The Festival of Quilts is always a highlight of our year, and 2025 was no exception. Set against the buzzing backdrop of the NEC Birmingham, this year’s show brought a joyful mix of connection, creativity, and celebration. From unforgettable conversations and inspiring exhibitions to hands-on swaps and sofa chats, we’re leaving with full hearts and even fuller inspiration boards!
Our new stand at H41 became a welcoming hub of activity, where makers of all backgrounds came to browse threads, explore collections, and share their stitching stories. We loved seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones, all brought together by a shared love for thread and the art of making. Here’s a look back at some of our favourite moments.
Menopause Makes Lounge
New for 2025, we proudly partnered with Jenni Smith & Kay Walsh to co-host the Menopause Makes Lounge, a calming and creative space designed to launch Jenni and Kay’s powerful new book and coordinating Aurifil thread collection.
It was a true celebration of community, filled with heartfelt conversations, moments of laughter and joy. Visitors were invited to take a break, have a chat, and engage in mindful stitching, all while learning more about the ways creativity can support well-being through life’s transitions.
Jo Avery’s Solo Exhibition: Journey to the Centre of a Quilter
We were honoured to witness Aurifil Designer Jo Avery’s breathtaking solo exhibition, Journey to the Centre of a Quilter. Each quilt was a testament to Jo’s boundless creativity, masterful technique, and deep love for storytelling through fabric and thread.
From her signature curves and bold colour palettes to the intricate handwork and beautifully textured quilting, every piece highlighted the versatility of Aurifil threads and left us feeling inspired, energised, and in absolute awe of her artistry.
What made it even more special? Glancing across the aisle to see her gallery space continuously buzzing with attendees, all drawn in by the vibrant beauty of her work. It was pure joy, and we were so thrilled to witness Jo’s remarkable achievements come to life on such a well-deserved stage.
Stamp Swaps with Sarah Ashford
A true highlight of the weekend? The fabric stamp frenzy led by the ever-wonderful Sarah Ashford! Festival-goers showed up in full force, clutching their handmade fabric “stamps” to swap with others – exchanging colour, pattern, and tiny pieces of personal story in one joyful flurry of creativity.
This vibrant activity was all about play, connection, and a dash of old-school postal charm. But what made it truly magical was seeing so many participants arrive with their very own Stamp Stations, beautifully crafted storage books that Sarah had designed and launched as a sew along ahead of the show. It was incredible to see those pre-show projects brought to life, lovingly filled with stamps collected from new friends and fellow makers.
It was a celebration of community spirit, stitched storytelling, and the kind of creative spark that stays with you long after the show ends. Who knew a pocket full of fabric could hold so much possibility?
Aurifil Designers, Artisans, & Industry Friends
We were thrilled to connect with some of our favourite Aurifil Designers and Artisans throughout the show. Sally Kelly and Chris English brought the bold beauty of their collaborative 12wt collection to life. They joined us on our sofas to chat about how they came together to collaborate on their new Aurifil Thread collection.
We were delighted to have Aurifil Designers Karen Lewis and Edyta Sitar stop by the stand during the show. Both took time out of their busy schedules to chat, connect, and pose with their beautiful Aurifil thread collections. It’s always such a joy to catch up in person with the brilliant minds behind the creations we love!
From Clive of We Sew Too giving Kay a masterclass in fan-wafting, to Kate from The Last Homely House swapping her iconic lime green sofa for ours – these were the joyful, unexpected moments that made the weekend extra special.
Kate took time to chat with fans, catch up with us, and share a quick moment of thread talk about her beloved Aurifil collection and her deep love for the show.
We also loved seeing familiar friends from across the industry, including the always-colourful Alice Caroline. Michele Muska from Oliso also took time to sit down with Jenni for a deeper conversation in the Lounge, a powerful reminder of the strength, support, and shared passion within our global stitching community.
And of course, one of the greatest highlights – meeting some of our incredible Aurifil Artisans and Aurifilosophers in person. We work so closely with them throughout the year, and it’s always such a joy to connect face-to-face and celebrate their creativity in real life.
Quilts made with Aurifil at the Show
One of the true highlights of Festival is seeing our threads woven into the stories of your quilts. This year’s show was a vibrant celebration of creativity, filled with pieces that featured Aurifil in every imaginable way – hand quilted, machine stitched, appliquéd, embroidered, and more.
From competition entries to gallery showcases and workshop samples, it was a joy to witness how makers from around the world bring our threads to life with such artistry and heart. We’re endlessly grateful to every creator who chooses Aurifil to help tell their story, one stitch at a time.
Scroll through the gallery below and take a quiet moment to soak in the beauty, like wandering the show floor all over again, one quilt at a time.
Traditional Quilt Category
Nobody’s Garden But Mine ~ by Bronwen Coles @bronners2
Aurifil Thread used: Cotton 50wt for piecing and quilting
Modern Quilt Category
Raspberry Pi ~ by Kate Sandford @katemustsew
Aurifil Thread used: Cotton Forty3 and Cotton 50wt for piecing
Going Tula Mad ~ by Anna Marshall @madewithmadness
Aurifil Thread used: Cotton 50wt 2000 for quilting and mixed colours in 50wt to piece and bind.
Perspicuous ~ by Kate Sandford @katemustsew
Aurifil Thread used: Cotton Forty3 for quilting, Cotton 50wt for piecing
Offset II ~ by Sophie Zaugg @lunalovequilts
Aurifil Threads used: Quilting – Cotton 40wt in different colours
Contemporary Quilt Category
Blomma II ~ by Yasmeen Branton @sand.and.stars
All the Llama Drama ~ by Rachel Johnston @starfishandpearlquilts
Aurifil Threads used: 2535, 1133, 2860,1320 and 4020 for piecing and machine quilting
(Different brands for the hand-quilted parts)
Smoot ~ by Kate Sandford @katemustsew
For The Joy Of Sharing Category
I’d Rather Be Just Quilting, But Can’t Stay Quiet ~ by Carina Envoldsen-Harris @carinacraftblog
Aurifil Thread used: Cotton 50wt 3852
Art Quilt Category
Block Party ~ by Kelly Cheesley @kellyfairy
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 50wt for piecing and quilting
Two Person Quilt Category
Gather and Sew ~ by Lou Orth and Cath Brough @louorthdesigns
Flora Opulence ~ by Frances Woodgate and Caitriona Mackle @flowstudiodesigns
Group Quilt Category
Make Time ~ by British Sew-a-Row @thecraftynomadfleet
Aurifil Thread used: Quilted with Cotton 50wt 2310
Novice Quilt Category
My First Quilt ~ by Shelley-Louisa Colton and Graham Farrar (long arm) @shelburyuk
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 50wt 2600
Pictorial Quilt Category
Brigid Brings the Spring ~ by Lena Pugachova @lena.pugachova
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 50wt
Quilt Creations Category
WINNER OF THE QUILTS CREATIONS CATEGORY!
Wear Your Wings With Pride ~ by Matt Wilding @mattwilding
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 40wt and Cotton 50wt in 15 colours!
Until Next Year…
Now that we’re home and reflecting on an incredible few days, we’re holding on to the conversations, the creativity, and the community spirit that make The Festival of Quilts so special. To everyone who visited our stand, swapped fabric, shared their work, or simply stopped to say hello, thank you. You made this year truly unforgettable.
Until 2026… keep stitching, keep sharing, and keep making magic with Aurifil.
The green apron on display, do you know where to get the pattern.🌸