Bumble Bee Quilting Blog
Corris Uchaf, Wales
I return
Jul 27th
I had a FAB holiday – surrounded by all my family either during the week or at the weekend. And also managed to catch up with some “old” friends, old as in longstanding NOT as in advancing years they’ll be no doubt pleased to hear.
Spent much of it in or by the swimmingpool and/or looking after my little granddaughter. A real pleasure which also allowed Mum, hubby and the elder girls to spend some quality time together.
So. I’m now back in the shop and there’s so much to do. Some work has been done in the past week – not to the standard or thoroughness I’d have liked to have seen – but beggars can’t be choosers and I am very much more experienced. So a sort of thanks to my nobbly assistant 
I’ve now managed to complete my second working day in the shop. Yesterday was a gradual re acclimatisation day, with many interesting and very welcome visitors to the shop. Just can’t help but be inspired by other people’s knowledge and enthusiasm.
Today, I’ve spent mainly looking at circular design and stitching techniques with a small class (of one other) – great fun.
I’ve still to complete the count of all the fat quarters returned from Carno – so glad to hear that they had a successful weekend, such a shame I had to miss it and the ladies this year.
So, the stock control is all over the place at the moment, I might get round to it tomorrow, but for now the Athletics bekons me towards the TV and an evening of sporting excellence (I hope)
Till, tomorrow then ….
My week in the shop
Jul 25th
Well, I have now completed my week in the shop covering for Jane’s holiday.
First off, I hope that she and her family had a brilliant week, and that they return fully refreshed and recharged.
Secondly, for those who have never run a small shop before Wowee it is hard work. And I did no designing or sewing or quilting as Jane would have done. I did cut some fabrics from the bolt into fat quarters and then bag them. I did label those bags until the label gun broke in my hand. I did deliver several boxes of fabrics to Carno. Else, I did little but for the visitors we had to the shop in Corris Uchaf.
Many Thanks to them, it would have been very lonely without them.
To all those who drove past wrapped up in rugs and blankets to escape the summer chill — drop in next time we have some very exclusive alternatives to said wraps in the form of quilts of all sizes.
For all those who have ordered from our online fabric shop here these will be dispatched tomorrow as I said in my confirmation emails.
All that remains for me to do now is to collect the unsold fabrics from Carno later today.
But, if you are in the northern part of Powys do not forget to visit Carno and/or Llanidloes for their quilting exhibitions – you will find, I’m sure, very few more agreeable ways of spending a Sunday.
Meanwhile, thanks again to all my visitors this week – till the next time, as Jane returns tomorrow so normal business and quilting restarts then.
Exhibitions Galore
Jul 24th
We are very lucky in our corner of rural Mid Wales in the northern parts of Powys. We currently have not one but two ongoing quilting exhibitions within relatively short distances of each other. There can be few places in the world so blessed.
Today is the penultimate day of Maldywn Quilters annual exhibition at the Community Centre in Carno. You’ll have to hurry however as it ends tomorrow (Sunday).
The summer exhibition at Llanidloes run by The Quilt Association continues throughout the summer in the Minerva Centre until 11-Sept-2010.
For all with an interest in craft, design, textiles and an abundance of skill and dedication then both of these events should be a must. Even if you are just caught short by the Welsh summer weather and merely want some respite from the “heat” with perhaps a cup of tea and a desire for inspiration then visit one or other or preferably both.
You’ll not regret meeting with some friendly people and quality quilters.
Maldwyn Quilters 2010
Jul 23rd
As you no doubt will recall this weekend sees the 2010 Maldwyn Quilters Exhibition and Workshop
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday at
The Community Centre
Carno
Powys
mid Wales
UK
Carno is situated somewhere near the midpoint perhaps between Newtown and Machynlleth
It promises to live up to its usual exceptional standard in terms of quilts showcased, the quality of the workshops on offer and the finesse and friendliness of all those involved. The quality of the tea and cakes goes without saying ….
If you are in mid Wales over this weekend, then do drop in, admire their works and relish in their exceptional hospitality – else join us in our quilt shop in Corris just north of Machynlleth
Holidays
Jul 18th
Yea — I’m going on my holiday tomorrow with my family for a break in the wilderness of Center Parks and then for a weekend with youngest at his home.
Really looking forward to it – an escape and a complete break.
Anyway, looking forward to the location, relaxing and being with my loved ones …. my assistant will be in the shop all week – so its almost business as usual. Be warned however, he cannot sew for a toffee. Otherwise he’ll try to do you justice, is enthusiastic and helpful …
Needlefelting will also open for you to enjoy your creativity with felt
I’ll still logon and update if I can – let me know of any problems ….
Byeeee — See You all in a week xxxxx
Picasa Web Albums – Bumble Bee Quilting
Jul 14th
After about 6 years of ummming and rrrrrrring – I have started to create an album of craft works that have been produced for the shop, and events that have happened ….
I am quite happy behind a camera – just not very good at actually getting it out and taking photographs. Must try harder
I shall keep putting up old photos as I find them – and taking new as well.
As a reminder to all our visitors, the needlefelting is always open when the shop is, although at times there might bee a short wee Q
So, drop by, be creative and have fun with felt – suitable for any and every level of experience (or not) and for most ages from small to senior ….
Picasa Web Albums – Bumble Bee Quilting.
Feel free to comment suitably …. and courses will resume shortly. If you have any course or workshop you want us to put on please feel free to contact us here.
Clothworks Fabric Collections – Celestial Dreams by Laurel Burch
Jul 9th
The new collection from Clothworks featuring fabrics from the world renowned design studio of Laurel Burch is due to be released in the Autumn of 2010.
As usual this is a self complementary series
If you want us to get any of these fabrics into the UK for you in the latter part of this year please let us here
This page showcases the designs in their usual vibrant colours and traditional intricate large scale motifs.
Clothworks Fabric Collections – Celestial Dreams by Laurel Burch.
BBC – Dolgellau – Sesiwn Fawr music festival downsizes for 2010
Jul 5th
BBC – Dolgellaus Sesiwn Fawr music festival downsizes for 2010.
First the good news – it seems that Sesiwn Fawr in Dolgellau is to continue.
Next the better news – it also seems as if the event is to revert to its roots = it will engage with local business and hostelries, and it will again be a fun event that almost every member of  any family can enjoy.
So, the 2010 event is to be broadly based on Jazz and Bluegrass with Folk, poetry and sports bulking it out. It will also showcase Welsh artistes allowing them to interact with a rather random summertime audience who otherwise would have little opportunity to see such acts.
Should therefore perhaps be a simpler and maybe more engaging event for both performer and viewer.
If you are in the area in mid July 2010 this event promises much for all the family to enjoy.
