Tavistock sewing business celebrates 20th appearance at major quilting festival
West Devon company Quilt Direct will showcase its sewing and quilting expertise at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, marking two decades of attending one of Europe’s largest craft events
A West Devon sewing and quilting business is set to appear at one of Europe’s biggest events for the craft later this month.
Quilt Direct, based at Pitts Cleave in Tavistock, will attend the Festival of Quilts at the NEC Birmingham from Thursday 30th July to Sunday 2nd August.
It will be the 20th time the company will be exhibiting at the event and will mark the largest stand the company has taken in several years, with special guests travelling from the USA to take part.
The event also marks a milestone for owner Katherine Letherby, who opened her first fabric and sewing shop on Paddon’s Row in Tavistock 40 years ago.
"We're thrilled to be exhibiting at the Festival of Quilts once again," she said. "It's the UK's premier quilting event, and a real high point in our calendar each year."
Representatives from sewing brands AccuQuilt, OESD and Quilter’s Rule will join the Quilt Direct team at the event, alongside demonstrations and workshops throughout the festival.
Katherine said this year’s focus would be on practical advice and live demonstrations.
"This year our focus is on live demonstrations and practical, real-life quilting help," she said.
"You’ll be able to stand right by the action, watch techniques step-by-step and ask all the questions you don’t always get to ask online."
The Festival of Quilts features quilt competitions, exhibitions, workshops, talks and displays from makers across the UK and beyond.
Quilt Direct supplies sewing and quilting products, including brands such as AccuQuilt, OESD, Quilter’s Rule and Bernina sewing machines.
The company also runs creative workshops and educational classes from its Tavistock studios.
Further information about the Festival of Quilts and Quilt Direct’s attendance is available from the company.