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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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”…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 Makower – Blue Sky Tote Mug Rug Fern Garden from Makower

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

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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,…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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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…

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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…

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…

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…

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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…

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…

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…

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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…

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…

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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: Moda – William Morris Table Runner Pattern Beth Studley – Arrow Drops Pattern A Splash of Colour By Laundry Basket Quilts Sundance By Beth Studley