Wales' stunning annual outdoor quilts exhibition
Quilts in Cae Hir
Our next exhibition will be on Sunday 29th and Bank Holiday Monday 30th of August 2021, from 10am to 5pm. Please scroll down for more information on next year's event, past winners and to download the entry form if you would like to join in!
An enchanting exhibition...
...unusual, beautiful, fun
Every year during the August Bank Holiday, Cae Hir Gardens are turned into a most unusual exhibition space - quilts sent in from around Wales and beyond hang out in the fresh air, tickled by the breeze, kissed by the sun and yes, sometimes washed by a shower of rain.
The many colours of these beautiful works of art and craftsmanship glisten and explode as they catch the sun from different angles and come alive in the gentle Welsh wind. Amid the rustle of leaves, the vibrant shades of late summer flowers, the birdsong and the buzz of the insects it is truly an enchanting, captivating exhibition.
An added element of fun to what is a very relaxed, joyful event is that all visitors are able to choose their three favourites in both categories (see below), resulting in much discussion and debate between friends and family members as they enjoy some retail therapy in the marquee or something delicious from the tearoom! The visitors choice top 3 (both categories) are then awarded some wonderful prizes.
Quilts in Cae Hir 2021, what you need to know...
The Open Competition
Quilts in Cae Hir is intended to be a fun, relaxed event without too many rules, which is why we have our 'Open Competition' where anything goes. Any size*, any shape, any style. Hand or machine pieced, appliqued, embroidered or quilted. You may have made your quilt years ago or recently - it doesn't matter! Maybe your aunt or grandmother made a quilt which has been sitting in the bottom of your wardrobe or in the attic for years - why not give it the light of day, an airing (quite literally!), some well deserved attention?! You may be a novice and a little nervous to show off your hard work - don't be! At Quilts in Cae Hir you can hang your quilt without fear of harsh judgement, just simple appreciation for your hard work.
*Up to a 6' (72") drop, as hanging anything bigger in the garden can be problematic!
The Themed Small Quilt Competition
We know that some quilters enjoy working to a theme - it gets their inspiration flowing. If you are one of those then this is the competition for you! The only rule is to keep the quilt no larger than 2' x 2'.
The theme for 2021 is 'Eisteddfod', in celebration of the Welsh National Eisteddfod taking place in our local town of Tregaron in 2021 (also postponed from 2020). You can choose any Eisteddfod as inspiration - the Urdd Eisteddfod, The National Eisteddfod, The Llangollen International Eisteddfod, your local school or community eisteddfod or even the infamous 'Eisteddfod Dwl' enjoyed in community halls across Wales.
Think poetry, singing, national costumes, history, traditions, Welsh language, Hedd Wyn, the chairing ceremony, the 'Maes'...