Montpellier Quilters' 2020 Summer Challenge
"A postcard from my Staycation 2020" - a postcard-sized (4" x6") piece using hand/machine stitching. The card should be 2-sided, the reverse used to write on as in reality. That could just be handwritten. Anything from 'Wish you were here' to something pithy re lockdown!?? The picture on the card could be anything at all, as with real cards - a dream location, a childhood holiday memory, an arty V&A type thing. Also, if someone wants to make more, then up to 3 items
Marion has offered to share notes from a workshop she attended some years ago which give clear and consise instructions for making a fabric postcard. If you haven't made one before you might find them useful.
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How to send in your photos, stories, recommendations, ideas e.t.c.
It's great to hear from everyone and to see what people are sewing/doing. ...And I need all the help I can get so please continue to send items in.
It's not possible for anyone to actually post to the website, the easiest way is to send items by email to either [email protected] or to my personal email address, I don't mind which.
It's not possible for anyone to actually post to the website, the easiest way is to send items by email to either [email protected] or to my personal email address, I don't mind which.
30th July
Montpellier Quilters' Picnic
Our picnic was a great success, the weather was perfect, we found shade under a large tree, there were 15 of us.
Here is a slideshow of photos, if anyone has any more please send them in.
Anne
Here is a slideshow of photos, if anyone has any more please send them in.
Anne
This is a slide show
Jane took her completed concertina book to the picnic, it was the undisputed star of the show!
From Jane
I had a lovely time at our picnic in the park and showed off my completed concertina book. For those of you who weren’t able to attend, here it is.
I have also been reading (of course) and a recent quick, but fun read was House of Silence by Linda Gillard. Described as A country house mystery... A dysfunctional family drama... A bitter-sweet romantic comedy... but containing a sweet sub-sub plot about one characters’ quilting activities. I came across little snippets of interesting facts that I didn’t know, which added to my enjoyment. Of course, my quilting knowledge is comparatively slight, so I am easily pleased with any additions.
A piece of news that some of you may already know is that the WI Denman College is closing permanently. The full statement can be found on their website.
They are currently offering online courses on everything from virtual walks to cooking, needle felting and much more. They are 1 hour long and cost £5.00. For full details see:
https://www.denman.org.uk
A piece of news that some of you may already know is that the WI Denman College is closing permanently. The full statement can be found on their website.
They are currently offering online courses on everything from virtual walks to cooking, needle felting and much more. They are 1 hour long and cost £5.00. For full details see:
https://www.denman.org.uk
30th July
Festival of Quilts 2020 Online Competition
There are some amazing quilts in this year's online competition. Do wander round the galleries......
Montpellier Quilters' Kaleidoscope Group entered a quilt into the online competition ..... and were shortlisted!
The Group members are:
Joan H, Alison, Maggie, Sue, Lis, Julia, Jo W, Lin and Anne.
If you would like to see the rest of the entries click here - FOQ Group Quilts Competition.
The Group members are:
Joan H, Alison, Maggie, Sue, Lis, Julia, Jo W, Lin and Anne.
If you would like to see the rest of the entries click here - FOQ Group Quilts Competition.
29th July 2020
Evelyn's Designer of the Week
Janet Nesbitt
In retrospect I shouldn't have been surprised at the total cost of the quilt as together with international postage and import duty the price rose considerably. My husband jokingly said "It would be cheaper to go there!" So we did, two years later. in 2014. We stayed at a nearby hotel in Spokane and drove to the farm on a glorious Summer's day with temperatures over 100 degrees F. A wonderful experience meeting Janet and of course I "invested" in a little fabric.
Each year a wonderful outdoor quilt show was held there with the barn, fences and washing lines festooned with quilts many of which were reproductions of the company's designs.
Two weeks later after arriving back in the UK an email dropped into my inbox to say that the Buggy Barn would be closing. Janet and her sister Pam had decided to part ways, so sad. Janet's new company is entitled One Sister Designs and Pam opened Barn Chick Quilts.
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This link gives a pretty comprehensive account of Janet's early life and her quilting journey up to date.
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Members will recall Sue Watters giving a Saturday workshop on one of Janet's designs "Crazy Stars" in May 2018.
Today Janet continues to design quilts, publishes new books, teaches locally in Washington State and designs fabrics which lend themselves to folk-style patterns.
The Buggy Barn pattern books together with Janet's One Sister books are available from her website .
The Buggy Barn pattern books together with Janet's One Sister books are available from her website .
My kit is still waiting upstairs - one day...
28th July 2020
From Evelyn
From Anne
The Festival of Quilts at the NEC was due to start on Thursday 30th July, instead there is to be some sort of Virtual Exhibition, I'm not sure how it will work, I do know there is a virtual competition because I have entered a quilt and also a quilt that our housegroup (Kaleidoscope Quilters) made earlier this year. I'll post links to them all later in the week. Maybe other members have also entered work, if so please let me know.
Log into thier website sometime over the weekend, I'm sure it will be worth exploring.
Log into thier website sometime over the weekend, I'm sure it will be worth exploring.
Ages ago , so long I can't remember when, I bought a reel of fusible thread. Today I used some for the first time and am now a complete fan!
I'm not keen on fusing hems, I generally think fusible hemming tape is for people who can't sew won't sew and in my very limited experience it comes 'unglued' in the first wash. However I had a pair of lightweight trousers to shorten and I had read this week's We All Sew Tips email that said fusible thread in the overlocker was a great idea.... So I put the fusible thread in the lower looper and overlocked the edge of the hem. Then I turned it up and steam pressed. Absolute magic! And there is no way it will ever come unglued.. It's invisible and easy and perfect and quick and just so much better than my hand hemming.
For those who don't have an overlocker you can put the fusible thread in the bobbin of your sewing machine, zig-zag a line of stitching close to the edge, turn up and press. The fusible bonds the hem in place and then you can easily pull out the top thread.
It costs about £6/reel from either Barnyarns or Quilt Direct.
I'm not keen on fusing hems, I generally think fusible hemming tape is for people who can't sew won't sew and in my very limited experience it comes 'unglued' in the first wash. However I had a pair of lightweight trousers to shorten and I had read this week's We All Sew Tips email that said fusible thread in the overlocker was a great idea.... So I put the fusible thread in the lower looper and overlocked the edge of the hem. Then I turned it up and steam pressed. Absolute magic! And there is no way it will ever come unglued.. It's invisible and easy and perfect and quick and just so much better than my hand hemming.
For those who don't have an overlocker you can put the fusible thread in the bobbin of your sewing machine, zig-zag a line of stitching close to the edge, turn up and press. The fusible bonds the hem in place and then you can easily pull out the top thread.
It costs about £6/reel from either Barnyarns or Quilt Direct.
Here is the article from We All Sew
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And here is one from Threads website.
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I do quite a bit of machine embroidery using computer software and an embroidery machine. Sometimes I create the designs myself, sometimes I buy them, my favourite design site is Urban Threads.
I thought that those of you who are hand embroiderers might like to take a look at the Urban Threads website because they also sell some of their designs in a hand embroidery format. They only cost a dollar each. If you fancy buying something but don't want to register with them let me know and I'll help you out....
Just click on the Crazy Garden Lady
I thought that those of you who are hand embroiderers might like to take a look at the Urban Threads website because they also sell some of their designs in a hand embroidery format. They only cost a dollar each. If you fancy buying something but don't want to register with them let me know and I'll help you out....
Just click on the Crazy Garden Lady
24th July 2020
From Vanessa
After 19 weeks of shielding we have finally been able to see two of our grandsons and have been minding them this week. They made wooden games with Mike at the beginning of the week and have been making quillows with me since Tuesday. They have done really well, one (age 11) completing the top and the other (age7) has finished all but the borders. Just got to finish the cushion fronts next time we see them.
Here is the quillow I made to show them what it looks like. Pattern was from Lynne Edwards Sampler Book, made from 2 packs of Aldi fat quarters. £3.99/pack from my stash.
Apart from that I have been taking my own advice for once and stitching labels onto all the quilts that didn’t get them originally. 49 so far and counting.
Also knitting Noah’s Ark animals which have been displayed in our window for the amusement of all the passers-by. 10 pairs finished, 10 more to go.
From Evelyn
I thought this might raise a smile and a few comments of "Oh, how true!"
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.
No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- And maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death,
-by his parents, Truth and Trust,
-by his wife, Discretion,
-by his daughter, Responsibility,
-and by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 5 stepchildren;
- I Know My Rights
- I Want It Now
- Someone Else Is To Blame
- I'm A Victim
- Pay me for Doing Nothing
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.
From Margaret B
James and I went for a drive yesterday to keep the car's battery topped up and to have a look at the summer countryside. It was good to have something different to look at although we do walk around the communal garden most days, weather permitting, and usually we meet one or two fellow residents to chat to. |
From Anne
Equipment
Now we can go out and about a bit more can I remind everyone of the equipment MQ owns that can be borrowed by members.
We have:
Printing stamps.
A Sizzix die cutting machine and lots of dies.
Stretcher poles (large and small) for sandwiching a quilt
Inktense pencils.
Drunkards Wheel & Path 4.5" Acrylic Templates - 5 piece set
Take a look at the Group Equipment page for a full description of each and if you would like to borrow something contact me at my personal email or at [email protected] and I will arrange it.
Would anyone be interested in loaning out their own specialty templates/rulers; they are expensive and often bought with a single project in mind. I am happy to lend mine. I have put a new section on the Equipment page where you can see what I have and if anyone else is happy to lend out I will post details of what thay are offering.
We have:
Printing stamps.
A Sizzix die cutting machine and lots of dies.
Stretcher poles (large and small) for sandwiching a quilt
Inktense pencils.
Drunkards Wheel & Path 4.5" Acrylic Templates - 5 piece set
Take a look at the Group Equipment page for a full description of each and if you would like to borrow something contact me at my personal email or at [email protected] and I will arrange it.
Would anyone be interested in loaning out their own specialty templates/rulers; they are expensive and often bought with a single project in mind. I am happy to lend mine. I have put a new section on the Equipment page where you can see what I have and if anyone else is happy to lend out I will post details of what thay are offering.
This genius, I've tried it and it works perfectly.
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If you find yourself with nothing to do, here's an idea....... It truly is for people who have done everything else!
23rd July 2020
Evelyn's Designer of the Week
Lynette Anderson
No doubt many members in Montpellier Quilters will already know of Lynette Anderson ... Lynette specialises in stitchery and needle-turn applique designs and has an instantly recognizable style. She lives in Queensland, Australia but travels extensively displaying her products i.e. patterns, kits, fabrics, books etc and teaches at quilt shows in many countries.
Lynette's website is worth checking out to show the extent of her work and for anyone interested she has a section with free patterns.
Her products are available at several quilt shops which are perhaps easiest to find by checking on Google.
Lynette also teaches online - here is a link to her website tutorial page.
Lynette also teaches online - here is a link to her website tutorial page.
Her apliquick tools are also available here in the UK at The Running Chicken, Coast and Country Crafts and Creative Grids .
Poppy Patch and Coast & Country Crafts have recently registered with her for a new venture "The Mystery Button Club Quilt" Apparently places are limited for this project which comes each month as a pattern with a wooden hand-painted button.
Click on the images below to go to the websites.
Click on the images below to go to the websites.
As with many other designers Lynette issues regular newsletters which are a great way of staying up to date on her latest ventures.
I have also discovered Nicola Foreman, a British very talented quilter who enjoys Lynette's designs and has a really interesting blog describing her work and in particular techniques which she has found helpful in producing beautiful quilts, wall-hangings etc etc.
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Happy stitching,
July 20th 2020
From June
I am currently working on the third design from 'Love and Hugs friends Australia' Christmas embroideries/appliques - some beautiful designs designs so far from Helen Stubbings (of Hugs and Kisses) and Leesa Chandler (of Chandlers Cottage). It's just one a week for 12 weeks - so why not have a go (see Elaine's previous post) via Facebook. Not sure if I will turn them into another wall hanging or maybe bunting - any other ideas?
Nice to see lots of other members joining in - If you haven't contributed yet please send in a message with photos - I'm enjoying reading all and checking out the links and learning new techniques - thanks to all,
From Evelyn
"This is a great project, encouraging people to make just one quilt in their lifetime"
Evelyn |
"My dream is to help everyone to make Just One Quilt in their lifetime. My promise is to share all my knowledge and experience in the courses I write and teach. My hope is that our creative journey together starts here.The Just One Quilt campaign is a new venture bringing you 52 short films to celebrate the people who make quilts, including many I have taught and friends made along the way. It's going to be fun, moving, surprising and brought to you from the heart"
Jenni Smith |
Clothkits
Many members will remember Clothkits from the 70's and 80's, I think they had a shop on the Promenade. The company closed in 1988 and then relaunced 20 years later. They have some lovely things for sale - take a look at their website and wander down memory lane.
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16th July 2020
From Julie
Julie has been very busy sewing beautiful things....
The colour are lovely, I think I recognise some fabric from the Brian Taphouse talk (Lewis and Irene) in the wheelchair quilt.
Anne
The colour are lovely, I think I recognise some fabric from the Brian Taphouse talk (Lewis and Irene) in the wheelchair quilt.
Anne
From Evelyn
Goodness, how life has changed, not only do we need to wear a face mask, we apparently need to buy something to keed it in!
Found by Evelyn on the Lady Sew and Sew website..
Found by Evelyn on the Lady Sew and Sew website..
Keep your face mask clean when not in use by storing it in this handy AG + Silver Ion plastic case.
Decorated with 2 sewing-related ‘Keep Calm …..’ slogans.
Suitable for adult-sized masks.
Available in Pink or Blue
Decorated with 2 sewing-related ‘Keep Calm …..’ slogans.
Suitable for adult-sized masks.
Available in Pink or Blue
From Anne
Facing a Quilt
Here is a very good tutorial on how to face a quilt. On a small quilt such as a wallhanging a facing is an excellent alternative to binding that can look bulky and out of scale on something small. It's from the Bernina We All Sew website, ignore the Bernina references if you have a different machine, the method will work whatever machine you sew with.
15th July 2020
Evelyn's Designer of the Week
Jean Wells
Jean Wells is perhaps more well known as a quilt designer and teacher within the United States of America but I came across her as the founder of the Sisters Quilt Show. Jean moved to Sisters ( a small town in Oregon) in 1975 using her retirement fund to purchase a small quilt shop called The Stitchin' Post.
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Her grandmother taught her to sew had owned a pharmacy nearby many years previously. Upon opening the shop Jean decided to hang some of the quilts which she and her grandmother had made outside on a sunny Saturday and the rest as they say is history. The East of the Cascades Quilt Group decided to join in and helped to run the show which has now become the largest outdoor quilt show in the world. Over 1,000 quilts are hung over houses, barns, wagons etc and on the predetermined day (always the second Saturday in July) around 10,000 visitors descend on Sisters. Quilts are posted or delivered in advance and are then hung the evening before the event by the local firemen and volunteers. Anyone who has a quilt they are pleased with is able to apply for entry and it is a non- judged event. With the Covid 19 pandemic this year's event has been re-designed as an online exhibition but the organizers are already planning for 2021, and I have booked my hotel room already.......!
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There is a wonderful u-tube of the event in 2019 with those who have 25 minutes to spare...
Part 1
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Part 2
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As a designer Jean has produced many books (27 to date) and patterns through the years and The Stitchin' Post has a goodly selection available.
Amazon UKwww.amazon.co.uk/s?k=jean+wells&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 sell a good range of her books in either kindle, hardbook or paperback. |
14th July 2020
From Kate
From Evelyn
Evelyn has a fabric sale to recommend to us.
I guess we'll see quite a few quilting shops closing down, which is very sad...
If you want to grab a bargain do take a look.
I guess we'll see quite a few quilting shops closing down, which is very sad...
If you want to grab a bargain do take a look.
July 12th 2020
From Evelyn
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"Hi girls,
this is the u-tube of the 2019 Sisters Outdoor quilt show. It is held in the small town of Sisters in Oregon every year on the second Saturday in July. The first year we were due to visit (with my Kim Mclean "Flower Garden" quilt) Peter had a bad knee and so we couldn't go. This year it has been cancelled, or should I say that as with the Festival of Quilts and in fact most quilt shows worldwide during this pandemic it is a virtual show online." |
It's possible that Evelyn has had one too many Pina Coladas, she is encouraging us all to make a pineapple! .........Maybe I will, it looks more comfortable than the doorstop I keep tripping over.
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Evelyn is really good at searching out ideas and projects, Janet Clare currently has a 'Quilt-Along' pattern called 'Twenty Twenty', It's now month six but all the patterns and instructions are still on her website so it's not too late to join in.
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From June
"I've had a week off work and with the rainy weather managed to finish my quilt top and have also pieced a backing. I have now got it pin basted and have started on quilting. I have decided to hand quilt with embroidery thread. (see pic) As you can see, I am using cookie cutters and a chalk pencil to mark the design."
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"I have also found a website to help us with the summer challenge."
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From Anne
Auribuzz is Aurifil Threads' blog, I get a weekly email from them, this week they are featuring Tote Bags.
Here is a link, just in case you still need another bag for life! There are some nice ones, the one made from tea towels is my pick. |
Tea Towel Origami Bag
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They have a good magazine called SMAGZ with is full of ideas and inspiration.
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The Schmetz Needles website is worth a browse. I like Schmetz needles because they are usefully colour coded to make it easy (easier) to identify which one you are using. I used to be able to read the code stamped on the shaft, but those days are long gone, even a magnifying glass doesn't help me nowadays.
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8th July 2020
Evelyn's Designer of the Week
Edyta Sitar
Edyta Sitar has lived in America since she decided to travel from Germany to learn English there at the age of 19. Although interested in needlework prior to her arrival it was the introduction by her husband's grandmother to the world of quilting which then led to her establishing Laundry Basket Quilts which is an online company. Edyta designs and teaches both applique and pieced quilts - do check out her website, her designs are truly inspiring!
You can find Edyta's fabrics at the Patchwork Basket in Newent (see Q in Q entry 13th June for advice on visiting the shop).
Sew Hot also stock a wide range of her patterns and fabrics which is useful for those of us in the UK who want to avoid extra expense with international shipping and import duties! |
Do check out this u-tube of Edyta and her studio tour!!! You'll need 20 minutes so sit down with a coffee...and a biscuit or two! Enjoy..........
And lots more videos here....
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5th July 2020
From Jane F
Jottings from Jane F
Hello everyone, me again, with your July meeting updates.
Hello everyone, me again, with your July meeting updates.
Last week we would have been meeting to listen to Andrea Ashwell who is a quilt maker and designer who specialises in wholecloth quilting.
Please look at her website for more details and inspiration.
Please look at her website for more details and inspiration.
We would also have been having our summer social this month – if only! - and revealing our inner covers for our concertina books. Please send in photos of your concertina books, if you have been working on them.
I would like to thank Anne for her continuing work on Quilting in Quarantine. It is very much appreciated. The wonderful memorial to Brenda; the jigsaw puzzles; the informative, fun and inspiring posts from everyone are all fantastic. I feel so lucky to belong to a group of such talented people who are so generous with their time and ideas.
I would like to thank Anne for her continuing work on Quilting in Quarantine. It is very much appreciated. The wonderful memorial to Brenda; the jigsaw puzzles; the informative, fun and inspiring posts from everyone are all fantastic. I feel so lucky to belong to a group of such talented people who are so generous with their time and ideas.
I have been working on my concertina book – see photo of cover – but, for about the millionth time regret that my method of construction has been “try it and see” rather than carefully planned. So whilst I am very happy with the results, I have given myself many challenges to overcome in order that it doesn’t end up looking like a complete dog’s dinner. I hope to have the finished article ready to show next month. |
I wish you all a happy summer break and look forward to seeing your Staycation Postcards in August – by photo or in person, who knows, but the committee will keep you updated on developments as they happen.
From Elaine
For those of you who enjoyed Kate Findlay's talk last year or her recent workshop, you may like to know she will be appearing on Hochanda TV( Freeview ch 85) on Monday 6/7 @ 2pm.
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More Love and Hugs from Australia
From Jane G
What an amazing amount of information there is on the Q in Q section it wIll take me weeks to look at it all. I think Anne has been responsible for it, am I right? Anyway well done whoever! I have slowed down in creative terms and am not achieving a great deal, but not to worry it’s all there waiting to be tackled, I am not disciplined like Anne I have a number of UFO’s, some I will never finish. What was I thinking about when I bought, at great expense, a kit and book to make a sampler about 2’ square when finished, worked in tiny stitches! I have had it at least 20 years! Happy stitching everyone. Jane |
From Evelyn
I am getting have been carried away "surfing" online! Anyway I've just found The Quilters' Hall of Fame (American of course) which is SO interesting! I only recognized two of the names, Jinny Beyer and Jean Wells but then just before the end of the photographic list was the only black face - Carolyn Mazloomi - which then led me on to finding a book which she has written entitled "And Still We Rise". Oh, I'm SO tempted to buy it for myself.
From Anne
Hello,
I've heard from quite a few members this week which is really good. It becomes more and more difficult for me to find items that might interest and or inspire you all, I need all the help I can get! So thank you, please keep sending.
For most of lockdown we have had about 60 'unique visitors' a week to the website, then about three weeks ago we dropped down to about 40, which is still most of the membership and still makes it worthwhile.
I've heard from quite a few members this week which is really good. It becomes more and more difficult for me to find items that might interest and or inspire you all, I need all the help I can get! So thank you, please keep sending.
For most of lockdown we have had about 60 'unique visitors' a week to the website, then about three weeks ago we dropped down to about 40, which is still most of the membership and still makes it worthwhile.
1st July 2020
Evelyn's Designer of the Week
Evelyn has proposed we have a 'Designer of the Week' column - written by her good self! What a great idea!
Here is the first article in what I am sure will be an inspiring series.
Anne
Here is the first article in what I am sure will be an inspiring series.
Anne
Modern Quilt Designers 1
Thinking about why some quilters achieve success it occurred to me last night that finding a niche within the quilting world is perhaps as relevant in becoming a successful business person as in the wider world of commerce. Of course we all instantly recognise the wares of Ercol, Emma Bridgewater, Rolls Royce and Dyson etc. so it seems to me that the same is becoming true of various quilt designers. With them it is either the fabric or pattern which are unique and sometimes both. They attract us to a style which suits our abilities, lifestyle and decor. Do you have a style which draws you back time and again? With me it's always folk art and although piecing can be dramatic and at times quite speedy I do prefer to add an element of hand sewing to most projects.
Tula Pink
So...which designer to concentrate on first? As Summer is here perhaps Tula Pink leaps to mind...Her fabrics are just so vibrant, ideal for the modern quilter or simply those of us who are young at heart?
Tula Pink is American, but who is she? |
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We are fortunate in being able to buy her fabrics at several online quilt shops in the UK - Cotton Patch, The Sewing Studio, The Quilt Room and Sew Hot to name just a few. Very soon her 'Nebula' block of the month will be available both at Sew Hot and The Cotton Patch beginning in January 2021, so time to plan, save and dream....?
Evelyn |