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On Saturday 10 January the R-Space Gallery in Lisburn launched their latest exhibition, Colliding Forms. A collaborative project between ceramic artist Sandra Robinson and print artist Helen Lavery, the work marries the 2-D and the 3-D, with images printed on to ceramic pieces. The artists, both currently resident at the Spectrum Centre on Belfast’s Shankill Road, met in university and have wanted to work together for a number of years. This project was not only a fusion of artistic media, but a research-based study in combining historical techniques – such as traditional etching processes – with modern methods, including digital techniques. The exhibition itself has three distinct elements: Impact – wall-mounted ceramic boxes, many featuring figures Contact – ceramic columns, handprinted etchings using oxides and underglazes And finally, Fragments – pocket-sized shards of ceramic, featuring printed handmade etchings and various glazes It would also be all too easy to while away an afternoon rummaging and noseying through the trough of Fragments – each shard featuring different colours and textures, and an array of simplistic figurative etchings – they reminded me a little bit of cave drawings. The exhibition continues until the end of January, and the artists hope to incorporate as much public outreach as possible. There has already been a successful workshop working with techniques on metal plates – so keep an eye on the Facebook event page for more. #SandraRobinson #CollidingForms #HelenLaveryprint #SandarRobinsonceramics #HelenLavery #RSpaceLisburn #artexhibitionLisburn #Lisburnart #Lisburnartist #rspacegallerylisburn #exhibitionsinNorthernIreland

Art, cinema, marching, dancing – there’s no excuse to be bored this week. Enjoy! Lisnagarvey Art Society Exhibition Island Arts Centre, 25 – 29 Nov One of Northern Ireland’s longest running art collectives, the Lisnagarvey Art Society’s exhibitions are a visual demonstration of the variety of skills, media and subjects embraced by the group. From mixed media still life, to pencil and charcoal portraits, watercolour and oil landscapes, there’s something for everyone. All work is for sale, and prices always belie the true value of the pieces. The exhibition is on from 9.30am to 10pm every day in Gallery 2 of the Arts Centre. Second Chance Cinema Pop-Up Weekender Southbank Playhouse, Belfast, 28 – 30 Nov Supported by Film Hub NI and the Belfast Film Festival, this pop-up, independent cinema is offering a weekend of cool, eclectic films. From Northern Ireland shorts to David Lynch to documentaries, there’s a great choice in a superb little venue in the heart of South Belfast’s beloved Ormeau area. All films are free, but donations are welcome. Check out the programme below. Reclaim The Night March Leaving Writer’s Square, Belfast, 29 Nov, 7pm Part of the Amnesty-led 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, this march intends to add NI’s voice to an international outcry against street harassment and gender violence. It’s the first in what’s planned to be an annual Belfast event, so organisers want as many feet on the street as possible. All ages and genders welcome, and you’re encouraged to make banners and signs, and carry (safely!) something that lights up. There will be an all-ages after-party in The Hudson afterwards, with all who intend to purchase alcohol asked to bring I.D. Palookaville Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast, 29 Nov, 9.30pm The legendary BYO boogie-fest is back to “unleash the pre-Xmas beast”! Palookaville DJs Joe Lindsay and Paul McClean have recruited Iain Young, and these three Amigos will have you dancing so hard you won’t even notice December sneaking up on you. Tickets are now available online for a total price of £12.10 including booking fee. These events and everything else happening this week can be found in the What’s On calendar Got an event you’d like to see here? Get in touch: #niart #feminismbelfast #palookaville #secondchancecinema #islandartscentre #popupshopsbelfast #lisburngalleries #artinlisburn #artistsinnorthernireland #belfastnightlife #feminismnorthernireland #indyfilms #independentcinema #palookavilletickets #16daysofactivismagainstgenderviolence #northernirelandgalleries #lisburnartscentre #reclaimthenightbelfast #popupcinemabelfast #whatsoninbelfast #LisnagarveyArtSociety #indycinema #davidlynchfilms #amnestyinternational #palookavillebelfast

I’ve decided it’s time for a bit of a change at WOTW HQ. The very nature of the creative and cultural world dictates that some weeks you’ll find loads of things happening one night, while others are quiet, so I think a highlights list is more effective than attempting a day-by-day rundown. I’ve found I was leaving great things out of the guide as certain days were ‘full’, and searching, sometimes in vain, to fill other days. So this is my pick of what’s on this week – let me know what you think. World Press Photo Exhibition Elmwood Hall, Belfast, 18 – 23 Nov For the first time, this striking showcase of the world’s best photojournalism is coming to Northern Ireland. 150 winning images will be on display, chosen from over 98,000 entries to the World Press Photo Competition. From the albino boys in a boarding school for the blind in India, to survivors of the Haiyan typhoon forming a religious procession through an apocalyptic landscape, each powerful picture has a story to tell. There is also a full programme of educational events, delivered in partnership with the QUB School of Law, with all proceeds going to Tools For Solidarity. Between 9am and 11am entry to see the photographs is free; outside of those hours there’s a charge of £5/£4(conc). John Stanmeyer, VII for National Geographic CS Lewis Festival Belfast, 20 – 23 Nov One of Belfast’s most famous sons, and one of the world’s most famous writers – but did you know CS Lewis fought in WW1, taught at Cambridge and Oxford, and was a close friend of J.R.R. Tolkien? The second CS Lewis Festival celebrates the life of the man best-known for bringing to life the magical world of Narnia in his series of seven books. Festival highlights include the screening of documentary ‘The Man, The Myth and The Wardrobe’, a special Tenx9 event in East Belfast, and Young at Art‘s ‘CS Lewis Nearly True Tour’. There will also be talks, creative workshops, children’s events and screenings throughout, so check out the programme now. Lowden 40th Anniversary Concert Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast, 20 Nov World renowned artisan luthier George Lowden has been making guitars in Co. Down for 40 years. The operation started out as a one-man band, and expanded to today’s team of 20+ based in Downpatrick. This special event is a celebration of four decades of craftsmanship and music, and features a talk from George, a performance from new Lowden signature artist Jon Gomm, and the first performance of the Lowden Young Guitarist Of The Year Janet Noguera. Tickets are £20, available from The Crescent Arts Centre, and doors open at 7.30pm on the night. #LoveToSING Irelandwide, throughout November The latest in a series of ‘#LoveTo’ social media campaigns by Voluntary Arts Ireland, #LoveToSING invites you to share your voice with the world. During #LoveToDRAW and #LoveToDANCE, people shared pictures and messages expressing their love of creating pictures and moving to music, leaving their legacies both on the web (see below) and on a new wall in Derry~Londonderry. Follow the campaign on social media to share your pictures and thoughts – or even better, share a song! These events and lots more happening this week can be found in the What’s On calendar Got an event you’d like to see here? Get in touch: #JonGomm #LowdenGuitars #narnia #CSLewisFestival #thelionthewitchandthewardrobe #CSLewis #loveto #JanetNoguera #literaryfestival #lovetomake #GeorgeLowden #tenx9 #GeorgeLowdenGuitars #literaryfestivals #derryswalls #lovetodraw #londonderryswalls #LowdenYoungGuitaristofTheYear #themanthemythandthewardrobe #artsinireland #CrescentArtsCentre #voluntaryartsireland #lovetosing #lovetosing #singing #socialmediacampaign

What better time to bring back What’s On This Week than Hallowe’en? There are loads of spooky goings on, so take your pick. But don’t have nightmares…. Monday 27 October Derry ~ Londonderry Citywide, various venues and times (all week) Derry is well-known as a city that goes all out for Hallowe’en and this year is no exception. The festivities kicked off on Saturday and continue throughout the week. Highlights include zombie laser tag, the Chateau Le Fear house of horrors, the Nerve Centre Horror Week of films, and Grimm Tales for kids. Don’t miss Awakening the Walls – Citadel of Dreams by LUXe, a stunning walkthrough fiery masterpiece, and of course the City of Bones street parade and fireworks display on Hallowe’en night will draw the crowds. Visit the website for the full programme. Tuesday 28 October Armagh Hallowe’en Spooktacular, Armagh Planetarium, 6pm Tonight the Planetarium becomes the Planetscarium for a night of spooky arts and crafts, the Mr Bones body hunt, Twilight Rocket Launching and scary face painting. There are also two theatre shows, and it’s all for free, but make sure you book in advance by phoning 028 3752 3689. More details on the Planetarium website. Wednesday 29 October Belfast Magical Festival, Waterworks Park, 12pm – 4pm Street theatre, music and visual arts are just some of the free activities on offer at the Waterworks in the first of New Lodge Arts’ two-day Hallowe’en celebration for all the family. Take part in lantern making, and enjoy music, dance, and circus acts. There is no need to book tickets, just show up on the day and enjoy. For more information, check out the New Lodge Arts Facebook page. Thursday 30 October Belfast North Belfast Lantern Parade, departs Crumlin Road Gaol, 6.30pm One of Belfast’s seasonal highlights, the bright and colourful Lantern Parade leaves the Gaol and makes its way round to the Waterworks Park for the Magical Evening. Tickets are only £1 for the evening event and entertainment includes magical Performers, street theatre, circus acts, music, dance, a children’s UV disco, and fireworks. If you have made a lantern for the parade, just be at the Gaol for 6pm and you will get your wristband for the event in the park. See the New Lodge Arts Facebook page for more. Friday 31 October Lisburn Lisburn Zombie Apocalypse, Bow Street, 9pm At 9pm on Hallowe’en night, Lisburn will come alive with the undead. Over 200 will be searching the streets for braaaaaiins in Lisburn’s first ever Zombie Apocalypse and instigators Escape Lisburn would love to see hundreds more. So if you fancy joining the walking dead on All Hallow’s Eve – as a zombie, a make up artist or to document it as a photographer, blogger, journalist etc – zombie up and get down to Bow Street. Sign up on the Facebook event page. Belfast Sunglasses After Dark – Chamber of Chills Volume II, The Menagerie, 9pm Last year’s Chamber of Chills was a rip-roaring success, and this year the 50s/60s rockabilly knees-up promises more of the same. The mysterious Spectrejets (who could they be?) will serve a steaming slice of Cramps-inspired rock n’ roll, with the Astro Zombies back again for a smashing set of Danzig-era Misfits numbers. More details on the Facebook event page. Saturday 1 November Lisburn Purple Turnip Festival, Castle Gardens, 11am – 4pm This beloved seasonal family fun day is back and bigger than ever, with the Purple Turnip treasure hunt, creative workshops, a caricature artist, spot prizes, the Party Professor science display and lots more – all for free. Check out the Facebook event page for more. Lisburn Jonathan Harker and DRACULA, Island Arts Centre, 8pm This reimagining of Bram Stoker’s famous vampire tale features local actor and Hollyoaks star Gerard McCarthy in both of the title roles, alongside Kym Marsh, Jayne Wisener and Rachel Tucker in pre-filmed scenes as the Brides of Dracula. With a stunning musical score by Michael Dougherty, director Michael Poynor brings the bloody tale to life in an impressive solo show. Visit the Island Arts Centre website to book tickets (£16/£14 conc). These events and everything else happening this week can be found in the What’s On calendar Got an event you’d like to see here? Get in touch: #whatsonhalloweenirthernireland #zombiewalklisburn #armaghplanetarium #cityofbones #themenageriebelfast #escapelisburn #purpleturnipfestival #planetscarium #halloweenlisburn #halloweennorthernireland #lisburnsombieapocalypse #jonathanharkeranddracula #islandartscentrelisburn #northbelfastlanternparade #halloween #halloweenbelfast #sunglassesafterdark

I’m really excited to share my latest crafting project with you all! I have recently started a crafting social group in Lisburn called Sew Darn Crafty. Meeting in The Atlas Women’s Centre every other Tuesday evening for the time being (going weekly soon, all being well), it’s a small but growing group of crafters who meet up to enjoy a coffee and a chat with like-minded folks whilst working on their latest project. What I wanted this group to be – and already I see it happening – is a relaxed drop-in group for makers of all ability levels (including those who have never picked up a needle or yarn!). In our midst we have a professional crocheter who sells at St George’s Market, a jewellery maker who also dabbles in painting and batik, a couple of hobby crocheters, a learner knitter (that would be me!) and a craft newbie who has been getting to grips with making pompoms and even trying a bit of crochet! When I first rekindled my interest in crafting, I was intrigued by the ‘stitch and bitch’ groups that seemed to be popping up everywhere but was too scared to check one out. Was it OK to just show up? Should I bring anything with me? Would they be willing to help me learn, or would it just be a group of intimidatingly skilled people getting on with their own projects? So I just got on with it by myself, occasionally going to family and friends for help and advice, and learning wherever I could. I went on to take part in my first sewing bee, complete a dressmaking course, participate in a knitting workshop and host a crafting table at Culture Night. Doing these things cemented my feeling that progress in crafting – whilst it’s a hugely enjoyable solo pursuit also – is greatly enhanced by shared experience with other people who are making things. And Sew Darn Crafty was born – admittedly with a little gentle nudging from my very good friend and all-round creative enterpriser Amanda – founder of The Lisburn Creative Collective and events company Extravaga! As well as being a place for people who can already knit, sew or crochet, Sew Darn Crafty is a friendly group that welcomes anyone who wants to come along and have a go at some of these things for the first time. There are always a few balls of yarn and crochet and knitting needles available, as well as a friendly face who’ll get you started on something. My own experiences have made me keen to make this group newbie-friendly, but it’s not a class, so don’t expect structured tuition or the undivided attention of a ‘teacher’ all night. However, if you are keen for a little guidance and support from others in a chilled and friendly group, I think you’ll love Sew Darn Crafty. I already do! As the group grows, we will be looking at the occasional workshop, class or joint project to provide some focused craft activities and tuition, so stay tuned. The next meet up is a week today, Tuesday 28 October, Tuesday 4 November, after half term, at 6.15pm. All you need is £1 for the room, 50p if you want to grab a tea or coffee at the halfway point and any materials or projects you want to bring with you to work on. There’s also free wifi so feel free to bring your smartphone or tablet if you want to use the web to help with what you’re making. Give the Facebook page a ‘like’ to stay up to date, and hopefully we’ll see you there! #learntosew #knittingclass #craftgrouplisburn #learntocrochet #theatlaswomenscentre #craftinggroupnorthernireland #sewingbee #sewingclass #sewdarncrafty #learntoknit #atlascentrelisburn #extravaga #knittinggroup #lisburncreativecollective

I’m really excited to share my latest crafting project with you all! I have recently started a crafting social group in Lisburn called Sew Darn Crafty. Meeting in The Atlas Women’s Centre every other Tuesday evening for the time being (going weekly soon, all being well), it’s a small but growing group of crafters who meet up to enjoy a coffee and a chat with like-minded folks whilst working on their latest project. What I wanted this group to be – and already I see it happening – is a relaxed drop-in group for makers of all ability levels (including those who have never picked up a needle or yarn!). In our midst we have a professional crocheter who sells at St George’s Market, a jewellery maker who also dabbles in painting and batik, a couple of hobby crocheters, a learner knitter (that would be me!) and a craft newbie who has been getting to grips with making pompoms and even trying a bit of crochet! When I first rekindled my interest in crafting, I was intrigued by the ‘stitch and bitch’ groups that seemed to be popping up everywhere but was too scared to check one out. Was it OK to just show up? Should I bring anything with me? Would they be willing to help me learn, or would it just be a group of intimidatingly skilled people getting on with their own projects? So I just got on with it by myself, occasionally going to family and friends for help and advice, and learning wherever I could. I went on to take part in my first sewing bee, complete a dressmaking course, participate in a knitting workshop and host a crafting table at Culture Night. Doing these things cemented my feeling that progress in crafting – whilst it’s a hugely enjoyable solo pursuit also – is greatly enhanced by shared experience with other people who are making things. And Sew Darn Crafty was born – admittedly with a little gentle nudging from my very good friend and all-round creative enterpriser Amanda – founder of The Lisburn Creative Collective and events company Extravaga! As well as being a place for people who can already knit, sew or crochet, Sew Darn Crafty is a friendly group that welcomes anyone who wants to come along and have a go at some of these things for the first time. There are always a few balls of yarn and crochet and knitting needles available, as well as a friendly face who’ll get you started on something. My own experiences have made me keen to make this group newbie-friendly, but it’s not a class, so don’t expect structured tuition or the undivided attention of a ‘teacher’ all night. However, if you are keen for a little guidance and support from others in a chilled and friendly group, I think you’ll love Sew Darn Crafty. I already do! This slideshow requires JavaScript. As the group grows, we will be looking at the occasional workshop, class or joint project to provide some focused craft activities and tuition, so stay tuned. The next meet up is a week today, Tuesday 28 October, Tuesday 4 November, after half term, at 6.15pm. All you need is £1 for the room, 50p if you want to grab a tea or coffee at the halfway point and any materials or projects you want to bring with you to work on. There’s also free wifi so feel free to bring your smartphone or tablet if you want to use the web to help with what you’re making. Give the Facebook page a ‘like’ to stay up to date, and hopefully we’ll see you there! #learntosew #knittingclass #craftgrouplisburn #learntocrochet #theatlaswomenscentre #craftinggroupnorthernireland #sewingbee #sewingclass #sewdarncrafty #learntoknit #atlascentrelisburn #extravaga #knittinggroup #lisburncreativecollective

Well, The Patchwork Quill didn’t pick up any gongs at the Blog Awards Ireland bash on 4 October, but it honestly didn’t take the shine off attending a cracking awards night as a finalist. My boyfriend Andy and I travelled down to Kildare for the bash, and stayed at a wonderful B&B called Lotus Lodge. If you are ever in the area, we highly recommend this as a place to stay – stunning countryside surroundings, great prices, and if I had to give an award for Best B&B Host in Ireland, Mary Murray would win without a doubt. Welcoming, laid-back and helpful, she was also kind enough to allow us to overstay our welcome until 1pm on Sunday. After the party we attended, we really needed that lie-in before the drive back to Lisburn, so thank you, Mary! The night got off to a good start before we even reached the Westgrove Hotel – we got chatting to the taxi driver taking us there, and not only was he an artist, he was learning guitar and just happened to have a stunning American Fender Stratocaster in the boot. As you do! Well, Andy ‘Guitarbuckle’ Arbuckle never misses a chance to play a bit of blues… Thanks to John from Maynooth Cabs for sending us in to the hotel with smiles on our faces! I embraced the ceremony’s 1980s theme with a brashly-coloured dress and lots of black lace. Here we are posing for photographer Damien Carroll of Cearbhuil Studios with some well-chosen 80s props! The drinks reception was great fun, featuring free booze from Vanguard Beer Collective, as well as retro game favourites such as Giant Connect Four. Before long, we were shown in to the awards ceremony room – look how many people were there to celebrate the best in Irish blogging! The thought of getting up on stage in front of them all turned my fishnet-clad knees to jelly, so to be honest, there was relief as well as disappointment when I didn’t win my categories! The hopeful finalists before the ceremony. The thought of walking up here turned my knees to jelly! I loved the cassette tape table centrepieces. So creative! There were ten awards announced before the starter of the three-course meal – two of them being my categories! At least I didn’t have long to wait before the suspense was released, and the winners of my categories were two truly excellent sites. Alan Bennett’s HeadStuff won Best Arts and Culture Blog, and EvinOK took the award for the Best Craft Blog. Please check them out – two great blogs. We really enjoyed having a few drinks and a bit of craic with Alan after the awards as well; a lovely guy as well as a great blogger! With the stressful part of the night over early, I was able to let my hair down and enjoy myself – between hilarious awards host Bunny, free wine on the table (hic!) and the cracking 80s-themed interval entertainment, the party atmosphere was sizzling from the word go, right until the lights went up on the cheesy 80s-disco after-party. We were also lucky enough to share our table with three wonderful bloggers – Danielle of LilliWhiteRose, Nicholle who writes Beauty, Lifestyle, Ramblings with Nicholle (both ladies pictured below) and Paula Nolan of Paula Nolan Photography, who was there with her lovely hubby, Malachy. Nicholle and Paula were also finalists (Beauty and Photography categories respectively) – sadly neither of these talented bloggers walked away with an award either, but at least we were all losers together, eh girls? (Robbed we were, ROBBED!) This slideshow requires JavaScript. I also loved getting the chance to chat to Ruth of gorgeous style blog Willow Lane, whom I haven’t seen since we went to the same Brownies pack in Lisburn many moons ago (true story!). She and her friend Carolyn were also finalists (Lifestyle and Beauty respectively). Looking around at my fellow runners-up, I realised I was in pretty good company, so I genuinely mean it when I say that not winning didn’t dampen my mood at all. If I’m considered to be anywhere near on a par with these finalists, then I must be doing something right. Thanks so much also to Blog Awards Ireland organisers, Amanda Webb and Lorna Sixsmith, for making this great night happen. There is a big fashion and beauty bloggers’ community here in Northern Ireland, but for someone like me whose blog is a bit of a mixed bag, this was the first chance I’ve had to meet other people who use their free time to write about and photograph the things they love. It was brilliant. Thank you also, again, to all of you who have read and supported The Patchwork Quill – I hope next year I’ll bring you back an award! Check out the winners here! #irishfashionblog #paulanolanphotography #lilliwhiterose #irishbeautyblog #craftblogireland #irishcraftblog #headstuffie #lotuslodgebampbkildare #lifestyleblogireland #westgrovehotelkildare #beautylifestyleramblingnicholle #beautyblogireland #willowlaneblog #headstuff #irishblogawards #BlogAwardsIreland #CearbhuilStudios #maynoothcabs #evinok #irishbloggers #foreverscarlet

Well, The Patchwork Quill didn’t pick up any gongs at the Blog Awards Ireland bash on 4 October, but it honestly didn’t take the shine off attending a cracking awards night as a finalist. My boyfriend Andy and I travelled down to Kildare for the bash, and stayed at a wonderful B&B called Lotus Lodge. If you are ever in the area, we highly recommend this as a place to stay – stunning countryside surroundings, great prices, and if I had to give an award for Best B&B Host in Ireland, Mary Murray would win without a doubt. Welcoming, laid-back and helpful, she was also kind enough to allow us to overstay our welcome until 1pm on Sunday. After the party we attended, we really needed that lie-in before the drive back to Lisburn, so thank you, Mary! The night got off to a good start before we even reached the Westgrove Hotel – we got chatting to the taxi driver taking us there, and not only was he an artist, he was learning guitar and just happened to have a stunning American Fender Stratocaster in the boot. As you do! Well, Andy ‘Guitarbuckle’ Arbuckle never misses a chance to play a bit of blues… Thanks to John from Maynooth Cabs for sending us in to the hotel with smiles on our faces! I embraced the ceremony’s 1980s theme with a brashly-coloured dress and lots of black lace. Here we are posing for photographer Damien Carroll of Cearbhuil Studios with some well-chosen 80s props! The drinks reception was great fun, featuring free booze from Vanguard Beer Collective, as well as retro game favourites such as Giant Connect Four. Before long, we were shown in to the awards ceremony room – look how many people were there to celebrate the best in Irish blogging! The thought of getting up on stage in front of them all turned my fishnet-clad knees to jelly, so to be honest, there was relief as well as disappointment when I didn’t win my categories! There were ten awards announced before the starter of the three-course meal – two of them being my categories! At least I didn’t have long to wait before the suspense was released, and the winners of my categories were two truly excellent sites. Alan Bennett’s HeadStuff won Best Arts and Culture Blog, and EvinOK took the award for the Best Craft Blog. Please check them out – two great blogs. We really enjoyed having a few drinks and a bit of craic with Alan after the awards as well; a lovely guy as well as a great blogger! With the stressful part of the night over early, I was able to let my hair down and enjoy myself – between hilarious awards host Bunny, free wine on the table (hic!) and the cracking 80s-themed interval entertainment, the party atmosphere was sizzling from the word go, right until the lights went up on the cheesy 80s-disco after-party. We were also lucky enough to share our table with three wonderful bloggers – Danielle of LilliWhiteRose, Nicholle who writes Beauty, Lifestyle, Ramblings with Nicholle (both ladies pictured below) and Paula Nolan of Paula Nolan Photography, who was there with her lovely hubby, Malachy. Nicholle and Paula were also finalists (Beauty and Photography categories respectively) – sadly neither of these talented bloggers walked away with an award either, but at least we were all losers together, eh girls? (Robbed we were, ROBBED!) I also loved getting the chance to chat to Ruth of gorgeous style blog Willow Lane, whom I haven’t seen since we went to the same Brownies pack in Lisburn many moons ago (true story!). She and her friend Carolyn were also finalists (Lifestyle and Beauty respectively). Looking around at my fellow runners-up, I realised I was in pretty good company, so I genuinely mean it when I say that not winning didn’t dampen my mood at all. If I’m considered to be anywhere near on a par with these finalists, then I must be doing something right. Thanks so much also to Blog Awards Ireland organisers, Amanda Webb and Lorna Sixsmith, for making this great night happen. There is a big fashion and beauty bloggers’ community here in Northern Ireland, but for someone like me whose blog is a bit of a mixed bag, this was the first chance I’ve had to meet other people who use their free time to write about and photograph the things they love. It was brilliant. Thank you also, again, to all of you who have read and supported The Patchwork Quill – I hope next year I’ll bring you back an award! Check out the winners here! #irishfashionblog #paulanolanphotography #lilliwhiterose #irishbeautyblog #craftblogireland #irishcraftblog #headstuffie #creativity #lotuslodgebampbkildare #lifestyleblogireland #westgrovehotelkildare #beautylifestyleramblingnicholle #beautyblogireland #willowlaneblog #headstuff #irishblogawards #BlogAwardsIreland #CearbhuilStudios #maynoothcabs #evinok #irishbloggers #foreverscarlet

Finally, here it is – the PQ post about Culture Night Lisburn! I’m sorry it’s a fortnight after the event, but what with the beautiful madness of the night, excited preparations for the Blog Awards Ireland ceremony and a stress-tastic couple of weeks in my new day job, I am, quite frankly, a husk of a woman. But a contented husk! Thank you so much to everyone who made the Patchwork Quill Culture Night Lisburn pop-up at R-Space the great success it was. Culture My lovely other half, Andy ‘Guitarbuckle’ Arbuckle and his fellow singer-songwriter-guitarist Tom Harper entertained Culture Night visitors throughout R-Space, holding little pop-up performances in the courtyard outside, as well as the gallery. Crafting Our little craft table was buzzing with people for the full two hours we were there, and this literally couldn’t have happened without the hard work of Kylah Dittmar, with thanks also to our mutual friend Pol Douglas for putting us in touch. She manned the craft table throughout the night while I was on the blogging station, expertly guiding our visitors in knitting, sewing, and pom-pom making. Thank you so much to everyone who came down and took part – we had lots of young people and their parents in attendance, so hopefully we’ve both sparked and rekindled a love of crafting for a few families out there. Creativity Throughout the day, I had my own ‘roving Quills’ out and about – namely SERC HNC PhotoGraphics students Sam Shirlow and Glen Quigley. I was so lucky to have such talented photographers working for the Quill on this great day – thank you so much to tutor Stephen Wilson for coordinating the collaboration. They captured some wonderful images of the festivities in Castle Gardens – here are my favourites. Black and white pics by Sam Shirlow and colour by Glen Quigley. It seems that most of Lisburn ended Culture Night in The Favourite Bar for Johnny Vans‘ album launch and open mic night – deservedly won by singing group The Menopausal Mamas, who were outstanding. It was wonderful to see a bar in the heart of Lisburn full of people, buzzing with music, laughter and craic. Let’s have more of it, please! With huge thanks to Stephen Wallace of Hibernia Landscapes for the use of the following photographs. Please visit his blog post for his full photo coverage of Culture Night Lisburn 2014 in its entirety. #menopausalmamas #hibernialandscapes #culturenightlisburn #guitarbuckle #lisburnnightlife #thefavouritebarlisburn #andyarbuckle #rspacegallerylisburn #stephenwallace #culturenight

On Friday 19 September, ten minutes before I was due to head out to set up the Patchwork Quill pop up for Culture Night Lisburn (post to follow soon, I PROMISE!), I received the wonderful news that the PQ has made it through to the finals of the Blog Awards Ireland! My screams sent my poor boyfriend leaping from the sofa downstairs – he thought I must either be grappling with an intruder or stemming the blood from a mortal wound… I’m in the running now for the Best Arts and Culture Blog as well as the Best Craft Blog. By default, I’m also in the Best Blog category, which will go to the site that picks up the most awards in their categories. Huge, fat, heartfelt thanks go out to each of you, my readers, who have read, followed and supported the blog – especially those of you who took the time to vote for me in the Best Blog Post category. I didn’t make it through the top ten but I made it to number 33 out of 186 nominated blog posts so I don’t think that’s too shabby! Thank you so much also to the Blog Awards Ireland judges for putting me through. I’m completely delighted and whether or not I win, being chosen as a finalist is such an honour. Next stop, the Westgrove Hotel in Clane, Co. Kildare for the awards ceremony on Saturday! I have my ticket, I’ve booked my accommodation – now stay tuned to see if the PQ gets to pop any champagne corks… #bestcraftblog #irishbloggerawards #kildare #westgrovehotel #bloggerawards #awardwinningblogs #irishblogawards #BlogAwardsIreland #bestartsandcultureblog #Ireland #bestblogpost #blogawards

On Friday 19 September, ten minutes before I was due to head out to set up the Patchwork Quill pop up for Culture Night Lisburn (post to follow soon, I PROMISE!), I received the wonderful news that the PQ has made it through to the finals of the Blog Awards Ireland! My screams sent my poor boyfriend leaping from the sofa downstairs – he thought I must either be grappling with an intruder or stemming the blood from a mortal wound… I’m in the running now for the Best Arts and Culture Blog as well as the Best Craft Blog. By default, I’m also in the Best Blog category, which will go to the site that picks up the most awards in their categories. Huge, fat, heartfelt thanks go out to each of you, my readers, who have read, followed and supported the blog – especially those of you who took the time to vote for me in the Best Blog Post category. I didn’t make it through the top ten but I made it to number 33 out of 186 nominated blog posts so I don’t think that’s too shabby! Thank you so much also to the Blog Awards Ireland judges for putting me through. I’m completely delighted and whether or not I win, being chosen as a finalist is such an honour. Next stop, the Westgrove Hotel in Clane, Co. Kildare for the awards ceremony on Saturday! I have my ticket, I’ve booked my accommodation – now stay tuned to see if the PQ gets to pop any champagne corks… #bestcraftblog #irishbloggerawards #kildare #westgrovehotel #bloggerawards #awardwinningblogs #irishblogawards #BlogAwardsIreland #bestartsandcultureblog #Ireland #bestblogpost #blogawards

I am delighted to announce that this year The Patchwork Quill will be participating in Culture Night Lisburn! Culture Night is now only one week away, and on the night the PQ is hosting a pop-up, celebrating culture, crafting and creativity, in the R-Space Gallery between 6.30 and 8.30pm. My other half and super-talented singer-songwriter and guitarist Guitarbuckle (AKA Andy Arbuckle) will be treating us all to an eclectic mix of music on the acoustic guitar. Visit our drop-in craft corner and have a go at making something to take away with you. Learn how to knit or crochet, make a little pom-pom bug or a piece of origami – just a selection of the things you can try your hand at. There will be hot drinks, sweet treats and maybe a little tipple or two for the adults. Creativity Editor-in-chief and founder of The Patchwork Quill (that would be moi!) will be at the Blogging Station ready to advise any new or wannabe bloggers. My knowledge is by no means exhaustive, but I’ve learned a lot in the three years since I started the Quill, so I’ll talk you through the basics and answer any questions I can. Get some first-hand experience of blogging on the night too – I want to get you involved! Share your experience of Culture Night so far, be photographed and interviewed for a special version of the PQ Q&A, or be a roving Quill with your own assignment to file! For the more musically-minded, Guitarbuckle is bringing an extra guitar and offering drop-in lessons for anyone keen to learn, or polish up their chords. Also, he’s not averse to an impromptu jamming session if you can already play! It’s only the second year of Culture Night in Lisburn and already it has grown, with so much to see and do. Check out the programme and come see Lisburn the way it should always be! #blogging #learntocrochet #cnb14 #culturenightlisburn #guitarbuckle #learnorigami #bloggingworkshop #culturenightbelfast #learntoknit #andyarbuckle #bloggingtips #blogadvice #crafting #CNL14 #howtostartablog #culturenight #craft