As the Knitting & Stitching Show returns to the RDS, Dublin, from 30 October to 2 November, Irish Country Living will also be there to launch our latest quilting series and offer readers a free, exclusive pattern.

It’s been over two years since our popular Quilt of Memories project with craft guru Rosaleen Dwyer, so we thought it was time to return with a new challenge to get those fingers itching to stitch.

Rosaleen’s colourful Over The Rainbow quilt won first prize at the Tinahely Show in 2013 and is a 10-week project that includes popular quilting blocks such as the Dresden Plate, Drunkard’s Path and much more. It’s a great way to use up scrap material, but, more importantly, it’s easy to personalise with appliqué, making it the perfect gift for a special someone.

The project will be launched in the next edition of Irish Country Living, which hits shelves on Thursday 30 October, but the actual award-winning quilt will be on display at The Knitting & Stitching Show to inspire readers to take up the challenge.

Visitors to the Irish Country Living stand will also be able to pick up a free pattern designed by crafts writer Cliona Byrne. Clodagh’s Closet is a cute and quick project inspired by old-fashioned paper dolls, and will make a perfect handmade gift for Christmas.

Over 25,000 visitors are expected to travel to the RDS, with highlights including the first Irish PicKnit, 116 hours of workshops, ranging from embellishing bed linen to sewing a vintage clutch bag, installations including the 1913 Lockout Tapestry, designed by Cathy Henderson and artist Robert Ballagh, and more than 200 retailers offering specialist supplies and hard-to-find craft materials.

You will find Irish Country Living at stand D48 at the show, while readers will also be able to avail of concessions with €2 off tickets by quoting IFJ14* (valid on adult tickets, €1 off concessions, until Wednesday 29 October 12pm.) See advert below for details or visitwww.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/Dublin. For more, follow on Twitter @KnitStitchRDS #KnitnStitch. CL