Pupils at a Harrogate school are celebrating after being crowned 'top of the quilts' at an internationally-renowned crafting event.
Harrogate pupils come out on top at international crafting event Pupils at a Harrogate school are celebrating after being crowned ‘top of the quilts’ at an internationally-renowned crafting event. Children in Years 5 and Year 6 at independent prep school Belmont Grosvenor took first prize with their colourful 5ft x 4ft quilt at the annual Festival of Quilts held at the NEC in Birmingham. The children’s entry beat off tough competition in the Primary Schools category of the prestigious competition to take the title. Crafters from across Europe and beyond travel to the annual event, described as Europe’s ultimate quilting destination. Belmont Grosvenor School is in the village of Birstwith, near Harrogate, and welcomes children from three months to 11 years. Year 6 teacher and Art and DT co-ordinator Mrs Gillian Furniss said she, and all the children, were delighted with the win:
“I was so impressed by the all the pupils and the perseverance they showed in completing this quilt. "The children did more quilting on this particular entry than any of our pupils have done in previous quilts. And their hard work certainly paid off."[caption id="attachment_81674" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Belmont Grosvenor pupils.[/caption] Pupils at ‘outstanding’ Belmont Grosvenor School have been entering the annual quilting competition in Birmingham for almost 10 years. It is the third time a group of Year 5 and 6 pupils have won the Primary School category. The children create their quilt during art and DT lessons throughout the summer term, with a view to it being completed in plenty of time to enter into the NEC event. Each square of the winning quilt, entitled ‘All About Me’, was designed and sewn by hand by the pupils and represented their current interests and hobbies, and what they want to do when they grow up. The colourful quilt shows musicians, scientists, IT specialists, sportsmen and women and astronauts. Festival of Quilt judges described the BGS quilt as ‘stunning’ and added:
"This quilt clearly displays the joy of making. "Thank you for entering this excellent quilt, well done!"As well as picking up a trophy and a certificate to display in school, the giant winning BGS quilt will now travel the country for others to see, with it making a guest appearance at the Knitting and Stitching Shows in London in October and Harrogate in November. Independent prep school Belmont Grosvenor is set in 20-acres of grounds at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, and welcomes boys and girls from three months to 11 years. For more information or to book a tour visit: www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk or call 01423 771029. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.