Thirty-nine exhibitors prepared the 76 quilts on display.

This doesn’t include all the other works that made up the truly delightful presentation. There were traditional, appliqué, armish and foundation styles, a photo quilt, art and crazy style (that is its name apparently) examples displayed.

Perhaps a computer style sample was there too.

Even my husband came away in awe of the result.

There were so many aspects of quilting and stitchery presented.

Delicate, soft candlewick works on bedcover and cushions; bright, happy quilts that brought a smile; creative designs; geometric work both powerful and muted, the list could go on.

The bags were delightful while the workmanship on the sloppy-joes and T-shirts had to be admired.

All of this from our local members.

During the setting up I had wondered if it would ever come together.

Wooden frames wobbling, clashing colours and large piles of material among the women rushing around and husbands patiently climbing up and down tightening bolts and hanging works, only to take them down again at times.

One fellow patiently hung one site six times, and he still smiled.

So I left the disaster only to return a few hours later to wonderful site of space, light and easily viewed work with everyone having a cuppa.

They are an amazing bunch.

Two hand-made and obviously well-used works captured the imagination, a well-worn quilt made by American Indians in the 1930s and an antique work of unknown origins.

They are on loan to the centre for the display by Jan Worland.

Quilting has a very long history.

The Romans used padded quilted bedding, the Crusaders wore quilting under their chain mail for protection, quilts adorned Renaissance bedchambers and they were used in 15th century monasteries.

The Japanese had their own form of quilting where Chinese brocade was used to make elaborate padded robes for the warlords. A most honourable, historical skill.