Out & About:

You have a real treat in store today as we wander round the Antique Welsh Quilt exhibition that was at the Welsh Quilt Centre in Lampeter last year; it was running at the same time as the Kaffe Fassett exhibition and Jen Jones chose colours in the antique wholecloth quilts that would compliment those of the more modern fabrics used in the Kaffe Fassett exhibition.  We hope you enjoy it as much as Valerie did.

Today also marks the opening of the 2014 exhibition at the Welsh Quilt Centre entitled “Early to Bed”; this will run until 1^st November and celebrates folk art and make-do-and-mend in the work of the rural quilters of 19th century Wales plus the naïve and charming textile pictures of Janet Bolton. www.welshquilts.com

The Secret is Out:

Today we show you how to fold up the secret pillow (or quillow) that was the subject of the workshop last week.

You can turn anything into a secret – just remember that the pillow has to be large enough to house the quilt – and then when the quilt is used you have a really cosy spot to put your feet.

Shopping

If you can’t see our  right-hand panel of goodies from the shop, which includes the Book of the Month (Love to Sew Pincushions), a new pattern from Anni Downs entitled Gossip in the Garden; a no-sew sewing kit from The Stitch Witch and a Pincushion kit from Lorna Batemen tap on ‘download entire message/email’ at the bottom of this email.

Calling all craft, sewing and stitch groups

The Royal School of Needlework  has launched its 21^st Century Sampler Competition – open to everyone the sampler can be stitched by individuals or sewing and craft groups in any technique and the winning design will be announced on 7^th July.   More details can be found at

www.royal-needlework.org.uk/21stCenturySamplerCompetition

Happy Sewing:

Valerie & Jennie
www.justhands-on.tv

P.S. want to know what Valerie gets up to when the Rugby is on or on her days away from home? – check out the blog pages to find out.

New this month Workshops How to Make a Secret Pillow with Valerie Nesbitt also known as a Quillow or Secret Quilt – it’s where the quilt hides inside your pillow to create the pillow pad or stuffing.

Tips and techniques When the Grains Meet – Advice from Dawn Cameron-Dick Learn how to cope when bias meets straight.

Out and about Singerie from Karen Nicol A collection of delightful textile monkeys that Karen was working on for her gallery exhibition.

Workshops Scottie Dog Bag with Jo Gourlay Make your favourite little girl her own version of the celebrity doggie handbag carrier.

Tips and techniques What’s on the Back? with Valerie Nesbitt Ideas for the backing of your quilt together with using up some of the leftovers.

Interviews Meet Karen Nicol – Textile Artist Originally a fashion designer Karen now enjoys turning her talents to textile art.

Workshops Hand Quilting with Paula Doyle Award winning quilter Paula guides you through the various stages to create an heirloom piece of handquilting.