After months of planning, cutting and excitement, the finally day came. The sun shone and we arrived early at the beautiful Mells Barn to hang the bunting, set up the sewing machines and lay the craft tables ready to welcome all the ladies to the event. Even the Cows came to say hello.
Once everyone had received their Millie Moon bag containing their 'Speed Crafting Makes' and taken a seat at a crafting table, the day started with a welcome talk by Kelly Hall from PAC. She explained the role and importance of the charity and the reason why we were all there. After a brief explanation of the days events, the Mayor of Frome, Pippa Goldfinger, rang the bell and we were off.
"Ready Steady SEW!"
The speed crafting had begun and so off they went, sewing, gluing, folding, pinning, cutting...
As each project finished, the bell would ring and a game of musical chairs began as the ladies moved to the next table to create again. Bows, pincushions, christmas decorations in felt, paper and ceramics, jewellery, yo-yos...
A total of 80 ladies completed a total of 640 craft projects in one day! Unbelievable.
We had a fantastic lunch provided by the Walled Garden at Mells, a great informative talk by Lyndsey Mayhew from Mollie Makes magazine, more speed crafting and then a talk by local illustrator and designer Carol Tratt had everyone laughing. Afternoon tea and cake was needed to keep sugar levels up as the Jelly roll Race was about to commence.
Four teams of ladies raced through the Jelly rolls and we had 4 finished quilt tops in under an hour. Incredible but addictive... and maybe a little competitive?
All fabric for the Jelly roll race was supplied by MODA
The raffle was by far the best raffle we have ever seen. Prizes donated by so many local businesses, Vita interiors, Bramble and Wild, Marmalade yarns, Edamay, all the tutors and from EQS, COATS and MODA. Fabric, Jelly rolls, Coat, Bags, kits, cushions, subscriptions to mollie makes and simple things magazines and much much more. The raffle raised over £500
From tickets Sales we raised a whopping £2000, with the raffle and the selling of the quilt tops from the Jelly roll race the total is now £2522!
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| Millie, Dee and Julie... Superstars in the Kitchen |
We cannot thank everyone enough for their help and support. From the tutors and volunteers who gave up their time and expertise, Kelly, The Mayor, the speakers,The Walled Garden, the businesses who sponsored and gave raffle prizes, Sue who supplied the cutlery at very short notice, the speakers and of course to everyone who bought a ticket. Without you the create would not have been so great.
Thank you and for those of you asking already...
Maybe next year??? Keep your eyes peels and get practising those Jelly Rolls races....
Rachel and Becki xxx
(Finally, apologies if we have missed anyone from the thank you's. So many of you were part of an amazing day, we have been totally overwhelmed by your support and your generosity and for the fabulous feedback we have received)
About the Tutors:
Gaynor Ringland - Gingergirl
Vickie Piper - Fromemaid http://www.fromemaid.com
Angela Lai Yen - Little studio red http://angelalaiyen.blogspot.co.uk
Emma and Jane - Dufflebobble http://dufflebobble.blogspot.co.uk
Caroline Frances Payne - Quilter
Jo Luckstead - Ceramicist http://jolucksted.com
Alexandra and Anna - Make me a Dress http://makemeadress.blogspot.co.uk
Anne Baillie Smith - Designer and Maker
Please respect the tutors who gave up their time, skills and creativity and be so kind as to not reproduce the patterns for commercial purposes
