In need of a great day out? Then pencil in the Festival of Quilts 2011. For four days in August, 11 to 14th, the NEC in Birmingham will be transformed into textile heaven. The event is run in conjunction with the Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles, so you can expect nothing but the best…

The annual event has been running for eight years, and, as the largest quilting event in Europe, it promises unrivalled inspiration. There will be galleries featuring work from international artists and quilting groups, plus over 250 companies selling just about every patchwork and quilting supply you could ever want. Sturdy shopping bags are a must!

The Quilt Academy is one of the most popular areas of the show. With a programme of nearly 100 masterclasses, workshops and lectures, plus another 100 quick and easy workshops aimed at beginners, you can take part and learn a new skill or start from scratch. The full schedule of workshops is now available.

For full details of the workshops, events and to purchase tickets to the show, visit Twisted Thread’s Festival of Quilts 2011.