Show and tell

Susan dropped us a line recently with pictures of her latest project. It is cathedral windows using her husband's old trousers, her 'no longer fit' jeans, Suffolk puffs and lots of fabric left overs. A really great recycling quilt - we're sure you'll agree. If you fancy trying your hand at cathedral windows, check out Joanna Smith-Ryland's workshop, where she shares with us how to make a lovely folded patchwork cushion with her favourite fabrics - which are silk.

You may have watched Anne Baxter's workshop for a Zig Zag Table runner, which Anne creates cleverly using rectangular blocks, and simple strip piecing and without using triangles. This is Susanne's gorgeous version of the table runner. Susanne told us she wanted to use this lovely collection of batik strips she had in her stash for ages. But, she couldn't bear to cut off the points so she made a turn-through backing and top stitched all around.

Sewing World Magazine had a special feature this month featuring justhands-on.tv and the Tiger Tiger Table mat, from the Helen Howes pattern for Oakshott Fabrics. This simple table mat can be made in no time at all and is very efficient on fabric usage; it takes just two, fat eighth pieces of fabric to create the
pieced top on one mat.

Janet wrote to show us her quilt - she's very proud of her accomplishment. She retired at 61yrs and thought she would try her hand at patchwork.  This is the second quilt she made. She told us "it's not perfect as you can see but an accomplishment I never thought possible." We think it's a fantastic accomplishment and a lovely choice of colours too.

Gayle contacted us as she wanted to make the 40 minute quilt but was a little unsure about winging it and asked Valerie for a little help as she had cut her strips to 4" As Gayle's strips were wider, Valerie said that this just means that the quilt will get made faster! (Valerie's original quilt was made from 2.5"strips).

A few of you have been in touch to show us your work wih Valerie from our Lady Sew and Sew retreat back in April 2017. Jennie contacted us to say she had a really good time at the retreat and learnt SO much! Here's a photo of the piece she made. Her youngest daughter fell in love with it so she has nearly finished it for her.

Valerie has to thank Beatriz, one of her students,  for the introduction to It's So Emma's Fat Quarter Baby Book and now we love this – we think you will too They have been busy making lots of the quilts and here are just a few. The book has 20 little crib quilts to make, with great shopping information and excellent cutting and sewing instructions too.

We had a fabulous time on our Stitching Getaway in March at Tortworth Court Hotel. Sylvia Critcher shared lots of new techniques, ideas and tips and sent everyone off inspired for their new projects. One of our ladies has sent us her lovely finished Wild Rose cushion that she started at the weekend. Why not check out our photo album from the weekend on Facebook and see what our ladies got up to.

One of our lovely members Viv had chatted to Valerie at the West Country Quilt show in Bristol last year about Julia Gahagan's Miniature quilts. She was busy making this lovely alpine village pattern and was learning how to do it from Julia's video on our site. She was determined to finish it by Christmas - and she did.  

She told us has really enjoyed making it and we agree with everyone who she has shown it to, that it is a very pretty piece of work - Very well done indeed Viv!!!

Ann from Dorset has been very very busy and she's shared some photos with us of the delightful projects she's been working on. (Clockwise from top left) Ann's successful first try at this technique for her first grandchild. (if you want to learn how to make raggy edge quilts - check out our workshop with Gail Penberthy) Christmas fun using foam for the first time - a fabulous addition to any Christmas table, I'm sure you'll agree.

Lyn wrote to us today to share this lovely table runner that she has just finished. It only took her two days to complete and just needs a label on the back then it is ready to be given to her friend for her birthday on Tuesday. What a gorgeous piece it is and a lovely idea for a present.

Here is the finished (top!) for the charity quilt Valerie was making with the Lewis & Irene Bumblerries fabrics - note the design change for the borders!     Want to make one yourself - click here for the video and the free workshop notes.

  Thanks for the inspiration.
This was almost as quick to piece as simple 5 inch squares but more visually interesting outcome.

Kind regards,
Irene - want to see What it's all about? - click here  

Here are two quilts and the original table runner that got Valerie inspired;           these were made using the paper template BUT since filming Valerie has found a template designed for use with the rotary cutter which is multi-sized - including for use with jelly rolls - so obviously there will be more!! want more info on  the template ?- click here