Did you know that the quilters' fair is the longest running craft festival that takes place at Farnham Maltings? Now in its 28th year, the fair will once again welcome independent fabric sellers, local quilting guilds and hundreds of enthusiastic crafters looking for bargain quilting notions and specialist equipment.

Ahead of the fair, we spoke to the fair's programmer, Caroline Pearce, about the popular appeal of our January festival for all things quilting and patchwork.

Whether you have been quilting all your life or are looking to take up something a little more crafty in the new year, the quilters' fair has something for everyone. This year there will be over 30 independent textile and haberdashery businesses exhibiting in our curated marketplace with plenty of fabric packs and accessories available to browse through. Long-time favourites Fabrics Galore and Lady Sew and Sew will be exhibiting, whilst The Quilt Shop come all the way from Wales bringing their selection of notions and bolt ends. Alongside these, new to the show for 2024 The Stitching Post and Rescued Threads join the line-up offering books, materials and even quilting retreats in the Sussex countryside! You can find out more about all the exhibitors here.

Whilst the marketplace takes up all of our downstairs spaces, upstairs you will find nine quilting groups and local guilds presenting the work that they have created over the year and will be on hand to chat about all things quilting and hoping to sign up a few new members!

Quilting is a craft and hobby which is being increasingly taken up by young people and we are delighted that the Young Quilters group will be running free 'make and take' sessions throughout the day. The sessions are for children and young adults 5-18 years where you can make a hanging bird or a mug rug and all participate will receive free membership to the Young Quilters.

Farnham Maltings supports a Ukrainian quilters group who will be presenting on the day and are looking for the support of the quilting community. They are seeking donations of patchwork fabrics of 100% cotton for hand stitching. They will be located in the South West Kiln and would be grateful for any donations.

We are looking forward to bringing together the quilting community once again to stock up on all the fabrics for your 2024 projects.