Mini workshop evening 2

At Piecemakers' meetings, we often have a speaker, but this time we had a series of mini workshops, plus several sales tables. 

It was lovely to see Brenda Lincoln, one of our founder members, selling her sister in law's stash in aid of her charity, Quilts For Injured Servicemen.  The sad thing was that her sister in law has passed away.  At least the proceeds of  her stash will benefit a very worthy cause. 

 

Nik always has some interesting bargains to tempt us.  I managed to resist this time!

 

Jacquie had lots of goodies, including some Accuquilt dies.  If I didn't already have those I would definitely have added those to my set.  Julie and Gill also had tables, and Chris brought her usual stall from 'Bloodwise'.  

 

The workshop tables were thoroughly enjoyed, although the organisers were disappointed that some of the people who had signed up didn't attend the meeting, and others didn't participate, just observed.  Ruth provided an opportunity to fuse scraps to make a vibrant piece of fabric.   

 

Chris's group did free motion machining, and Julie's used up selvedges.  

 

June's raffle was very suitable for spring, with fabric, chicks and nests. 

 

Show and tell was very varied.  

 

This quilt is a stunning use of rail fence and fourpatch blocks.  

 

This appliqued cushion is a first project.  Beautiful.

 

Here is a delicate baby quilt.

 

This whimsical tree is lots of fun.  I love the bright piano key border.  

This quilt has been quilted using rulers.  It's a fabulous technique beautifully done.

It was made 'quilt as you go' and here is the back!  The quilting shows up really well!

Maria has completed last year's Sarah Fielke BOM.  It's a lovely mixture of applique and piecing. Well done!

 

Di has started making contributions for the tombola at our exhibition.  It's a Book Bag. Can you see the books on a shelf?  Using selvedges for the book titles is so clever! 

 

Here is the next row of our Sew a Row quilt.  It is pinwheels.  They are all so different!

This photo is a bit random, but is of me handing over 123 wiggly bags to a nurse at Ward 27 of the Leicester Royal Infirmary.  The nurses were thrilled with the lovely fabrics which had been chosen for the bags.  Thank you to everyone who made some, and since this is an ongoing need, keep making more!

Here is an example of a quilt made using Accuquilt shapes.  It's very easy to cut these cute little dogs automatically, and they make a gorgeous quilt.

Here is a scrappy quilt with blues and turquoises.  Good blend of colours.

 

Ruth has cut all these stars by hand and has donated this to Linus.  thank you, Ruth.

 

I have been inspired by our sew a row challenge to make a Linus sew a row of my own.  I used various orphan blocks and I think it looks bright and cheerful.

This stunning quilt is made from squares.  Beautiful precision.

Chris was asked to make a memory quilt from men's shirts.  It was fortunate that this gentleman had such brightly coloured shirts, but it was also tricky, as he had so many brightly coloure shirts!  Chris has made a superb job of it!

 

Edith has finally completed this magnificent quilt.  All the daisies have been hand appliqued!  It's fabulous!

 

Here is another first project -  a cheeky little owl cushion.  I love his expression!

Home grown

This month we were very lucky to have our own Jacquie Durber to show us lots of her lovely quilts. Here are the bags ready to be unpacked.  What a treat for us all! 

 

Here she is, resplendent in a waistcoat embellished with selvedges.  She explained how she had made it, and was generous at being examined! 

  

There were lots of quilts to admire, and to examine after the talk.  

June had assembled some novel raffle prizes.  There were little bags to colour in, and pens to complete the job!   

Lots of people brought the second installment of the Sew a Row quilt, which was 'leaves'.  Plenty of creativity in the interpretations of this theme!

 

Show and tell was varied, as usual.  Ruth had been charged with making a new Easter banner for her church and designed and made this one.  I'm sure the congregation will be very impressed. 

Gaynor made this stunning wall hanging to remind her of a recent visit to New Zealand. I think she got the colours just right.Can you see the tiny shells she has attached on the beach part?  Perfect!

This quilt was made from a Bramble patch kit, and was the first one made completely by this member.  Beautiful!

This is a Pat Sloan block of the month.  The colour scheme of red, white and blue was chosen as this quilt will be donated to Quilts For Injured Servicemen.  What a wonderful gift!

Here is another Pat Sloan BOM.  Monochromatic colour designs always look good, and blue and white is so fresh.

This mariner's compass block has been made into a useful table mat.  Some blocks are such that making one is enough!

I am determined to use up the fabric and blocks in my cupboard.  I was inspired by our sew a row quilt to put these orphans into rows.  I think it works quite well, and will be donated to Linus.

Jan made this charming little quilt for Linus.  I love the flowers.

And here is another of Jan's Linus quilts.  Someone will enjoy picking out the novelty fabrics in this one!
Don't forget that there is a sewing day on 6th April at North Kilworth Hall.  It only costs £5 for the day, and is a chance to either sew in peace or get some advice on a current project.  See you there!

John Cole-Morgan

February is normally a dreary month, but not when John Cole-Morgan is around!  He is full of the joy that quilting and life bring, and was so inspirational, both while displaying his quilts and sharing his wisdom.  

He is relatively new to quilting, but, like many of us, has found that quilting and the people he meets, bring happiness.  He was happy to show his first quilt, which he calls his Fuggly quilt, because he said it is F(antastically) Ugly!  I didnt think it was too bad, but this latest quilt shows how far he has come. 

  

He is particulary taken by the wonderful effects which foundation piecing can bring, and here is one of his paper pieced quilts being admired after his talk. 

 

This blue design was also widely admired, and  several people expressed interest in a class to teach it, so watch out for news of this.

 

June was bang on with her raffle theme this month!

 

John was very interested in and appreciative of our show and tell, and helped Vicki to hold things up.  First was a display of the braid row of our sew a row. 

 

Lots of people had not only finished their row, but remembered to bring it!  It was lovely to see all the colours and combinations.

 

This quilt was made from a fabric sample book, and has a braid border to add interest.

  

Ruth made this pretty quilt for Linus, and backed it with fleece for extra snuggle. 

  

Madeline's  grandaughter chose this orange peel design for a quilt for herself from the Stuart Hillard book.  Its all hand quilted.

 

The hexagons in this quilt were sewn by the maker's sister, and found after her death.  Such a touching use of blocks to remember her by.  

This fun quilt was made at a workshop.

Sorry this photo is a bit dark.  It's a beautiful stained glass flower.

Jan made this churn dash design for Linus. Thank you, Jan.  It's perfect!

Gaynor made this fabulous scene at a Gail Lawther workshop.  Very atmospheric.

 

This is a bowl on the theme of seaside.  Beautiful.

 

These pieces were made at a felting workshop.  (John looks puzzled here, but in fact he was awestruck!)

Chris had made this quilt for her grandson, and it proved to be a learning curve!  The first few blocks were a bit challenging, but she soon got into the swing.  In fact she even got her grandson to make part of one of the blocks.  There's nothing like collaboration!

I had been to the Leicester Royal Infirmary to deliver some quilts, and been asked if we could make some wiggly bags.  These are small bags to hold the Hickman lines for child chemotherapy patients. 

Wiggly bags

1.       Cut a piece of child-friendly fabric approximately 5½” x 8½”.

2.       Make a small double hem along the top long edge.

3.       Fold RS together and sew round three sides to make a bag.  Turn RS out.

4.       Cut a piece of ribbon, cord or tape 24” long.  Attach to the top of the bag.

5.       Repeat!

If you would like to make a few, please let me have them at the next meeting.