Free Patterns
Tonal Ditsy from Andover, designed by Lyn Goldsworthy
This lovely quilt could challenge you or your sewing group to a monthly block .. and it makes up into a fantastic quilt, 54″ x 54″. Designed by Lyn Goldsworthy from Lilyquilts exclusively for Andower (the US counterpart for Makower UK). There are 13 different blocks and any one of them could create an amazing…
18th May 2022
Do you like a challenge? – Ambiguity Quilt
In 2020 the Quilters Guild challenge was to make a 20″ square quilt made up of 20 squares. in my mind this was somewhat ambiguous as I like clear instructions and this was very much open to interpretation. I played around on EQ8 for a while but couldn’t come up with anything as I wanted…
23rd April 2022
Bird of Paradise Flower
On UKQU we love to provide different ideas using different techniques for quilters and crafters out there so every now and again we have a challenge. As Spring is around the corner we thought we’d re-visit flowers. Hawaiian Staycation We did flowers before in 2020 and, as I’d been playing around with Hawaiian quilting at…
16th March 2022
Applique revisited
I’ve been having a sort out of my cupboards and finding all sorts of half-finished, or even barely-started bits and pieces left over from 30-odd years of teaching. My most recent find has been a bag full of applique bits some of which may have featured in a previous blog here a few years back.…
13th March 2022
Tilda Cotton Beach
I was lucky enough to be able to review some of these beautiful fabrics. They not only look good, they are lovely to work with. They are part of a much wider range and if you shop around you can get them for £18.50 for 5 FQ. The range is also available as a Charm…
25th February 2022
Be Kind to Yourself – Ideas on a Relaxing Season
The 12 Days of Christmas were traditionally for celebrating the season and, in modern times, there is also a certain amount of retail therapy thrown in. From buying or making gifts for friends to that little something for ourselves. This year my purchase whilst out Christmas shopping was a lovely pair of reindeer earrings. They…
29th December 2021
Clara’s Garden Quilt designed by Lynn Goldsworthy for Makower
Makower’s well know designer, Lynn Goldsworthy created this lovely quilt using their Clara’s Garden fabric range. It could be adapted to use stash or scrappy fabrics and however your choose to make this lovely quilt make sure you show off the makes at the UK Quilters facebook. There’s lots more poppig up this week and…
26th December 2021
What is . . . this block and how could I make it?
I’ve been burbling on recently about units and blocks and grids and other arcane patchwork stuff including blocks that don’t appear to have a grid but are pieced on the diagonal instead. I thought I would have a look at one of these blocks and the different ways and means of piecing it. The block…
18th December 2021
Quilts for Refugees Charity Sew Day
Quilters are generous people, making many quilts for various charities throughout the world. In the UK there are many charities which you can make quilts for, some more well known than others. Linus is an obvious one, making quilts for children of all ages. Another I was privileged to be involved with is Quilts for…
16th December 2021
Foundation Piecing 2
In the last tutorial I showed you how to foundation piece a simple block. The aim was to make a cushion cover or a table mat and to do this you need to make 4 blocks. If you need a recap to the 1st part of the blog here is the link. The next step…
7th November 2021
Puzzle Quilt Block 8
The final block for the Puzzle Quilt is called Hartford Hope and is a variation of the Hope of Hartford block. It has quarter-square triangle units (which we have come across in several of the previous blocks) and squares. However it has a slightly different construction technique which involves a partial seam. This is an…
18th August 2021
Discovering the Quilting Community – A Newbie Quilters’ Experience
Entering the first large sized quilt I ever made into the Festival of Quilts 2019 was an experience. As a newbie quilter, I think if I had realised the grandeur and the prestige of the competition and the enormity of the event, I might have been too intimidated to enter it. Luckily, ignorance is bliss…
28th July 2021
Puzzle Quilt Block 7
This is the penultimate block in the Puzzle Quilt series and is another nine-patch block. This one is called Rolling Stone and features strip-pieced units (we made similar units for Block 4, London Roads) and a new unit: – the Square-in-a-Square, sometimes called Diamond-in-a-Square. I will show you two methods for making these units. As…
22nd July 2021
Puzzle Quilt Block 6
Block 6 of the Puzzle Quilt has arrived. This month’s block, called In A Spin, introduces another unit – Flying Geese. But first a few words of apology and explanation. Last month I said there might be a random extra post and it was intended to look at quilts to make with last month’s block.…
10th June 2021
Free Motion Quilting with Sandra SOMETHING DIFFERNT
Something different from FMQ with SANDRA I came across a pattern and I thought I have just the idea for this. Using my practice or tutorial pieces. Great way to use them up and make gifts at the same time. https://youtu.be/x4Gdz1A-dYU Related posts: Foot Loose Improv for Beginners and Improvers Part the Fifth – Now is…
7th June 2021
Big Charmer Quilt featuring Tula’s True Colours
One of the popular designers of both fabrics and quilt designs – there is a growing cohort of quilters who hoard, crave, lust after the Tula Pink designs. This one features her True Colours range (True Colors if you prefer the american spelling of course), Download the pattern instructions here Related posts: Mad as a…
19th May 2021
Makower ‘Joy’ designed by Lynn Goldsworthy
Designed by Lynn Goldsworthy for Makower UK, Joy was originally released for Christmas 2020 using their Joy fabric collection. It’s a pattern that could be adapted to either a range of fabric, or even make use of your own scrap box. However you choose to make it, make sure you share pictures of your quilt…
19th May 2021
Puzzle Quilt Block 4 London Roads
We’ve reached Block 4 of the Puzzle Quilt and you will be half-way through when you have made these ones. This time the block is based on a 9-patch grid (the earlier ones were 4-patch) and has two new units to tackle – the quarter-square triangle (QST) and a stripped unit. Just for a change,…
20th April 2021
Stripy String Quilt
If you have read my quilting blog or follow me on Instagram you will know how much I love scraps and using them for scrap quilts, you will also know how much I love Tula Pink and that every single tiny piece gets saved ‘just in case’ and that curating fabric pulls for quilts is…
7th April 2021
Designing a quilt with Quilt-Pro 6
Quilt-Pro is a quilt design program for your computer. It works in similar way to EQ8 but there are a few differences particularly in the drawing functions. Both have pre-loaded blocks and fabrics and both offer further blocks and fabrics via their websites or blogs. Both have excellent technical support – you can email them…
5th April 2021
Puzzle Quilt Block 3
The third block for our Puzzle Quilt is another one based on a 4-patch and has the exotic name ‘Mosaic Number 13’. It is very similar to the first block we made – Clay’s Choice – but has a few more half-square triangles. One thing that is certain is that by the time you have…
17th March 2021
Create a Heart Cushion with Vlieseline
Did you miss the 14th February. Did it pass by without merit (same here!) but Vlieseline posted a beautiful project with a real purpose. Breast Cancer Cushions are known to help with post operation comforts, and they have offered the pattern to make these. You can access the full pattern via this link or visit their…
15th February 2021
Puzzle Quilt Block 2 Schoolgirl’s Puzzle
Like last month’s block (Clay’s Choice) this month’s is based on a 4-patch grid and is made just from squares and half-square triangles. Take care when you are making these triangle units – accurate cutting and accurate quarter inch seam allowances are a start but there is a reason all patterns tell you to press…
12th February 2021
What if . . .? Rail Fence 2
Last month I burbled on about the Rail Fence design and how different it could look if you used strips of different widths instead of the usual equal ones. But I couldn’t just leave it there and went on with my playing around. What if, I thought, I added squares to the corners? All corners?…
3rd February 2021
Celebration Envelope Block #CBH2021
There are thousands upon thousands of envelopes used every day, for business and personal use and a vast array of envelopes of every colour and size. They’ve certainly come a long way since they were first used as earliest records say that the Ancient Chinese and the Babylonian’s used clay to protect messages. Around 2,000…
26th January 2021
Puzzle quilt block 1 Clay’s Choice
Welcome to the first block of our month-by-month Puzzle Quilt. As explained in previous posts the idea of a puzzle quilt is to make two (or more) identical blocks but move the colours around so the blocks look completely different – the puzzle being to find the pairs. Each month the blocks will introduce you…
14th January 2021
What If . . . ? Rail Fence
Those of you who have persevered with my ramblings here over the last few years (yes, it really is more than two!) will have realised that I enjoy footling about (as my mother used to call it) with pencil and paper or, these days, the computer. I like to take a traditional design and tweak…
9th January 2021
Puzzle Quilt Quilt-Along
I feel we all probably need something to sew, something to keep our minds and fingers occupied while locked down, in a high tier or whatever, wherever, we happen to be at the moment. To which end I have dug out the worksheets for the Puzzle Quilt class I should have been teaching at The…
4th January 2021
Balloons! #CBH2021
Like most this year my family had some celebrations planned. My son’s 18th in the first lockdown, our Silver Wedding anniversary in July and then, my own big 5 0 in the second lockdown. This time last year I would never have believed we would be putting off big celebrations until 2021. The advantage is…
1st January 2021
Alison Glass – Stripes and Plaids
Makower have always been a great source of fabulous patterns, like this lovely Stripes and Plaids designed by Alison Glass using her own Kaleidoscope fabric. Everyone loves a rainbow quilt and this one is a real star. Download the instructions and create your own version. Related posts: Scrap Busting #3 – Bee Themed Pocket Postcard…
26th December 2020
Big Diamond, a free pattern from Freespirit designed by Kaffe Fasset
From time to time the website features designs from some of the fabric manufacturers and designers we know and love. Take your colour mixing cues from Kaffe Fasset in this eye-catching, exciting quilt featured on the Freespirit website. . Simple triangles are sewn together in pairs, so construction is easy, but take care not to…
23rd December 2020
God Jul Nisse – Santa Gnome Doorstop
Sometimes we just like to have a go at something different don’t we. Like this fabulous little Tomte Gnome from Makower. It’s one of their patterns that has been around a while, but somehow it never seems to age. This little Gnome could be holding open our doors to welcome Santa in for many…
14th December 2020
.FUN WITH FREE MOTION QUILTING .
PAINTED FLOWER 2 I designed this PAINTED 3D FLOWER to give everyone a chance to do a form of Trapunto Quilting. There is a worksheet on UKQU web site. IT IS FREE TO DOWN LOAD Trapunto is a way of making your blocks appear 3D . You need to make up your blocks any block…
15th November 2020
Tulips #GFBH2020
I’m not one to shy away from a challenge, and so I jumped at the chance to be part of the UKQU blog hop – especially when the theme was flowers. I instantly knew what flowers I would choose – tulips. The inspiration for my flowers and leaves came from bobbin lace making. Back in…
16th September 2020
Bloggerati Blog Hop – Flowers #GFBH2020
Hawaiian Inspired Flower Block. Hawaiian Inspired Flower Block Another brilliant idea from UKQU – a Flower Blog Hop. A trip from one blog to another but for us quilters with a fabulously free flower block at every stop! What could be better for us than sharing our passion for patterns… When the call went out…
1st September 2020
Skilful Skyful Part 2: Quarter Square triangles
After learning how to make and use half-square triangles in the first instalment of this series, in this blogpost, we will move onwards, discovering how to make quarter square triangles. As usual, this will be illustrated by two traditional blocks: Ohio Star (an easy one well known to many of you already) and Silent Star,…
13th August 2020
Skilful Skyful Part 1: Half Square Triangles
This is the first of a series of eight blogs which will teach you different techniques used in traditional American block patchwork. Each section will include full, free instructions for two Star blocks using the technique; one easy and one more difficult, so that you can practice and develop the skills. You could use these…
22nd June 2020
Scrapology – Love Your Scraps.
How small a scrap of fabric do you keep? The answer is different for everyone. Some scraps I have are tiny but I might just need that particular shade of blue for an appliquéd eye at some point. So during lockdown I have vowed to tackle my scraps and reduce the ever-expanding bags/boxes that grow…
27th May 2020
Free Hearts Table Runner Pattern
I don’t know about you but when this lockdown started I felt a little glum. I found I had lots of time on my hands and, rather than let myself get stuck in a downward spiral, I decided that I would try and do what mental health professionals suggest is a good way to battle…
7th May 2020
Face Mask Pattern .. thanks Paula Doyle
As the crisis we are facing deepens there’s an ongoing debate about whether the wearing of masks is effective against Covid-19. We are not advocating the wearing of masks either way, nor are we endorsing this as the definitive pattern for making them either, but the lovely Paula Doyle, who many of you will know…
3rd April 2020
Ring Pincushion
Just a quick and easy pattern for you today, brilliant for appliqué and hand sewing. My friend, Veronica, showed me one she had made and said how fantastic it was. It really is, such a simple idea but you’ll find it so useful. Requirements 4″ Square of fabric. If you have smaller hands, then 3½”…
24th March 2020
Quick make: Mini Ironing pad and bag
I’m a convert to those mini irons for taking to workshops or for having beside me when I’m sewing lots of little pieces that need pressing, but when you have a mini iron you really also need a mini ironing pad. I’m not sure where I first saw the idea of using a cork backed…
18th February 2020
Track 2020 With a Temperature Quilt
Join me this year by tracking the temperature everyday, and making your very own flying geese temperature quilt. You can choose to track the temperature of any spot around the world, so track the temperature at home, or whereever you wish. Everything you need to get started is explained in the video below, and I…
2nd January 2020
Blown Away from Freespirit – a free pattern download
This lovely free pattern download features fabrics from many of the FreeSpirit designers – Tula Pink, The Kaffe Fasset Collective, Amy Butler and more. The soft gradient of colours evoke the feeling of leaves being wafted away after the Autumn but it would make a great scrappy pattern for any fabric. The PDF can…
28th November 2019
Bodacious Blooms – a free pattern download from Freespirit
Not sure if the fabrics are available in the UK that are used in this pattern from FreeSpirit, but it would make a great quilt whatever fabrics you choose. It’s not as difficult as it might at first seem – break it down into the components and see whether you agree. The pattern download…
25th November 2019
Daisy Chain Light from Freespirit Projects
Another lovely project from Freespirit fabrics, featuring the fabrics of Tula Pink. Download it here. https://www.freespiritfabrics.com/product_images/DaisyChainLightQuiltFINAL.pdf Related posts: Atlantis Rising from Tula Pink Blown Away from Freespirit – a free pattern download Improv Blocks, Part the Third – Crosses of the Modern Persuasion Bed of Roses – Download
1st November 2019
Grove Quilt designed by Linda Goldsworthy for Makower UK
The Grove Fabric is in the shops now and this fabulous quilt from Makower really showcases the range. Download the instructions here: http://www.makoweruk.com/test/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Grove-Quilt-Instructions-high-res.pdf Related posts: Counting Sheep — a new fabric range from Makower UK Review – “Good Life” – a Makower fabric range Review of Makower UK Pinstripe Review – Makower Forest
31st October 2019
Fancy Free Slouch Bag .. Kaffe Fassett for Freespirit
This Fancy Free Slouchy Bag pattern from Freespirit features Kaffe Fassett fabrics. It’s placed in the intermediate level of skill and technique so study the instructions carefully. The pattern download needs careful putting together too, but we look forward to seeing your makes. Download the project here: https://www.freespiritfabrics.com/product_images/Kaffe%20FassettFancyFree%20Slouchy_Blue.pdf Related posts: Drawstring bag Improv for Beginners…
30th October 2019
Small Things from Lewis & Irene
Designed by Sally Ablett for Lewis and Irene this Small Things Quilt would grace any bed or room. The range features a range of animals from around the world and would make a great Eye Spy quilt for a youngster too. Download the pattern details here: https://www.lewisandirene.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Small-Things-quilt-1-2-Amended.pdf Related posts: Celtic Coorie Quilts .. a free download…
29th October 2019
Atlantis Rising from Tula Pink
What a fabulous way to showcase any range of fabrics! Atlantis Rising from the lovely Freespirit designer Tula Pink is beautiful we are sure you will agree. You might be able to source the Zuma fabrics from our local quilt shops here in the UK, but the pattern link below offers all the measurements so…
28th October 2019
Design your own quilt part 2 Using blocks
I’m trying not to write a book here, but it is difficult as my head is buzzing with ideas. So, this time we’ll look at using blocks – traditional blocks, altered blocks and your own designs. Using traditional blocks is where we all start when designing a quilt and, having chosen our block we then…
13th October 2019
Christmas Triangles
I guess you can never have enough Christmas Decorations, can you?? I have a lovely idea for you which have lots of variations. All you need are two fabrics, which contrast with one another and preferably have rather smaller pattern than larger. We will then cut and sew triangles out of them and twist and…
4th October 2019
Mug Rug
A what? A mug rug is another name for a coaster – although I keep getting muddled and calling them rug mugs. Whatever . . . this one is really easy to make, involves minimal sewing and can be turned into a tree decoration if you don’t fancy the idea of a mug rug. Or…
4th October 2019
Makower Scandi Stockings
In the shops in time for Christmas are these wonderful Scandi Style Christmas Stockings. Imagine the joy on the families faces when they find these stuffed with presents on Christmas morning. There’s little scandi style discs to hang on your tree, or why not make them into coasters for the table. Look for them…
3rd October 2019
Plaited Wreath
Materials required 6 inch piece width of fabric (3 different designs) 2 packs of toy stuffing 1 mtr of wide ribbon Take each of the 3 strips and with r/s facing sew along one short end and the length of the strip creating a tub. Turn the 3 tubes in the right way. Stuff the…
2nd October 2019
Celtic Coorie Quilts .. a free download from Lewis and Irene
This lovely new pattern from Lewis and Irene is another pattern to try out your skills. There are three versions of this pattern and the beautiful fabrics are in the shops now too. Isn’t it clever how moving blocks around can create a totally different look You can download this pattern, for free, by clicking…
26th September 2019
All Stacked up — a free pattern from Freespirit
Do you fancy a challenge! This might not seem easy at first, but any pattern can be tackled if you take things slowly, one step at a time. Not everyone is a Kaffe Fassett Collective fan, but you cannot deny the colours in this are glorious. Click the link below to download…
26th September 2019
Fairy Lights – a free pattern from Lewis and Irene
This pattern is something really pretty . and it glows in the dark too. A first from Lewis and Irene and in the shops now. Click the link below to download the pattern instructions https://www.lewisandirene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Fairy-Lights-Quilt.pdf Related posts: Celtic Coorie Quilts .. a free download from Lewis and Irene Botanica Quilt Bijoux Pattern By Kathy…
26th September 2019
Fern Garden from Makower
Set to become a real favourite of many, Fern Garden from Makower is now on the shelves this Autumn. Stylish, refreshing colours mixing greens and greys with revitalising yellows are an interior designers dream. Pineapples sit alongside flamingos, with a retro vintage feel to the whole collection. These free pattern downloads for a messenger bag,…
26th September 2019
Cool Cats Quillow from Makower
We just love this fabulous pattern from Makower, and any cat lover will agree it’s a real cutie. The fabric patterns and mix of yardage and panel brings all sorts of possibilities, like this free pattern download for the Quillow. http://www.makoweruk.com/test/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Cool-Cats-Quilt-Instructions-high-res.pdf Related posts: cut&alter :: Modern Quilts – Fabric Part II Sundance By Beth Studley…
26th September 2019
Makower Bijoux Range with free pattern
With 42 different Tonal Designs, Makower’s Bijoux range is a perfect compliment to any stash. The subtle vintage shades work well together in this fabulous scrappy quilt, and we have even given you the pattern to download for free complete with workable templates included. Don’t forget to show us your makes on the UK Quilters…
26th September 2019
Stash busting idea – artwork display
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,…
18th August 2019
Design your own quilt block Part 2
Last month we looked at designing your own blocks by taking a traditional block and adding or subtracting a few lines. This month we will look at drawing what you might call ‘skewed’ blocks using graph paper with a different (not square) grid as well as just drawing a few random lines across a square,…
20th July 2019
cut&alter :: Modern Quilts – Fabric Part II
Last week Modern Quilts – Fabric Part I was published and this week we are continuing the theme of fabric. So far I have talked about solids or fabrics that read as solid but that is not to say that prints cannot be used in modern quilts. They most certainly can! My On the Plus…
12th April 2019
Making the Pieces Fit – or What To Do With Those Eccentric Odd Blocks
As requested… These were left over from demonstrating Eccentric Log Cabins (not so much a Log Cabin, more a Pile of Sticks, see the image at the top for my Dusk quilt…) at Festival of Quilts in 2017. Oddments like this are inclined to reappear at moments when I really need to tidy up. I…
9th April 2019
Review of Makower UK Pinstripe
I was lucky enough to receive a bundle of Makower stripped fabrics to review, yippee! There were twelve 9.75 – 10 inch squares with a thin stripe design, the colours were vibrant and the fabric soft. The edges were pinked which I am not usually a fan of, as I tend to look as if…
26th March 2019
Octagon quilts
The octagon and its tessellating square was a popular design in tiled floors as well as quilts – the kitchen floor in my last (Victorian) house had such a design with terracotta octagons and black squares. In Hannah Hauxwell’s collection of quilts was a red, white and blue one made from large octagons and squares.…
22nd March 2019
N.S.F.W. (Not sewn For Weeks) Tales of a Part time Quilter. Quilt Bags and Glad Rags – Laptop / Tablet Sleeve and Lunch Bag
Hi Everyone I know it has been a while since I blogged. I would say that life and work got in the way, but frankly, I have just been going through the annual winter blues. I find it hard enough to be motivated to get up and go to work, sewing and the writing about…
12th March 2019
Drawstring bag
As I have explained previously, my mum taught me how to sew. She also taught me how to cook, and she was usually quite happy to let me loose in the kitchen, without worrying that I would blow myself up or burn the house down. In fact, it could be due to some of her…
8th March 2019
Thirteen – A Nother Digression, About Quilting Your Improv Blocks
Now, as I have spent more time quilting, and as I have learned how to do it better, I find I want to make less and less of a statement with it. It’s really important to quilt your quilt, as it’s not complete without this joining-of-layers and adding-of-texture… Many of my recent quilts are simply…
7th March 2019
Part The Dozen, Spiralling Nebulae
Now, I was asked to make a quilt from a pack of Oakshott Fabrics Starshott, which is a slightly odd, subtle coloured selection.. I wanted something simple, and improvised, of course, and trimmable, without doubt.. So, here’s the thing – three pieces 6 by 7 inches, on the mat Right Sides Up, and with two…
28th February 2019
Part Eleven – Three Is The Magic Number
This block (Three Becomes One) was probably the first truly “Improv” block I taught – and it is still a favourite Sorry for the small images – I had these prepared, they vanished, I swore, these will Just Have To Do… Start with three squares of nice cotton quilting fabrics. You really need some contrast…
21st February 2019
Valentine Day Panic!
Quick free pattern finds. Who else has got to February and not thought about Valentine’s Day? We’re approaching our 25th wedding anniversary (think it’s next year?!) but we do still try and do something around Valentine’s – even if it is just a takeaway! But have I thought about making anything, been out shopping for…
1st February 2019
Improv for Beginners and Improvers – Part Eight – Stones That Float
For this block I decided to work away from the more usual squares, and there are two variations – either make some of each or choose which you prefer. These make super borders for all sorts of quilts… Cut For each block One piece 6-1/2 by 2 inches in background fabric One 2-inch square in…
31st January 2019
Improv For Beginners and Improvers, Part 7: Yet More Celestiality and a Mini Quilt to make
Now, the nice little game of adding eccentric corners to squares can be taken a little further, like so Cut a rectangle (this is a charm square cut in half, so 2-1/2 by 5 inches, but any size that pleases you will be just fine. ) The mini-quilt used 9 charm squares and about…
24th January 2019
Improv for Beginners and Improvers, Part Six, Celestial Happenings
Last time, we did a regular Wonky Star, if that’s not too improbable.. This time I want to show you the more interesting version. Start with a background square – mine is about 10 inches. If you need a particular finished size, add about 2 inches, so, for an 8-inch finished block, use at least…
17th January 2019
Improv for Beginners and Improvers Part the Fifth – Now is the Time For Starry Things
Let’s start with the simplest version of my Wonky Stars Cut 9 squares of equal size, in a variety of colours if you wish. I have used Oakshott Fabrics Ruby Reds, plus black and white, here And 3-1/2 inch squares, but that’s up to you, of course. We are going to add starry points to…
10th January 2019
Crossing the Eyes and Dotting for Teas…
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…
3rd January 2019
Machine applique Part 2
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…
29th December 2018
Improv Blocks, Part the Third – Crosses of the Modern Persuasion
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…
27th December 2018
Improv for Beginners and Improvers – More Tigers
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…
20th December 2018
Silent Night – Free Download
Related posts: A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts Fruity Friends By Lynne Goldsworthy Pieces of Eight Cushion Collection – Free Download Moda – Verna Bag & Quilt Pattern Download
18th December 2018
Fruity Friends Messenger Bag – Download
Related posts: Moda – William Morris Table Runner Pattern Dream… Designed by Lynne Goldsworthy Part The Dozen, Spiralling Nebulae Drawstring bag
18th December 2018
Fern Garden Messenger Bag – Download
Related posts: Moda – William Morris Table Runner Pattern Uptown By Kim Schaefer Valentines’ Projects Baby Jungle Designed by Lynne Goldsworthy
18th December 2018
Bed of Roses – Download
Related posts: Moda – William Morris Table Runner Pattern Uptown By Kim Schaefer Valentines’ Projects Baby Jungle Designed by Lynne Goldsworthy
18th December 2018
Foot Loose
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…
13th December 2018
Improv for Beginners and Improvers: Part the First, and an Introduction
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…
13th December 2018
cut&alter :: Rudolph Quilt Block Tutorial – FREE DOWNLOAD
I have been somewhat absent over on this website due to a variety of reasons – not least a house move. In the end it turned out that we had one week from exchange to completion. That was one week to pack up my longarm studio, which was large and housed a LOT of things,…
10th December 2018
Christmas sewing with children
Long, long ago I was actively involved in the Quilters’ Guild (as it was then) first as a Young Quilters’ Rep for my Region, then as YQ Officer and finally as the YQ magazine editor. At the same time I also ran a little local group of Young Quilters. My Young Quilters all grew up…
28th November 2018
Peaky and Spike
This three-triangle unit was, I think, given its name by Doreen Speckmann because the centre triangle resembles a mountain peak and the two side triangles are the spikes anchoring it to the ground. It is not the easiest of units to cut or piece and the most precise way to get those points really sharp…
3rd November 2018
Scrap Busting #3 – Bee Themed Pocket Postcard
I don’t know about you, but I am completely ‘Easter-ed’ out so I thought I would do something a little bit different for April’s blog/pattern. Our household was very lucky to have received a number of beautiful spring themed Easter cards, which prompted me to think about a fabric postcard. I belong to the UKQU…
31st October 2018
Square and Triangles unit
This is another very useful unit which crops up in a number of blocks but can make some interesting designs just on its own. It can also be fun to add this unit into traditional blocks – substitute the HST units for this one, or 4-patch units and see what you end up with. There’s…
7th October 2018
Ice, Ice, Baby!
Well, as most of my informative years were in the 80s I couldn’t help but think of this when hearing about the challenge for the Ice Quilt Sew-a-Row, designing a quilt for the UKQU website. You can read the full story of the Ice and Fire quilts in October’s issue of British Patchwork and Quilting…
3rd October 2018
Sew Mindful Quilt
Related posts: Spindrift Quilt Pattern Something Blue BY LAUNDRY BASKET QUILTS TOY SOFT BLOCKS Review – “Good Life” – a Makower fabric range
20th September 2018
Love Me Love Me Not Quilt
Related posts: Spindrift Quilt Pattern Something Blue BY LAUNDRY BASKET QUILTS TOY SOFT BLOCKS Review – “Good Life” – a Makower fabric range
19th September 2018
Lindos Quilt
Related posts: Bumbleberries Quilt by Sally Ablett Improv for Beginners and Improvers Part the Fifth – Now is the Time For Starry Things Fern Garden from Makower Atlantis Rising from Tula Pink
18th September 2018
The Water Meadow Table Runner and Placemats
Related posts: Moda – William Morris Table Runner Pattern Dream… Designed by Lynne Goldsworthy Ice, Ice, Baby! Drawstring bag
17th September 2018
Bumbleberries Quilt by Sally Ablett
Related posts: The Water Meadow Table Runner and Placemats Improv for Beginners and Improvers Part the Fifth – Now is the Time For Starry Things Fern Garden from Makower Atlantis Rising from Tula Pink
16th September 2018
Woodland Messenger Bag
Related posts: Botanica Quilt Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall Checkerboard Quilt by Lynne Goldsworthy – Downloadable pattern English Paper Piecing: What stitch should I use?Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
15th September 2018
Spotty Pinwheels
Related posts: A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts Pieces of Eight Cushion Collection – Free Download Mad as a March Hare! Gutermann Circus Elephant Rucksack
14th September 2018
Modern Retro
Related posts: Botanica Quilt Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall Checkerboard Quilt by Lynne Goldsworthy – Downloadable pattern English Paper Piecing: What stitch should I use?Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
13th September 2018
Japanese Parasols by Lynne Goldsworthy
Related posts: Katie Jane by Lynne Goldsworthy Spindrift Quilt Pattern And Z Quilt designed by: Kim Schaefer Football World Cup and left over hexagons?
12th September 2018
Beachcomber Quilt by Lynne Goldsworthy
Related posts: Spindrift Quilt Pattern And Z Quilt designed by: Kim Schaefer Dream Shopper’s Tote Bag Designed by Janet Goddard Review – “Good Life” – a Makower fabric range
11th September 2018
Review – “Good Life” – a Makower fabric range
The Makower website describes these colourful prints as celebrating the good life … home grown vegetables, chickens, fruit trees and sunflowers … a perfect range for making garden or kitchen accessories, and bags for your market shopping. As they do with many of their fabric ranges, Makower have provided a free pattern download designed for…
17th July 2018
Dream… Designed by Lynne Goldsworthy
Related posts: Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall Checkerboard Quilt by Lynne Goldsworthy – Downloadable pattern English Paper Piecing: What stitch should I use?Duck Creek Mountain Quilting Spindrift Quilt Pattern
2nd July 2018
Dream Shopper’s Tote Bag Designed by Janet Goddard
Related posts: A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts Pieces of Eight Cushion Collection – Free Download Mad as a March Hare! Gutermann Circus Elephant Rucksack
2nd July 2018
Ball or Pin-cushion
This is a wonderful project – following the same instructions you can make either a ball for a child or very pretty pincushion for your friend. The ball is wonderful for children from very early age, as it’s made of segments and those can be easily grabbed by very small hands. If you use a…
20th June 2018
TOY SOFT BLOCKS
Something simple and quick to make for baby to play with. Cut 6 4”squares for each cube…18 shown for 3 cubes. ¼” seams. Toy stuffing Bondaweb for letters Stabilizer Draw out letters on Bondaweb remembering to reverse. Cut out rough and iron onto wrong side of scraps. Cut out on the lines and iron onto…
19th June 2018
Football World Cup and left over hexagons?
Yep, that was football and hexagons in the same sentence! If you have been really bored, you may have found out that a typical football consists of 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons. I say ‘typical’ football, as the older ones were made up of rectangular-ish shapes and the latest one used for the World Cup…
13th June 2018
Something Blue BY LAUNDRY BASKET QUILTS
Related posts: A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts Pieces of Eight Cushion Collection – Free Download Gutermann Circus Play Mat and Bag TOY SOFT BLOCKS
21st May 2018
Bloom Messenger Bag – Designed by Janet Goddard
Related posts: Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall Mad as a March Hare! Woodland Messenger Bag Thirteen – A Nother Digression, About Quilting Your Improv Blocks
21st May 2018
Bella-Rina Bag – Studioe
Related posts: Fruity Friends By Lynne Goldsworthy Moda – Verna Bag & Quilt Pattern Download Bloom Messenger Bag – Designed by Janet Goddard Woodland Messenger Bag
9th May 2018
Sew Mindful Quilt Designed and made by Sally Ablett
Related posts: Scrap Busting #3 – Bee Themed Pocket Postcard Japanese Parasols by Lynne Goldsworthy Improv for Beginners and Improvers: Part the First, and an Introduction Fruity Friends Messenger Bag – Download
9th May 2018
A Whale of a Time Quilt #2 – Studioe
Related posts: A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts Pieces of Eight Cushion Collection – Free Download Gutermann Circus Play Mat and Bag Baby Jungle Designed by Lynne Goldsworthy
9th May 2018
Baby Jungle Designed by Lynne Goldsworthy
Related posts: Moda – William Morris Table Runner Pattern Uptown By Kim Schaefer Valentines’ Projects Gutermann Circus Play Mat and Bag
9th May 2018
And Z Quilt designed by: Kim Schaefer
Related posts: Spindrift Quilt Pattern Something Blue BY LAUNDRY BASKET QUILTS TOY SOFT BLOCKS Beachcomber Quilt by Lynne Goldsworthy
9th May 2018
Fabric Review – Makower UK
The lovely people at UKQU HQ very kindly asked if I’d like to review some fabric and I jumped in the air! I’m more than happy to admit to being a fabric addict. The fabrics were from Makower UK and I joyfully received 4 pieces from the Essentials range and a few layer cake squares…
8th April 2018
Mad as a March Hare!
There’s nothing nicer on these cold, dark evenings than snuggling up on the sofa, under a quilt, in front of an open fire with a good book. Or in my case, Kindle. I struggle to hand sew in poor light, so this time of year I tend to either read or do other handicrafts in…
21st March 2018
English Paper Piecing: What stitch should I use?Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
This is the third post in my series about EPP. This is looking at the type of stitch you might want to use to join your pieces. Traditionally EPP uses a whip stitch, but there are now many alternatives and it’s really about personal choice and what works best for you. What you want is…
12th March 2018
Celtic Blessings Cushions
Related posts: A Whale of a Time Quilt #2 – Studioe Dream… Designed by Lynne Goldsworthy Review – “Good Life” – a Makower fabric range Modern Retro
5th March 2018
Spindrift Quilt Pattern
Related posts: Checkerboard Quilt by Lynne Goldsworthy – Downloadable pattern Sundance By Beth Studley Scrap Busting #3 – Bee Themed Pocket Postcard Ice, Ice, Baby!
5th March 2018
Gutermann Circus Play Mat and Bag
Related posts: And Z Quilt designed by: Kim Schaefer Japanese Parasols by Lynne Goldsworthy Improv for Beginners and Improvers: Part the First, and an Introduction Fruity Friends Messenger Bag – Download
2nd March 2018
Gutermann Circus Elephant Rucksack
Related posts: Botanica Quilt Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall Chevron table runner Spindrift Quilt Pattern
2nd March 2018
Gutermann Circus Baby Ball
Related posts: A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts Pieces of Eight Cushion Collection – Free Download Baby Jungle Designed by Lynne Goldsworthy TOY SOFT BLOCKS
2nd March 2018
Fruity Friends By Lynne Goldsworthy
Related posts: Moda – William Morris Table Runner Pattern Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts Katie Jane by Lynne Goldsworthy
23rd February 2018
Sundance By Beth Studley
Related posts: Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts Fruity Friends By Lynne Goldsworthy Katie Jane by Lynne Goldsworthy
16th February 2018
Katie Jane by Lynne Goldsworthy
Related posts: Fruity Friends By Lynne Goldsworthy Moda – William Morris Table Runner Pattern A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall
9th February 2018
Valentines’ Projects
Valentines’ Projects Hello, it’s Fiona from the Sewing Directory here. Rather than being a monthly blogger I’m going to bring you a round up of projects for seasonal events throughout the year. Starting off with Valentine’s day which is just around the corner. I would be remiss if I didn’t start with some great heart…
19th January 2018
Chevron table runner
Length 120cm ( 47”) Width 44cm (17 1⁄2”) I love to start by choosing the central fabric which can showcase nice large patterned design as you will need 10″ square of it. You can then use the same fabric for the border and little squares in the middle or just leave it as the feature…
8th January 2018
Moda – Verna Bag & Quilt Pattern Download
Moda-Verna Bag & Quilt Pattern Download Download this beautiful design using the link below. Download Verna Bag & Quilt Pattern Related posts: Moda – William Morris Table Runner Pattern Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts Checkerboard Quilt by Lynne Goldsworthy – Downloadable pattern
4th January 2018
Pieces of Eight Cushion Collection – Free Download
Related posts: Fruity Friends By Lynne Goldsworthy Moda – William Morris Table Runner Pattern Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts
13th December 2017
Checkerboard Quilt by Lynne Goldsworthy – Downloadable pattern
Related posts: Fruity Friends By Lynne Goldsworthy Moda – William Morris Table Runner Pattern Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall Katie Jane by Lynne Goldsworthy
13th December 2017
Uptown By Kim Schaefer
Related posts: And Z Quilt designed by: Kim Schaefer Japanese Parasols by Lynne Goldsworthy Improv for Beginners and Improvers: Part the First, and an Introduction Fruity Friends Messenger Bag – Download
28th November 2017
A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts
Related posts: Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall Sundance By Beth Studley Fruity Friends By Lynne Goldsworthy Katie Jane by Lynne Goldsworthy
28th November 2017
Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall
Related posts: A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts Sundance By Beth Studley Fruity Friends By Lynne Goldsworthy Moda – William Morris Table Runner Pattern
28th November 2017
Moda – William Morris Table Runner Pattern
Related posts: Fruity Friends By Lynne Goldsworthy Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts Katie Jane by Lynne Goldsworthy
16th November 2017
Botanica Quilt
Botanica Finished size 55” x 76” (1.40m x 1.90m) Designed by Lynne Goldsworthy of lilysquilts.blogspot.com using the Botanica collection from Makower UK www.makoweruk.com Botanica-FTU-Quilt-Instructions Related posts: Bijoux Pattern By Kathy Hall A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts Fruity Friends By Lynne Goldsworthy Katie Jane by Lynne Goldsworthy