See You at Festival of Quilts 2026!

If you’re attending the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham this summer, be sure to add a special Riley Blake Designs event to your schedule!

From July 30 through August 2, 2026, the Festival of Quilts returns to Birmingham, UK, bringing together quilters, textile artists, designers, and makers from around the world for Europe’s premier patchwork and quilting event. With inspiring exhibitions, world-class quilting displays, shopping, workshops, and lectures, it’s a celebration of creativity you won’t want to miss.

We’re excited to share that Riley Blake Designs Creative Director Cindy Cloward will be attending the event and presenting a fascinating lecture that combines quilting, design, literature, and iconic British art.

Turning British Classics into Quilting Fabric

Thursday, July 30, 2026
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
CS1 Theatre

Join Cindy Cloward and special guest Holly Marler, Design Director of Cath Kidston, for an exclusive trunk show and lecture exploring how beloved British classics have been transformed into beautiful quilting fabrics and projects.

During the presentation, Cindy and Holly will take attendees behind the scenes of two remarkable creative journeys:

• The timeless world of Beatrix Potter and the process of translating her cherished illustrations into quilting fabrics and quilts.
• The story behind the 250th Anniversary Jane Austen Quilt, including insights into reproducing fabrics from Jane Austen’s original coverlet quilt.

Attendees will enjoy a presentation filled with beautiful imagery, design inspiration, storytelling, and stunning quilts that celebrate some of Britain’s most beloved literary and artistic treasures. Holly will also share unique perspectives on the design legacy of Cath Kidston and the creative process behind bringing classic artwork into modern fabric collections.

As an added bonus, the first attendees to arrive will receive a limited-edition Cath Kidston needle minder while supplies last.

Visit Riley Blake Designs at Festival of Quilts

In addition to Cindy’s lecture, Riley Blake Designs will have an exhibitor booth throughout the event. Be sure to stop by to see the latest fabric collections, projects, and inspiration, meet members of the Riley Blake team, and say hello if you’re attending.

Whether you’re passionate about quilting, fabric design, literary history, or simply love seeing the creative process behind your favorite collections, this presentation promises to be a memorable highlight of the show.

We hope to see many of our UK and European quilting friends there!

Event Details at a Glance

Festival of Quilts
July 30 – August 2, 2026
Birmingham, United Kingdom

Lecture: Turning British Classics into Quilting Fabric
Presenter: Cindy Cloward, Riley Blake Designs
Special Guest: Holly Marler, Design Director of Cath Kidston
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Time: 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: CS1 Theatre

For additional event information and registration details, visit the Festival of Quilts website.

We can’t wait to share this special celebration of quilting, storytelling, and design with you!