30th April 2020
Hello,
Thank you Jane F for your contribution from the 27th. I haven't heard much from anyone all week, you must be making something! PLEASE send in photos - of unfinished work if you like, it will be really good if when we all meet again that we are not strangers... Evelyn sent me a lovely email this week, recommending I look at Giles Brandreth: A couple of years ago I read about a talk and subsequent book which he gave entitled "The 7 secrets to happiness" - I love it, especially "be a leaf on a tree". https://www.gylesbrandreth.net/blog/2019/1/21/for-blue-monday-the-7-secrets-of-happiness It's not so easy to be a leaf in these times, but let's all make an effort to keep some leaves on the MQ tree. Shirley has sent in a photo of her Luna Lapin (with friend Badger)
I have put it in the 'Luna Gallery' further down the page Just thought I would send a picture of Luna and her friend the badger. These were made before lockdown. Have been busy sewing a big bag with lots of pockets in side as well as scrubs caps and masks. Shirley |
I've also heard from Janet W; Sue P recruited her to make a set of scrubs...
I was pleased to be able to help by making a set of scrubs. I haven’t done any dressmaking for about 25 years so dusted off the brain. Horrid fabric I thought and wouldn’t want it next to my skin. I just hope they were acceptable. Every time I think to look at Quilting in Quarantine I’m amazed at the items there. Well done to you and all the MQ members. I’ve made a couple more table mats for a friend’s birthday - reasonably easy to post and this evening I shall be making a Pom Pom for a knitted hat! John and I walk each day after breakfast and have managed 100 miles since lockdown began. It’s not working off the cakes I keep making though.... Keep well, Janet |
I hope you're all enjoying The Great British Sewing Bee our MQ TV critic June hasn't sent in recommendations this week so instead of the telly how about viewing the V&A's Quilting and Patchwork Collection? Click button below.
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24th April 2020
From Lou
"The lockdown has given me time to do lots of sewing. I would never usually have such an abundance of time to enjoy stitching! I've finished my Kate Finlay owl, made lots of scrub caps and masks for the hospital and a care home, created a rainbow for my window & am very sowly working through my extremely long list of UFOs.....The William Morris quilt top had been on the pile for over a year. I'll admit there are many that have been lurking a lot longer!"
From Anne
Hello,
I still have no idea about which MQ members are visiting Q in Q , as you can see from above Lou found us last week, I love her owl.
I don't know how you are getting on with the jigsaws I hope someone out there likes them - here is Lou's Owl.
I still have no idea about which MQ members are visiting Q in Q , as you can see from above Lou found us last week, I love her owl.
I don't know how you are getting on with the jigsaws I hope someone out there likes them - here is Lou's Owl.
Did you know you don't have to do the puzzle blind? If you click on the funny spooky face icon in the bottom left corner a 'ghost' picture is put in the background. Click the icons next to it too for other options.
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Scrubs
Sue P has organised some sewing for those of us who live within walking distance; Sue, Elaine, Marion and I have made scrubs! The fabric (curtain lining) was already cut out and the pattern instructions were easy to follow. I am a poor dressmaker and my set of scrubs would definitely not win a prize. However, I was pleased with how they looked when I had finished them, I occasionally wore scrubs when I was a working nurse (usually because something despicable had happened to my uniform) and the ones I made were better than any I have worn. I hope they will find a needy nurse soon.
Sue is delivering the scrubs to the organiser this afternoon, we don't know if we will be asked to make any more. If anyone else is interested let me know and I'll try and link you in if they do want more.
Sue is delivering the scrubs to the organiser this afternoon, we don't know if we will be asked to make any more. If anyone else is interested let me know and I'll try and link you in if they do want more.
Ripping tales
According to our cancelled programme we should have been talking about our favourite gadgets this month. Not quite my favourite but certainly my most used is my seam ripper! I have six so that I can always find one because I always need one! I saw a YouTube video yesterday showing how to use the seam ripper; I have six and I'm always reaching for it and yet apparently I'm doing it all wrong! If you're interested click below...
I do hope you are all healthy and coping well, keep in touch.
Anne
Anne
21st April 2020
From Evelyn
Evelyn has recommended Kathy Scmitz's website, there are some lovely things to make on there; some free, some for not much money. Do take a look.
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Also from Evelyn, two things to make us smile:
Damien Hirst has created two new artworks in response to the coronavirus.
One is to raise money for charity and the other is to raise spirits |
And a funny YouTube video
From June
What to Watch this week....
2I just thought MQ members might like to know Kirsty Allsopp -' Keep Crafting and Carry On' starts 5pm tomorrow 20/4/20 Channel 4 and new series of 'the Sewing bee' starts Wed 22/4/20 @ 9pm after the fabulous 'The Repair Shop' at 8pm both on BBC 1," Sorry I'm late in posting this from June, the 'Keep Crafting and Carry on' series is on every day this week and I'm sure you will find it on Channel 4 Catch-up - Anne |
Many thanks to Jane F for writing the latest newsletter I had forgotten we were due to have a meeting, I shall be posting my favourite gadgets very soon... and my thank you cards, as to the concertina book i'm still awaiting inspiration!
Anne
Anne
From Quilters' Guild
Following the launch of Liberty's Winterbourne quilting fabric range, Liberty and EQS have kindly allowed us to share the FREE pattern to make the Winterbourne Quilt Project quilt top. All you need to do is click on the photo below to download a PDF copy of the quilt pattern. The pattern is also available free from Liberty's website. |
From Evelyn
Last week in Quilters in Quarantine a link was a to the "Love and Hugs from Australia" Facebook page. Well today is the penultimate day with Kathy Doughty's block . Here is the link again. I am sending it particularly as Kathy has written the most beautiful explanation relating to her thoughts during this difficult time and thought you might like to read it too. https://www.facebook.com/groups/557658171771760/
I'm sure we all feel the same. Evelyn.x |
I love to hold a needle in my hand ! The first of these photos is a Kathy Schmitz design "Still of the NIght" which I completed a couple of weeks ago before moving on to the two turquoise blocks which are part of Rosalie Quinlan's "Simply Blessed" wall hanging (just another 7 to go!).
From Jenny P
Having made just one of the season quilts last year, I decided to make a few others with numbers for my grandson. I finally finished them and turned them into a wall hanging for him a few weeks ago. It is now hanging above his bed. Not up to the standard of other peoples but I was quite pleased!
Jenny I love it, the cherries look good enough to eat!
Anne |
From Julia
Time for the girls.
I'm normally a social girl
I love to meet my mates But lately with the virus here We can't go out the gates. You see, we are the 'oldies' now We need to stay inside If they haven't seen us for a while They'll think we've upped and died. They'll never know the things we did Before we got this old There wasn't any Facebook So not everything was told. We may seem sweet old ladies Who would never be uncouth But we grew up in the 60s - If you only knew the truth! There was sex and drugs and rock 'n roll The pill and miniskirts We smoked, we drank, we partied And were quite outrageous flirts. Then we settled down, got married And turned into someone's mum, Somebody's wife, then nana, Who on earth did we become? We didn't mind the change of pace Because our lives were full But to bury us before we're dead Is like a red rag to a bull! |
So here you find me stuck inside
For 4 weeks, maybe more I finally found myself again Then I had to close the door! It didn't really bother me I'd while away the hour I'd bake for all the family But I've got no flaming flour! Now Netflix is just wonderful I like a gutsy thriller I'm swooning over Idris Or some random sexy killer. At least I've got a stash of booze For when I'm being idle There's wine and whiskey, even gin If I'm feeling suicidal! So let's all drink to lockdown To recovery and health And hope this awful virus Doesn't decimate our wealth. We'll all get through the crisis And be back to join our mates Just hoping I'm not far too wide To fit through the flaming gates! Pam Ayres
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15th April. Please look at the Member's Newsletter page for the latest Jottings from Jane F.
14th April
From June
Here's my finished Easter Project - from a pattern calle Katie Cornpecker (had the pattern over 10 years) - Meet my new pal in quarantine, she's been named Henrietta. I made her from my left over pieces of fabric and some off-cuts of wadding.
Henrietta has found a great place to roost for the time being - on the shelf under the record player , however I've been advised that once quarantine is over and record shops are open again she'll have to fly the coop! I have made the most of the weather - tidying up my pots on the patio now the bulbs have gone over, starting to grow basil,parsley,chives,dill,lettuce and sweet peas from seed. |
Knit Nurse
For the knitters among you here is a Nurse/Doctor doll to knit.
Look for the Download button at the top right of the page
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Please keep sending me photos and stories of what you are sewing.
Stay safe and healthy
Anne
Stay safe and healthy
Anne
11th April
"All the seasons are happy for the person who carries happiness within...Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine... Life is full of Blessings!"
From Elaine
Evelyn kindly told us of the "Love and Hugs from Australia" free patterns, but it set me wondering if our native quilting community have anything to offer. Well there is something: Google "keepcalmbrithop", and you will reach the website of TheCraftyNomad. There you will find a list of quilters offering patterns etc. I did not find it easy to find each quilters contribution, but you will surely discover some previously unfamiliar sites.
Meanwhile I am sewing a tote bag like Anne's! Coincidentally I had spotted this pattern about 3 weeks ago, so when Bluprint offered free online classes I could not resist. And then Anne posted her lovely bags! Anne, I confess to copying your fussy-cut flower idea. I'm posting a WIP photo so that I will feel committed to finishing!
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From Anne
I have heard from Brenda, here are the editied highlights:
"I am really doing quite well. Worse problem to date has been to leave hot cross buns off my shopping list so I don’t know what day it is.
I have been having MQ meetings on the phone. I Chat frequently with Kate and Vanesssa. I also am in contact with myTewkesbury Solos Group. I wish I was a more enthusiastic cook I always enjoy eating out but now I am running out of ideas.
My dear granddaughter is keeping me fed daily with videos of my two little great grandsons . They give me impetus to see me through the rough bits. How lucky we are to have our sewing.... a good place to hide when needed. I hope it won’t be too long before the upturn arrives........I’m bored."
"I am really doing quite well. Worse problem to date has been to leave hot cross buns off my shopping list so I don’t know what day it is.
I have been having MQ meetings on the phone. I Chat frequently with Kate and Vanesssa. I also am in contact with myTewkesbury Solos Group. I wish I was a more enthusiastic cook I always enjoy eating out but now I am running out of ideas.
My dear granddaughter is keeping me fed daily with videos of my two little great grandsons . They give me impetus to see me through the rough bits. How lucky we are to have our sewing.... a good place to hide when needed. I hope it won’t be too long before the upturn arrives........I’m bored."
Kassia St Clair
Kassia St Clair is booked to speak to us at MQ on 19th November (all fingers crossed!); I have subscribed to her newsletter since I put the programme on the website in December. Today I recieved the latest newsletter, I am not able to provide a link but do look at her website and if you like what you see subscribe to the newsletter. it is full of fascinating things.
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MQ India Jigsaw
I have made a jigsaw for you! It has only 100 pieces so it won't take you long to complete.
If you like it I'll make you another................ |
National theatre at Home
Jane Eyre
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This weeks National Theatre at Home production is Jane Eyre, a colaboration from The Bristol Old Vic
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Free Patterns
Here are two free pattern links, one from Lynette Anderson and one from Janet Clare.
Scroll down the page and click below picture to download pattern.
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Biscuiteers Ice-olation
8th April
From Anne
I am Julia's papergirl!
We are lucky to have a well stocked corner shop just across the road from our house; I visit early each morning and buy a newspaper for Julia, then Roy and I take our daily exercise (2.5 miles round trip) by walking to Julia's; once there I put the paper through the letterbox and stand well back. Julia who is listening out for us then opens the door and we have a chat! I've taken to sitting on a stone ledge to rest my legs. We don't have a lot of news because not much happens but it's lovely to have a daily catch up.
Today Julia came out with her latest creation and placed it where I could take a photo. It's a kind of holly bush, which makes a great backdrop for the photos but a bit prickly for me! Here it is below, what very carefully fussy cut pieces.
We are lucky to have a well stocked corner shop just across the road from our house; I visit early each morning and buy a newspaper for Julia, then Roy and I take our daily exercise (2.5 miles round trip) by walking to Julia's; once there I put the paper through the letterbox and stand well back. Julia who is listening out for us then opens the door and we have a chat! I've taken to sitting on a stone ledge to rest my legs. We don't have a lot of news because not much happens but it's lovely to have a daily catch up.
Today Julia came out with her latest creation and placed it where I could take a photo. It's a kind of holly bush, which makes a great backdrop for the photos but a bit prickly for me! Here it is below, what very carefully fussy cut pieces.
7th April
From Marion
Marion bought a bag pattern when we visited The Patchwork Basket in Newent last year and this is what she has made. I think it's stunning, she is so good at detailed work.
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From Evelyn
Here is another free pattern recommended by Evelyn, it's from a site called Blackwork Journey there are some lovely projects to be found there, do take a look. The free one is called 'Floral Hearts' and is pictured on the right, clicking the button below will take you there.
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The Quilters' Guild has a BOM quilt this year (Red Manor House), those of you who went to The Festival of Quilts last year will have seen it on the QG stand.
Now because we are all at home they are offering the centre block to everyone free of charge. Stay at home and be creative. We are offering our wonderful Red Manor House Block as a FREE digital download to brighten up your week. Click on the image of the block on the left to take you to the website. |
6th April
Hello,
Lots of contributions today, thank you for sending things in to me, I do get some encouraging feedback and although I have no idea who is reading this I can get a report on numbers of 'visitors'...supposedly not counted twice within a week. This week (Monday to Monday) we have had 94, there are only 55 of us in the group! I've got no idea who else is looking in....... perhaps someone could let me know. Please keep sending stuff, it's good to keep in touch. Stay safe and healthy, Anne |
Smiling
Smiling is infectious You catch it like the 'flu; When someone smiled at me today I started smiling too. I walked around the corner And someone saw me grin; When he smiled I realised I'd passed it on to him. I thought about the smile And realised its worth - A single smile like mine Could travel round the earth. So if you feel a smile begin Don't leave it undetected: Start an epidemic And get the world infected. Spike Milligan |
From Evelyn
Evelyn is so good at finding interesting internet projects!
The latest is 'Love and Hugs from Australia Stitch-A-Long' . Patterns are posted on Facebook each day. I have been a bit slow in posting this so I'm sorry but we are already a few days behind.
Here are the links to the designs posted on 3rd, 4th and 5th April Check the facebook page each day for the other patterns, It will be good to see if anyone makes any of the designs.
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From Jane G
Jane mentioned that her other hobby is calligraphy, so I asked to see what she had beem writing/making. Here on the right is some of her work. It's wonderful!
She has also been busy with her concertina book ................it's red!
"Work in progress, the embroidery for inside nearly finished. Then some writing. Watch this space!"
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"A birthday card for Michael"
"An anniversary card for my daughter and son in law, which folded into a square and went into a hand made decorated envelope
A pocketful off smiles sent to my great grandson for him to give away, and a cheerful message for several friends, which concertin ed into an envelope." |
From June
June has been busy too, she says:
"I had a busy week-end - had my own patchwork picnic on Saturday. As you'll see from the photo, I had the lounge floor to myself and a large roll of sticky-tape to sandwich my quilt (top-tip - first tape backing fabric to floor then the batting on top and finally pin the top of quilt as you would on a frame, smoothing from the centre out ) so now I have finished my 'Lewis and Irene' Island Girl Charm Square quilt. Learnt a new technique -Turned-over edge using the backing fabric - from 'The Quilters Bible, by Linda Clements.
Would recommend Lady Sew and Sew mail-order as I had no batting as I was planning to get it at Malvern in May. With this now cancelled I used their mail order service ordered on Saturday 28/3/20 arrived on the Wednesday 1/4/20 ( also could't resist ordering some batik fabrics to have a go at Lisa Walton's free pattern 'Power of Three' my next project for a weekend in June maybe.
Trying to follow the programme that Jane and Elaine spent so much time on organising.
Planning to use the Easter weekend to finish some more UFO's and the Thursday sit and sews.
I have been out on my bicycle today- cycling around the lanes for fitness - lots of wild cowslips out at present and you can really hear the birdsong as little or no traffic!!
Well that's all for now,
June.
P.s have watched the National Theatre's - One Man Two Guvnors - starring James Corden- very funny!"
"I had a busy week-end - had my own patchwork picnic on Saturday. As you'll see from the photo, I had the lounge floor to myself and a large roll of sticky-tape to sandwich my quilt (top-tip - first tape backing fabric to floor then the batting on top and finally pin the top of quilt as you would on a frame, smoothing from the centre out ) so now I have finished my 'Lewis and Irene' Island Girl Charm Square quilt. Learnt a new technique -Turned-over edge using the backing fabric - from 'The Quilters Bible, by Linda Clements.
Would recommend Lady Sew and Sew mail-order as I had no batting as I was planning to get it at Malvern in May. With this now cancelled I used their mail order service ordered on Saturday 28/3/20 arrived on the Wednesday 1/4/20 ( also could't resist ordering some batik fabrics to have a go at Lisa Walton's free pattern 'Power of Three' my next project for a weekend in June maybe.
Trying to follow the programme that Jane and Elaine spent so much time on organising.
Planning to use the Easter weekend to finish some more UFO's and the Thursday sit and sews.
I have been out on my bicycle today- cycling around the lanes for fitness - lots of wild cowslips out at present and you can really hear the birdsong as little or no traffic!!
Well that's all for now,
June.
P.s have watched the National Theatre's - One Man Two Guvnors - starring James Corden- very funny!"
3rd April
Jane F has sent in her completed bird picture fron the Kate Findlay workshop, it's a beautiful Woodpecker. Scroll a very long way down this page to see it.
How about a penguin? these are lovely - 9" tall.
You'll find all the instructions by clicking the button below. |
From Cineworld:
National Theatre At Home:
stream live productions for free Here's something to make self-isolation and social distancing much more bearable.
National Theatre Live is launching its brand new National Theatre At Home service, which will stream the best live productions and allow you to watch from the comfort of your own home. Every Thursday at 7pm UK time, they will be releasing one NT Live title on the National Theatre’s YouTube channel that can be watched for free, on demand for seven days only. For those who are missing the ability to visit their local theatres, this is the chance to experience the richness of live theatre production from your own front room, ranging from Shakespeare to literary adaptations. The dates are as follows:
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And Finally...
It is with great sadness that I have to mention the loss of a few further local businesses around our town.
The bra manufacturer has gone bust. the specialist in submersibles has gone under, the manufacturer of food blenders has gone into liquidation, a dog kennel has had to call in the retrievers, the suppliers of paper for origami enthusiasts has folded. the Heinz factory has been canned as they couldn't ketchup with orders, the tarmac laying company has reached the end of the road, the bread company has run out of dough, the clock manufacturer has had to wind down and gone cuckoo, the Chinese has been taken away, the shoe shop has had to put his foot down and given his staff the boot and finally the laundrette has been taken to the cleaners!
It is with great sadness that I have to mention the loss of a few further local businesses around our town.
The bra manufacturer has gone bust. the specialist in submersibles has gone under, the manufacturer of food blenders has gone into liquidation, a dog kennel has had to call in the retrievers, the suppliers of paper for origami enthusiasts has folded. the Heinz factory has been canned as they couldn't ketchup with orders, the tarmac laying company has reached the end of the road, the bread company has run out of dough, the clock manufacturer has had to wind down and gone cuckoo, the Chinese has been taken away, the shoe shop has had to put his foot down and given his staff the boot and finally the laundrette has been taken to the cleaners!
2nd April 2020
A Lttle Ditty from Jane F:
Making stars for the sales table
From leftover jelly roll
I set to with a vengeance
To cut, press and fold
The finished stars are sweet and cute
I hope others feel the same
But what to do with the offcuts
To bin them would be a shame
As they lay scattered on my cutting mat
An idea sprang to mind
So here’s my message to you all
Let your sewing be unconfined!
Making stars for the sales table
From leftover jelly roll
I set to with a vengeance
To cut, press and fold
The finished stars are sweet and cute
I hope others feel the same
But what to do with the offcuts
To bin them would be a shame
As they lay scattered on my cutting mat
An idea sprang to mind
So here’s my message to you all
Let your sewing be unconfined!
1st April 2020
Message from Jane G
I am keeping busy sewing but nothing finished yet to show. My other hobby of calligraphy has been used to send greetings to distant friends and family self isolating, and it is very time consuming. Concertina book on its way, watch ‘it’s space.
Greetings to everyone,
Jane
I am keeping busy sewing but nothing finished yet to show. My other hobby of calligraphy has been used to send greetings to distant friends and family self isolating, and it is very time consuming. Concertina book on its way, watch ‘it’s space.
Greetings to everyone,
Jane
Bluprint
Bluprint (used to be Craftsy) has unlimited access to all their online classes until the 9th of April.
There are hundreds of excellent quilting/patchwork classes but they also have classes on many other subjects, their cookery classes are really good, I recently watched one about pastry and we have been eating pies ever since! There's knitting and crochet and dressmaking, gardening, woodwork etc. etc. etc. Give it a try, it's free, you'll probably find something you enjoy. |
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For those who enjoy doing Redwork Dandelion Designs has a free Redwork design for the times. Click on button below. |
FACE MASKS
In this country official advice has been that face masks are not effective in protecting us from disease, this is now being called into question and many countries are now insisting that citizens wear masks when out and about.
There are lots of patterns online for making face masks, I have no particular recommendations or advice, it's up to you............. Anne |