Recent Posts
BBC Radio Berks
Wednesday 26th October 2011
Val: If you missed me being interviewed on my local radio station don't despair there is a 'listen again' option through the computer and the link is www.bbc.co.uk/i/p00kvf2w/ You can hear all about my passion for sewing/quilting/patchwork (which won't surprise any of you) but you might not have known some of the other stuff I get to talk about!
News update October
Tuesday 25th October 2011
Val: Wow this month seems to be rushing by - I suppose that's what happens if you take a few days off; we had a lovely few days in France and the weather was superb. This Saturday, 22nd, you will find me at the Second Southampton Quilting & Textile Art Fair being held in aid of The Society of St.James (which is a Southampton Charity) and The Goedgedacht Project (a South African charity) at the King Edward VI School in Southampton (SO15 5UQ)– it runs from 10am-3pm and as well as traders...
Gift that lasts a year - great offer
Wednesday 19th October 2011
If you aren't yet a subscriber but would like to be, how about suggesting a membership as a Christmas present? And to make it more exciting so that you get not only a gift certificate but something to open on Christmas Day, we have put together a Gift Package: This includes Jennie's latest book 'Foldy Rolly Patchwork Pzzazz, a copy of the Fabrications magazine, threads, a pattern for halfsquare triangles that involves no maths! AND there is membership to the Fabric Sample Club run by...
October newsletter
Tuesday 11th October 2011
Summer came and went and we are now into that time of year where the colours and fruits make us think of clocks going back and the days getting shorter – so more time for sewing! And the coming month we hope our videos and workshops will fill you with inspiration. On the workshop front we have a Bargello tablemat (which would be perfect in Christmas colours) and allows you to try out the cylinder method of construction; Lee Brown makes some faux chenille which she turns into some...
A visit to Oakshott Fabrics
Friday 23rd September 2011
Val: Spent a lovely morning up at Oakshott Fabrics this morning when we were joined by a group of quilting ladies from Port Talbot (arriving by coach); they had a lovely time shopping and I had a lovely time demonstrating how wonderful the Oakshott charm packs can be and what lovely quilts they will make. I was using the new Dresden Plate template which I have fallen in love with but more about that later. I came away with a lovely Cushion Kit - Baby Zack - which comes complete with...
Country Life at the Castle - Hever Castle
Saturday 17th September 2011
Val: What a super day we all had filming at Hever Castle (in Kent) yesterday – Country Life at the Castle it is being billed as and for the first time in 20 years it is so much more than just a quilt show; obviously for me the quilts were the star of the show (all from the Quilters Guild members of Region 2) (as well as the shopping) but there was lots of other stuff on display and to enjoy – plants from the estate; a basket weaver, dog trainer, a man who forged stuff from wrought...
Overnight with Henry VIII
Saturday 17th September 2011
Val: The boys (Dave and Matt) and I needed an overnight bed so that we could make an early start for Country Life at the Castle at Hever and Dave managed to find quite a find - Bolebroke Castle that was used by Henry VIII when he was courting Anne Boleyn; the house/castle is amazing with obviously all you would expect from that era of house - grand staircase (on which the rise of the stairs is very small so that ladies can glide up and down!) to having huge and amazing fireplaces. Dont...
September 2011 newsletter
Thursday 15th September 2011
We have started the month with a great idea from Karen Veck for using up scraps to make rugs (or indeed tactile cushions) simply by prodding the fabric through hessian; I can remember making rugs this way with my gran and because we used cotton is was safe in front of the fire. Of course using other fabrics such as organza give a more interesting finish for cushions, but the varied colours of cotton still work well in the right setting and are, of course washable too. And thank you to Jean...
