Patchwork in a pub

Patchwork, a pub and theatre - what's not to like?!  A new theatre venue has recently opened in Leicester - in a room over a pub!  'Upstairs at the Western' is a fringe venue with lots of new work and thought-provoking performances.  When I saw that a show called 'Patchwork Lives', a work where a character called Quilter told women's stories was to visit the venue, I asked whether we could 'fly the flag' and have a Project Linus sewing afternoon there, before watching the play.  The venue and company were very supportive, so on Thursday, seven of us took sewing machines and fabric, and set up in the lounge bar of the pub!

We made ourselves at home and hung quilts from the picture rails, covering the pictures and signs!

 

 

We had decided to make log cabin blocks, so I hung the Blue Peter over the dart board, and off we went!  Lesley kindly voluteered to iron - sorry, press - and she was kept very busy.

 

 

Muriel kindly agreed to put together our 'Easy Street' blocks, and she did a fabulous job.

 

 

Here are Julie and Maria choosing logs for their cabins.  

 

 

Here you can see 'Easy Street' laid out for Muriel, and a young quilter, Sarah, who had brought her own fabric to make into a quilt.  I asked if she had ever used a sewing machine before.  'Yes,' she said.  'When was that?' said her incredulous mum.  'At grandma's,' said Sarah.  Thank goodness for grandmas, say I!  She did a great job and made some 4-patches, which she joined and bordered.  I gave her mum instructions for making it into a cushion, and another quilter was born!  

 

 

I'm just checking that everyone is on track - and they were!

 

 

Paula and Eileen had a great time and made several blocks.

 

Here Sarah, myself and the front of house manager for the show are playing with blocks and making different patterns - my favourite part!  We had several other visitors, some of whom sewed and some who watched.  All were welcome.  Then we had something to eat and watched the show.  A great time was had by all, so thank you The Western, Off the Fence productions, visitors and my lovely Linus ladies!  When are we doing it again?