On the eve of the release of my debut quilt pattern, Morris Mouse, I wanted to share a few insights. The strongest value in my business is to be helpful. This goal drives the studio classes that I teach, and the patterns that I produce. I want people to improve their skills and to feel the sense of pride and achievement that I love at the end of a craft project. I know from experience that written instructions for any sewing or quilt pattern can be tricky - however well drafted. I have been frustrated, confused and, at times, I may even have had a little cry when I just don't get it! Therefore, when I wrote down my vision...
It's fair to say that if it wasn't for some of the female population of West Yorkshire I wouldn't have a business! So today, on International Women's Day I am celebrating everyone who supports me by coming to classes at the studio. Back in 2011, a small group took a chance that I might be able to help them to sew when I offered quilting classes in the Promises Auction at my children's school. It was in my home, with quilt templates cut from cereal packets and the chaos of family life surrounding us. I tried my best, we cracked on together and it gave me the confidence to teach a few more people. Three years later I rented...
Hi everyone, I think it is fair to say I have been neglecting this blog. It began to feel scary, like a long overdue library book that you are too ashamed to take back. The simple fact is that I have been all carried away with my other social media - easy to post from my phone and to share in seconds. However, this blog is important to me. When I read back over the past few years it is the best record I have of my creative and business journey. It has helped me to record experiences, and the important and inspirational people I have met. It is a way to connect with an audience of like-minded people and...
I first met Karen Lewis a couple of years ago at the fabulous Chirpy store in Leeds. Karen had just published her book Screenprinting at Home and had an open workshop to give the basic techniques a go. Last November I also enjoyed a full day workshop at Karen's home studio with some of my quilt-loving friends. (My rather wonky logo templates ready for screen printing!) Karen is incredibly busy at the moment. She is working as a fabric designer for Robert Kaufman and this week she announced that she will be teaching and lecturing at Quilt Con 2017 in Savannah, USA. She has also set up The Thread House with Jo Avery and Lynne Goldsworthy to release patterns...
This week I finally went out in the coat I have been working on, very sporadically, for a good year or so. The wool cloth is from Marton Mills, which is 15 minutes down the road from where I live, and is lovely to handle. I have been guided through the main processes by the great Ann Ladbury, who is also delighted that she doesn't have to see it again in class! It started out as the pattern pictured below though I merged all of the front and back into single pieces and added welt pockets. When I was considering the pocket size and placement Ann Ladbury pointed out that the look and cloth I had chosen was sporty and...
