UK Quilters
For December I really wanted to find a Christmassy, feel-good book, something to take the stress out of the festive season. The first book I picked had Christmas in the title, so seemed promising. Having read the story, it didn’t provide the warm fuzzy feeling I was hoping for and the quilt theme wasn’t as…
Sewing at home is usually done alone and I for one, prefer sewing in comfy clothes (think track suit bottoms or comfy leggings) and some cosy slippers. Admittedly, I take off the left slipper when using the pedal, so my slippers need to be the open-back type. Whilst at the Bloggerati retreat this last weekend,…
When I was first exposed to quilting, it was because some mums in an online group were doing it. They were all amazingly excellent at it and I started by (very badly) copying what they were doing. With their enormous support, I slowly improved my skills and developed my own likes and dislikes. Sure, I…
For November we are going to read ‘Twelve Golden Threads: Lessons for successful living from Grama’s quilt‘ by Aliske Webb. Using quilting as a metaphor, the book sets out twelve lessons for a successful and fulfilling life. The story is told by Angela, the mother of Jennifer and Susan. Jennifer and Susan are young…
If any of your friends has any connections to or love of the Scandinavian countries, you can whip up some quick and easy, but still stunning gifts for them with simple appliqué. Technically, Scandinavia includes Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Add in Iceland and Finland, and you’ll have the Nordic countries. However, there is no need…
For October we are going to read “Behind the Scenes: Or, Thirty, a Slave, and Four Years in the White House”, which was written by Elizabeth Keckley. The book was originally written in 1868, yes, over 150 years ago! Keckley re-tells her life story from enslavement in Virginia and North Carolina to her time as…
The stories, yes stories, in my next suggested book, take place in September 1911 and September 2011, hence an ideal book for us to read in September. The book is called A Fall of Marigolds and is written by Susan Meissner. It is available as ebook, print and audio on Amazon and other good bookstores. Hundred…
Our children seem to create artwork with the same regularity and frequency as breathing. Having recently moved to a new home, I needed to find a new way of displaying their artwork without destroying any walls. Ideally I wanted the art display to be easy and accessible to hang and see for everyone in the family,…
For August we are going to read How to make an American quilt by Whitney Otto. The book was originally published back in 1991, but there are plenty of second-hand copies available on Amazon (some are sent from the United States, but they still cost under £10 including postage). Your local library may also have…
The second book by and about UK Quilters United is very soon available to purchase on Amazon globally. The Kindle version went live on 27 June 2019 and the paperback should be available shortly too. The book is the result of the hard work carried out by 25 amazing volunteer writers during the last couple…
The book for July is Fool’s Puzzle by Earlene Fowler. After her college sweetheart and later husband suddenly dies, Benni Harper is making a fresh start by moving to San Celina in California. Having previously lived on a ranch, she’s now the curator at the local folk-art museum. This is a mystery book, and as is usually the…
During June we are going to read The dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Lemmon. This is a book about sewing (rather than quilting) and about creating a brighter future even when it seems impossible. This is a true story about Kamila from Kabul. When the Taliban take over control in 1996, she has just…
