Birmingham Festival of Quilts—British Quilt Study Group

What a whirlwind two weeks it has been for Teri and me! We hit the ground running at the Birmingham Festival of Quilts and didn't stop until Teri hopped on a plane to return home. With all that activity behind us—trips to France, castles, and cathedrals—posting about the amazing quilts we saw at the quilt show is now possible. There were so many wonderful quilts, that it would be challenging to show them all in one post. Today's quilts are from the exhibit hosted by the British Quilt Study Group (BQSG), while some of the other quilts from the festival will have to wait for another time.

The BQSG began in 1998, and you can read more about their aim and purpose here. Of course, any time there is an exhibit of antique quilts, Teri and I make a beeline for it, and this one did not disappoint! Here is a gallery of just some of the splendid quilts from the past and a little information from the display about them.

Whole Cloth Quilts

Red wholecloth quilt, circa 1900.

Detail: red wholecloth quilt.

White wholecloth quilt, circa 1920-30.

Detail: white wholecloth quilt.

Blue wholecloth quilt, circa 1920-30
This quilt was quilted in the "Hawick Style," which included motifs such as thistle,
hearts with spiky-leafed centers, and daisies, 

The thistle motif.

Crazy Quilts

The level of detail in this crazy quilt is fantastic!
The Seward Wall Hanging, circa 1889
This quilt was made by an invalid, Emily Seward, who passed away at the age of 29.

Center with signature of maker.

Very detailed dancers.

The shading on the lions mane is perfect!

This quilt was a history lesson in and of itself!

 Crazy quilt, circa 1900
Made by Mrs. R. Ruttle

What a clever way to make this posy.

We can't wait to try these flowers!

Another spectacularly embroidered crazy quilt!

The maker of this quilt used the smallest scraps to create this masterpiece.

What a creative way to use a Log Cabin square.

Center medallion

Signature Quilt

Bratton Baptist Church Bazaar Coverlet, circa 1913
Made by the members of the church to raise funds.

Detail of a few of the 270 squares.

Patchwork Quilt

This patchwork quilt, circa 1800-20, is pieced with four different sizes of half-square triangles.

Some of the scraps in the center are from the late 18th century!

Finding out how to become a member

We had such a wonderful time examining these beautiful examples of Britain's quilt history. The members supporting the exhibit were so helpful and willing to share their knowledge and passion. Who made the quilt? What was going on in society at the time the quilt was made? How old is the quilt? Why were those fabrics used? These are just some of the questions asked by those whose research and dedication allows the stories of these quilts and others to be brought to light and shared with the world.

Do you have a passion for old quilts and their stories? No matter which side of the pond you live, there is a quilt study group for you. To join the British Quilt Study Group click here and to join the American Quilt Study Group click here.