Phil shows she’s no quitter

QUILTER Phil Langford, of Patchwork Paradise, is staging a patchwork and craft exhibition on SaturdayQuilter

PHIL Langford feared her dreams had gone up in smoke when a Shaw shopping centre burned down.

She had gone into partnership in her patchwork and quilting shop in Greenway arcade in April, 2009 — only eight months before it was gutted.

But she bounced back to open Patchwork Parade in Russell Street, Chadderton the following September - and is now organising her first annual large-scale craft fair.

The event, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall from 10am-3pm on Saturday, will feature displays by the Canalside Quilters from Uppermill and the Piecemakers Quilters from Delph and an exhibition by the Patchwork Parade doll club, and trade and charity stalls.

The popularity of craftworking was demonstrated when famous American quilter Ricky Tims visited the Queen Elizabeth Hall last year on an international tour.

That was also organised by 57-year-old Phil, who explained: “After the success of Ricky Tims I thought I’d go for it. It’s a fantastic venue for an event like this.”

“We don’t have anything on this scale in this area at all so I have taken a gamble and organised the event myself. It is a huge risk but I’m confident it will pay off.”

Tickets are £2.50, with free parking for up to three hours. Contact Patchwork Parade on 0161-633 5900.