Airing of the Quilts – Braidwood
It’s a sleepy little town
Not far from Canberra
Nestled amongst rolling hills
Secure in a time warp
Steeped in History
Braidwood, NSW
Each November
Patchwork quilts
Of every shade and hue
Are hung from iron lace rails
An airing of Australian quilts
Truly a sight to behold
The whole town
Enjoys the gathering
With markets, old car displays, open gardens,
Art exhibitions, rug displays
And quilts
Angels hang in St Bedes
Raphael stirs the waters
More quilts hang quiet
Making stained glass dowdy
Most quilts are cotton
Some crazy quilts are of embellished silks
But I am entranced by the Waggas
These are Woollen quilts
An Australian tradition
Sometimes the wool is in the piecing
Men’s fine suiting
Scottish tweeds
Sometimes woollen blankets
Are used as wadding between cotton layers
The market is busy
Alive with
Colour
Creativity
Anything to do with patchwork
Nothing to do with patchwork
We find a sheltered spot for lunch
Taking in the delights
Tasting fresh country produce
In fresh country air
As quilts flutter in sunny breezes
Many appreciate the hard work
That makes them
There are conversations
Stranger talks to stranger
Finding just one thing in common
They are strangers no more
Outside a shop
I linger over a rack
Where quilt tops hang
Made in another age
They await new homes
A new opportunity
To be joined with stitches
To make the finished comforter
Music drifts on the air
Buskers and Line dancers
Old showing the young how
Braidwood celebrates Tradition
I add a new hope
To my bucket list
Before I die
I’d love to see one of my quilts
Aired at Braidwood
Words and Photographs © Denise Stanford 2011
To find out more about ‘Airing of the Quilts’ at Braidwood,NSW click here
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Within the Vine 
Oh this conjures up some wonderful images …. loved it !!!!!!
You went i’m thinking – and lingered, – took in all the sights sounds and vision. Thanks for sharing it would make a a great advertisement!