Cowslip

Today we have been on a trip. Every year we hire a coach and go to Cornwall for the day. More to the point, we go to a tiny portion of Cornwall called Launceston. First we start at Cowslip Workshops at Newhouse Farm, St. Stephens.

Cowslip is the brainchild of the lovely Jo Colwill. It is set on a working dairy farm and is in the most idyllic setting. Not only do you get a fabulous exhibition,but there is the well stocked shop and a wonderful cafe. All the food is locally sourced, organic and cooked on the large Aga. On a good sunny day you can sit out in the garden and have refreshments. It was a little wet today but it didn't spoil a thing. Jo herself is a kind and gentle soul and so inspirational. Everywhere you look has her style stamped on the place - even the loo's.



This is the entrance to the shop. It is packed to the rafters with such pretty fabrics and everything you could possibly need. It is not very big but every inch of space is filled and with our party today it was busy.



This entry leads to the gallery on the left and the loo's on the right and up the garden path to the cafe.



The seat outside the shop has this amazing view of Launceston Castle and the town nestling below it. We have been there on a sunny day and seen the buzzards swooping around. With such wonderful views how can you not be inspired?



There are lots of little nooks and crannies filled with pots of pretty flowers. Jo must have done this one especially for me. Love the pink pot.



We had two exhibitions to look at today. The quilts in the barn were by Charlotte Yde and contemporary, with printed images and lots of machine quilting. I apologise but I didn't take any photo's.

The quilts in the gallery were by Jo's students and most of these quilts were made showcasing the fabulous Rouenneries fabrics. I am sure you will agree that this range by Moda has been very popular. I didn't take any names so cannot tell you who made which quilt. Apologies for this.



This Toile quilt was my favourite and I could have taken this one home with me. Sue Watters from I Sew Quilts is running a workshop at Cowslip on Toile Medallions which I believe is fully booked. Having seen what is on offer I am not surprised. I don't know who made this quilt. Sue may know and tell me.



Beautiful Log Cabin quilt, simply quilted with hearts in the centres and big stitch quilting.



This little cot quilt was adorable, again simply quilted with big stitches with a floral motif. Jo does Country Style so well.

Once we have had lunch we head back into Laubceston town where we visit Flowerpatch Quilters and The West Country Embroiderer's exhibitions. More photo's but maybe for another day.



On a final note, a few nights ago we had a lovely sunset. All the clouds turned a fluffy pink.



Of course today I had to buy a few things. You will understand that I am supporting the local economy. My bag was the smallest though. Honest.

For all you ladies planning a trip to the UK this HAS to be on your destination list. When you get there tell Jo that I sent you.

Happy Stitching.
Love Shirley.