Quilts at the V and A and conscience at the Houses of Parliament

A day of contrasts. First to the V and A for the " Quilts 1700 - 2010" exhibition. This exhibition has been the subject of much debate on the quilting blogs and chat groups as the V and A does not seem to have involved the UK quilting guild, The Quilters' Guild in any of the organisation.

The exhibition is well worth a visit, even to non-quilters, as these textiles are rarely on display. The fabrics in the early pieces are startling for the contemporary feel of the prints on the fabrics. The photo opposite, from the V and A site, shows the quilt that intrigued me the most. It is exquisitely pieced, but then there is the central motif plonked on top of existing piecing, very asymmetrically. If I visit again, I will hire the commentary, in case there is a comment on this piece.

After this, off to the Houses of Parliament to attend the mass lobby to try to get changes to the libel law. It was very gratifying to see that the committee room assigned had to be changed to a larger one, and that a good number of MPs attended the meeting. Simon Singh also spoke, despite becoming a father for the first time 3 days ago. Do support this cause if you can as this is such an important issue.