Update 15th May 2015

Workshops

Today we learn how to make flying geese with Chris Porter – award winning quilter and author – a great idea with rotary cutting templates to create fast and accurate flying geese, 4 at a time, with only 4 lines of sewing. You can also purchase the complete set of templates from us in the shop:

Last week Valerie shared with us how to make the Bright Hope block, which is very versatile and allows you to rotary cut really easily as all 4 sides of the block are cut the same length. You also get to learn how to avoid an inset seam with the partial seam technique.

And did you enjoy our #ThrowbackThursday from the archives? The rag edge quilt and/or cushion which is a great way to use up lots of bits of wadding.

Interview

Meet Alison Garner who runs her own business making hand crafted Stoles and Preaching Scarves for the clergy using a mixture of hand embroidery, applique and machine embroidery – it’s always amazing just how varied textiles can be.

Festival of Quilts

Fancy joining in a Game of Quilts at the Festival of Quilts this year? And get yourself a free ticket?
The event runs from 6-9th August, but you need to join in by 1st June!
You can find out more information in our blog and click on he links below for a couple of ideas for quick quilts:
Quick & easy quilt for Alzheimers
40 minute scrap quilt (could use longer pieces of course)

Talking of the Festival of Quilts – do you fancy linking your trip with a few days out to Highclere – the location of the Downton Abbey series filming? Arena Travel have put together a mini-break and you can get more details in our Classified section.

And of course if you just want to go to the show itself you should visit the Festival of Quilts site at http://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/ where you will find information on the exhibitors, competitions and how to purchase entrance tickets. (cheaper in advance!)

Product of the Month

We are very excited about this new feature; it allows you to purchase our selected product for the month with FREE p&p for UK purchasers for that month PLUS you get free entry into a draw to win a free month’s subscription to the site.

For May 2015 our chosen product is Ruby Red Shot Cotton Charm Packs from Oakshott Fabrics This pack of 5″ squares contains 16 colours, each perfectly graded to flow from its neighbour.

(If you wonder what you can make with it – Valerie used 2 packs to make the quilt for her friends, plus background fabric which was inspired by the modern charm workshop)

Book of the Month

This month we have Sew Useful by Debbie Shore as our Book of the Month and for those of you who like to sew things other than quilts – this is a great choice.

The book contains 23 storage solutions to sew for your home – from a keep tidy tote; to a garden tote; a nappy bag and/or handy loo roll holder; needlecraft folder and a Sewing Machine Bag – a wide variety of projects all with well illustrated instructions. Free p&p in the UK for the month of May.

Giveaway for subscribed members

This month we have a set of a co-ordinating charm pack and strip roll, in Japanese fabrics, which has been put together exclusively for us by Creative Quilting – aren’t they lovely: