In the middle of September I spent a few days at the Carrefour Européen Patchwork (former “EPM” from European Patchwork Meeting) in Val d’Argent, southeast of Strasbourg. I can’t recall exactly how many times I had been there before, nevertheless it was a ‘first’ for me this time: now that is the place where EQA-meetings take place and the EQA challenge premieres (which used to be in Birmingham at FoQ). The other EQA representatives had already made their first appearance there last year, but I had not been able to go.
It had been difficult for me to arrange for a few days off from work for the festival when talking to the superior in spring. When I had the confirmation that I would be able to go I booked train tickets right away, counting on those days as the maximum, because, well, I had been told I could not be spared at work and really I should be grateful that I was to go at all... That made for a rather tight schedule in terms of how much time I would have to see the exhibitions, which is always a part of my duty as a writer for the German Guild’s magazine – and when the ork wschedule for September was published, I was rather surprised that I had one additional day off before and after what I had asked for. But the tickets couldn’t be changed anymore, and it took me a while to get over being a bit pissed off about that. Had I known, I would of course have booked differently and given me a bit more time and leisure to look in detail, make time to meet and chat with more friends. As it was, I felt a bit rushed all the days I was there.
It also took me a bit of time to get used to the – for me – new situation with accomodation as well, not in the valley, as I had been used to when going there with friends from Patchwork Gilde, but in Sélestat, depending on the shuttle. In the end I adapted and although I may travel differently next year – car? Bring a bike? Stay on the campground? – I had a wonderful few days even though they were packed.
It won’t be possible to give justice to all the wonderful exhibitions on display at this anniversary edition, and I won’t even try. But I loved meeting the Australians.
Short chat with Lorena Uriarte, whose works I have been admiring for a long time. 
And a chat with Tara Glastonbury, I love her bold colors and modern designs. 
So much fun to re-meet with Helen Beaven from New Zealand,
I had first met her in Wellington 10 years ago.
Seeing SAQA’s “Color in Context: Blue”.
A quilt about a child with autism and special needs.
And being involved in EQA’s display of the annual challenge with this year’s topic of “Contrast”. Already hanging it was fun, but stewarding the show was even more satisfying because you could take time to look at the over 400 pieces in more detail. I kept discovering new elements of interest.
We had the annual AGM for EQA and I am now the treasurer for EQA.
Secretary Mary Hunter from Ireland, chair Marleen Verhuisen from Belgium, and me
And we decided on the next topic for the 2026 EQA challenge, which gave me a host of ideas as to possibilities for contributing a quilt this time as well, besides doing all the organizational work that comes with my position of International Representative. I didn’t keep track, but I must have come up with at least ten different ideas while we were having our Saturday-evening dinner. However, each participant is allowed only one entry, I will have to make up my mind. And find the time for making it to begin with…
Spiders are not considered part of the group of insects,
but when a spider is wrapping up another insect, that would
qualify as inspiration, don't you think?
I loved Ulla Hoppe's exhibition of her embroideries, and especially her self-portrait:
And I finally remembered to take some selfies with friends, but they are not my forte, alas.
Looking forward to coming back next year, hopefully with a little bit more time at my hands.
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