September 2015 - Page 2 of 2

I was so excited to see this piece – The Tower of Babel – displayed at the V&A. Consisting of 3000 bone china shops (each around 10 cm high), this exhibit by the artist Barnaby Barford, went on public view just a few days ago. I love the way each tiny shop represents a real shop in London and that you can buy one of them too! I have to confess I have bought one or two.
Each is glazed with a photograph of a shop spanning everything from derelict shops to buildings like Harrods. I would recommend you visit it soon – the crowds were building whilst we were there today. You can get up close to the ‘shops’ – which is your favourite?

I hope you get a chance to see it. The exhibition is on until 1st November 2015.

My appreciation for art quilts has grown in recent years. When I first started quilting 22 years ago, my work was focused on the accuracy of the cutting and piecing, and in making sure all those points matched. My materials were 100% cotton everything – threads, wadding and fabric – and all I made were heirloom quilts. Since joining the Embroiderers Guild, I have been introduced to new materials, new ideas and a love of experimenting. I love creating texture in my work and adore mixing velvet and silk with cotton, then overlaying it with threads and even more stitch.
The Art Quilts this year were stunning.