work in Sara Impey’s show Context

Hidden Agenda 2, Calico, whole cloth, free-motion machine stitch, machine quilting

Fortress Britain, Cotton, felt and pelmet Vilene wadding, free-motion machine stitch, machine piecing and quilting

I always enjoy The Quilters’ Guild’s historical collection display at the show and this year’s presentation included these two makes from around the time of World War II…hexagonal inspiration and a crazy quilt piece reminiscent of Sonia Delaunay’s cot blanket which I saw at Tate a few years ago.

I loved new-to-me Pat Pauly’s painterly printed textiles (above) and the sustainable quilt section of the competition categories was my favourite…

Riveting Restrictions - from Waste to Wonder by Marja Matilsen

My Grandma’s Komon-Style quilt by Satomi Era

I’m here, but I’m really gone, Russell Barratt

The show is also an opportunity to dip into the fabric fund and shop, shop, shop but apart from a little spend at a vintage textile supplier whose name escapes me and the purchase of some naturally dyed silks from Caroline Bell, my only other purchase was a needle-threader which I plan to keep in my workshop and teaching supply box.

A few more very welcome subscribers have arrived here over the last seven days, mostly via Notes and a July Update mention by

Zoya

. Thread Webs is becoming one of my go-to reads and is helping me to connect with other textile artists and makers who are sharing and writing about their work here.

As ever, thank you for taking the time to read this week’s slow, quiet note. Your likes, comments and shares are very much appreciated. These Sunday posts will continue to remain free to read for all but if you would like to support my writing and work, I have set up an option to buy me an occasional or monthly coffee (or, in my case, threads and fabric).

Have a great week.

J x