TextileArts news and re:views

rare quilts on show at Forge Mill

A unique and fascinating collection of rare British and American vintage quilts are currently on display at Forge Mill Needle Museum, Redditch.

The exhibition includes examples from the 1800s to Victorian times and American quilts from the 1830s to the Civil War period and beyond. It shows many varieties of quilts and quilting techniques and shares some of the unusual stories and histories behind the making of them, including an Edwardian 'convalescent' quilt made by men.

Jo-Anne Gloger, Keeper of Collections at Forge Mill, said:

This exhibition is a real treat for anybody who has an interest in quilts.

The exhibition runs until Sunday, May 27th. For more details, call Forge Mill Needle Museum on (01527) 62509. Museum information and opening times are on the Forge Mill web site

In April and May 2007 there's a chance to study hand stitching with well known tutors Jenny Bullen and Kay Dennis, and gain a City & Guilds qualification.

Courses in Stitched Textiles (Hand Embroidery) with Jenny, and Stitched Textiles (Stumpwork) with Kay, are being offered by the Embroiderers' Guild at Hampton Court Palace. The five-day courses lead to the City & Guilds Level One Certificate in Design and Craft. Participants will also be able to enjoy seeing wonderful examples of hand embroidery and stumpwork from the Guild's extensive Museum Collection.

The Hand Embroidery course dates are 30 April - 4 May; Stumpwork runs from 21 - 25 May. The fee for a five-day course is £195. You can find out more on the Embroiderers' Guild website, or contact Lynn Szygenda on 020 8943 1229 (ext 30).