A visitor's review of the 2011 HOKH Maidstone Quilt Show

HOKH Maidstone Quilt Show at The Friars, July 2011

Going into the North Barn at The Friars to see the quilts on display over the last weekend of July was like going into Aladdin’s Cave. Hanging from the walls, festooned on ropes and rafters across the roof-space, lovingly unrolled on tables and tops, the quilts’ blaze of glory stunned us as we came through the wide doors.

More than thirty years have passed since I’ve done any quilting, so I looked with fresh eyes at all that was on display. The colours created a banquet for the eyes. We were awed by the craft, the wit, and the sharp skill of the quilters whose work was offered to us. Some quilts were touching: the nurturing, enveloping warmth of soft quilts made for babies and children; some were almost private, depicting family in-jokes with names and figures from families unknown to us; others were sweepingly universal, with blazing trees and fiery sunsets. Some were traditional, with familiar and beautifully old-fashioned designs; while others were daringly original with unexpected flashes of humour or clashes of colour.

My friend and I had only a few miles to come for this show, but I would go much farther to see such an exceptional exhibition another time. Congratulations to all who worked so incredibly hard and in such detailed ways to make the HOKH quilt show such a success in 2011.

Lizzie Ballagher

www.lizzieballagher.com

2011 HOKH Maidstone Quilt Show Results

A big thanks to everyone for making this the best ever show!  Take a look at the slideshow to see the magnificent quilts on display.  The weather was glorious and the mood was bubbly.  The whole event resulted in a cheque to the Heart of Kent Hospice for £5100!!


Winners of our raffle as follows:  1st prize to Ann Hill, 2nd prize to Sheldon, 3rd prize to Steve Coates
Congratulations and hope you love and cherish these beautiful quilts.


Visitor's choice winner was number 9, Memories by Claudia Taylor.  The quilting is superb and unfortunately the photos do not do it the justice deserved.  I did try to take several photos in order that all the detail could be appreciated.


Thanks also go to all the volunteers for their hard work and enthusiasm.  Without them the show just couldn't go on.


Hope to see everyone again next year.  Dates are a month later, 31st August - 2nd September 2012 in the North Barn, Aylesford Priory, Aylesford, Kent.  If you are entering an exhibit, please make sure you get your form in early to avoid disappointment.  Numbers are restricted.


If anyone has taken photos of the show, please email me so that I can post them on the blog.  I'm sure everyone would love to see them.

Fantastic quilts to be won! Get your tickets!

These are the fantastic quilts that can be won at the 2011 HOKH Maidstone Quilt Show.  Be sure to get your tickets and don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to own one of these specially made quilts.
Tickets are on sale from Noodle Soup, Castle Wall Quilters, Hearty Quilters, Heart of Kent Hospice and also at the show 29-31 July, Aylesford Priory, Kent.  email: hokh.mqs@gmail.com

Raffle Tickets on sale!! Make sure you get some.

These tickets will be on sale through the Heart of Kent Hospice, at various events sponsored by the hospice and through members of quilt groups: Noodle Soup, Castle Wall Quilters, Hearty Quilters.  Or send an email and I will give you details.


We have three beautiful original quilts very kindly made by three of our very dear quilt show supporters, Alison George who pieced the king sized quilt, Jan Ward who pieced the single sized quilt and Sandra Rocco who pieced the lap sized quilt.  Bumbleberry Quilting Studio did the machine quilting on all of the quilts.  Photos of these magnificent quilts will be posted shortly.


Make sure you don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to own a special quilt of your own!

Sell your quilts and make room for more!!

Do you have an ever expanding collection of quilts?  Run out of room to stack your new projects?  Stash of fabrics crying out to be made into more spectacular quilts?

Why not sell some of your quilts, make a bit of money to spend on more fabrics and also help the Heart of Kent Hospice raise some money, all at the same time!

2011 HOKH Maidstone Quilt Show will be having a Quilt Sales Stand.  You give the details of the quilt and price it up yourself.  When it is sold, 10% of the selling price will be given to the Heart of Kent Hospice.  If it doesn't sell, there will be no fee.

All quilts must be covered by your own insurance if required.  Quilts can be delivered to the show on the 27th July 2011.  Contact Sandra Rocco on 01634668580 for more details.

The best summer show around!

Happy New Year! This is where it all starts.

This is the 2011 Exhibit Entry Form.  Please feel free to print out as many copies as you need.  One form is required for each entry.  There is no charge for entering your exhibits.  Make a note of the entry deadline.  It is important that you get your entries in early to avoid disappointment.  There is a limit to how many quilts can be displayed and all entries will be on a first come first served basis.