UK Quilters
A common patchwork unit where getting a good line up can be tricky is the “Square-in-a-Square” unit. Four triangles are sewn around a central square. It should finish as shown in the photo above, with enough of the triangle fabric remaining all round to leave a quarter inch seam allowance beyond the points of the…
So, last time, we made simple crosses, and this time, a few extra ideas… This time, I started with a background square, but I made a strip from three pieces, two white and one red. As before, I cut the square about 1-1/2 inches bigger than the desired final block (so, for a 5-inch finshed…
Last time we looked at preparing fairly simple shapes, such as circles, leaves, and Scottie dogs, and appliqueing them onto a background. We briefly discussed using fusible web, raw edge applique and how to turn the edges under on these simple shapes so they could be stitched using a decorative stitch or an invisible stitch…
Now, I fell in love with these slightly wibbly cross blocks, and one thing led merrily to another, and another, and yet more anothers. Thanks to Heather Hasthorpe, who was instrumental in leading me astray Here’s another another Just compulsive…you have been warned Start with a square of fabric – maybe an inch bigger than…
Two words that can strike terror into the heart of a dedicated patchworker. The trouble is that it is not just used to make fabric pictures – you have to applique your Dresden Plate or your set of tumbling blocks onto a background for instance, and that lovely Honey Bee block requires you to applique…
So, having made your Tigers (see this post for details) you will find that there are various variations.. Start by joining the blocks together with all the stripes going the same way – you will note that your eye does not see a straight line where the blocks meet… You can cut this into narrower…
Who else has problems with their machine foot pedal walking all over the floor? Do you, like me, start with it in a lovely comfortable easy to use position and whether on carpet, tiles or wood floor, by the time you finish your project you realize you are quite the contortionist in reaching the foot…
Why Improvise? Well, firstly, why not? It’s much more personal, and the results tend to be as individual as the maker.. And because it’s actually easier than being precise, and the opportunities to fail are much less available… And because, when all is said and done, it’s Much More Fun Up till about 3 years…
Each month we have a Technique of the Month class at The Corner Patch where I teach. My blogs this year have been largely based on these classes. This last month in class we looked at stitching curved seams by making Drunkard’s Path units and blocks. Dressmakers, used to stitching in sleeves or cuffs, usually…
If you practice enough, there really is a point where FMQ (free motion quilting) suddenly switches from Fear to Fun. I didn’t really believe it would happen to me, but it has, and the possibilities that open up are quite exciting. I’d like to share a little bit of my learning journey with you: What…
Leaf Book Mark Water soluble stabiliser (WSS) reinforces hand and machine embroidery and is a fun material to work with. Looking for ideas to ‘play’ with this material I came upon a lovely YouTube tutorial by Deborah Wirsu called Textile Leaf Bookmarks. The idea is to collect leaves, draw the outline of one on a…
Late to the party as ever but I thought I would show you how I make these pretty decorations. Requirements list Two fat quarters (you can make two out of this) A three inch cardboard or template plastic circle Beads (optional) Thread to match fabric Seven inches of ribbon Put the fat quarters right sides…
Carolyn Gibbs
Helen Howes
Chris Franses
Sharon Reid
Corinne Curtis
Ruth Garner
Mary Norman