UKQU | Maria Spiller | Friends Activity

Vendulka Battais wrote a new post, Use it or lose it - now more relevant than ever!!

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 09:31:02 +0100

The long winter lockdown is over and retail has now been open for nearly three months. We are all happy that we can see our family and have a chatter over coffee with a friend. Unfortunately not everything is as…

Vendulka Battais wrote a new post, Living Wild Quilt

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 15:36:18 +0100

Have you ever heard of digitally printed fabrics?? The technology these days is moving forward in everything and the production of the fabrics is no exception. I had the opportunity to test a series of digitally…

Helen Howes wrote a new post, Making the Pieces Fit - or What To Do With Those Eccentric Odd Blocks

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 17:52:26 +0100

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.…

Helen Howes posted a new activity comment

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 18:10:49 +0100

This happens to my students a lot – they make something for themselves, then get an approach along the lines of “you enjoy this, why not make something for my second cousin’s third wife’s stepson” with no offer of payment. They usually have the common-sense to say no, or at least to ask my advice, at which point they get given a standard “costs”…[Read more]

In reply to - Ami Richards wrote a new post, How do you say no? How do you say no? This is a question that I have seen many times on various quilting sites. When someone wants you to make a quilt but they want it at a rock…

Helen Howes wrote a new post, Thirteen - A Nother Digression, About Quilting Your Improv Blocks

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 06:47:35 +0000

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…

Helen Howes wrote a new post, Part The Dozen, Spiralling Nebulae

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 13:05:11 +0000

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…

Helen Howes wrote a new post, Part Eleven - Three Is The Magic Number

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 06:45:43 +0000

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…

Helen Howes wrote a new post, A Digression, or Slamming It All Together

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 17:00:40 +0000

Now, you will have noticed that free-cutting and free-piecing can lead to what we might call inaccuracy, or I might call Interesting Variations Of Size

As you can see, the first set came out in all sorts of…

Helen Howes posted a new activity comment

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 10:29:59 +0000

Thanks for linking to my Tigers – I think these are ideal for oddments and so quick to make, have had a lot of fun making quilts for various charities with these

In reply to - Carol Lightburn wrote a new post, Christmas Dinner Quilts for Care Leavers You might think it’s too early to be using the word ‘Christmas’ in February but bear with me to the end and ll will be revealed ….…

Helen Howes wrote a new post, Improv for Beginners and Improvers - Part Eight - Stones That Float

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 20:25:36 +0000

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 e…

Helen Howes wrote a new post, Improv For Beginners and Improvers, Part 7: Yet More Celestiality and a Mini Quilt to make

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 07:27:09 +0000

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…

Helen Howes wrote a new post, Improv for Beginners and Improvers, Part Six, Celestial Happenings

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 07:13:11 +0000

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…

Helen Howes wrote a new post, Improv for Beginners and Improvers Part the Fifth - Now is the Time For Starry Things

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 07:09:01 +0000

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…

Helen Howes wrote a new post, Crossing the Eyes and Dotting for Teas...

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 06:00:54 +0000

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…

Helen Howes wrote a new post, Improv Blocks, Part the Third - Crosses of the Modern Persuasion

Thu, 27 Dec 2018 06:00:30 +0000

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…

Helen Howes wrote a new post, Improv for Beginners and Improvers - More Tigers

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 06:00:17 +0000

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…

Helen Howes wrote a new post, Improv for Beginners and Improvers: Part the First, and an Introduction

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 07:06:14 +0000

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 fai…

Helen Howes wrote a new post, Ancient and Modern

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 13:17:51 +0000

Hello there,
I’m Helen Howes, and this is by way of an Introduction and thanks-for-letting-me-play.
I’ve been a quilter for over 20 years, but I’ve been sewing for a whole lot longer – I have been a…

Vendulka Battais wrote a new post, How one thing leads to another

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 05:35:51 +0100

Do you ever wonder how do people develop a body of work for an exhibition? How they come up with the idea in the first place?? I’m now working on a series of quilts for an exhibition which will travel with G…

Vendulka Battais posted a new activity comment

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:23:00 +0100

Yes, it’s tedious getting the paper out, but sometimes it’s better than risking the lines coming back. Glad my tip is helpful!

In reply to - Vendulka Battais wrote a new post, How to trace a design onto difficult fabric Did you ever wanted to stitch something onto your work, but needed the guidance of a drawn line and didn’t know how to get the lines onto…

Vendulka Battais wrote a new post, How to trace a design onto difficult fabric

Sun, 08 Jul 2018 07:32:33 +0100

Did you ever wanted to stitch something onto your work, but needed the guidance of a drawn line and didn’t know how to get the lines onto a fabric?
There are lots of tools and pens which you can use to mark your…

jacqui_cole wrote a new post, Extremely Useful Newborn Gifts - Part Two: Wipe Pouch

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 09:42:27 +0100

Welcome to Part 2 of Extremely Useful Newborn Gifts. For a matching Washable Change Mat to make a lovely pair of gifts, take a look at Part One.

My original Wipe Pouch and Change Mat

This post takes you…

Vendulka Battais wrote a new post, Ball or Pin-cushion

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 11:23:46 +0100

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…

jacqui_cole wrote a new post, Extremely Useful Newborn Gifts - Part One: Washable Change Mat

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 05:16:38 +0100

Long, long ago (well, it feels like it), when Maxi Mister was small and Mini hadn’t arrived, I decided to make some of the things I knew I needed for when Mini did pop out. Maxi had been cloth-nappied until potty t…

jacqui_cole wrote a new post, Mistyfuse Review

Wed, 09 May 2018 05:36:16 +0100

First of all, I am going to start off by issuing an apology to the makers and distributors of Mistyfuse, who very kindly sent me some to review. I have taken a shockingly long time to complete my review, so I am…

Vendulka Battais and Fiona Garth are now friends

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 16:56:19 +0100

Vendulka Battais wrote a new post, Spring clean and the UFOs, WIPs and PIGs

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 07:01:29 +0100

Let’s hope the spring is finally here (no more snow please!) It’s so nice to open the doors and windows in the house for more than just 5 minutes to get some fresh air and new energy in. Before we dive into…

Vendulka Battais recommended the post Let’s make a patchwork jacket

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 23:15:15 +0100

Jo Graham wrote a new post, Sashiko - The Japanese Art of Quilting

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 07:20:31 +0000

Wow, can anyone tell me where February went? I can not believe that another month has already been and gone!
In this month’s blog, I am going to tell you a little bit about the history of Sashiko, (pronounced Sash –…

Vendulka Battais posted a new activity comment

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 09:25:44 +0000

So exciting to have a guy amongst us!! And what a talented one ! Welcome!

In reply to - Jonathan Dymond wrote a new post, Well you have a man amongst you now…….. Jonathan Dymond As the first guy blogger allow me to give you a very quick synopsis of my background. I come from an old coal mining…

Jo Graham posted a new activity comment

Fri, 23 Feb 2018 20:36:36 +0000

Thanks for the kind comments Carol. So glad the it made sense to you and that the pictures helped. It’s surprising how difficult it was to break it down into step by step instructions!

In reply to - Jo Graham wrote a new post, February 2018 Blog – How To Do The Quilt As You Go Method (QAYG) Hello all you lovely UKQU members and fellow bloggers out there. Where has January gone? I can’t believe its been a month s…

Vendulka Battais and Joy Morgan are now friends

Sat, 17 Feb 2018 16:30:26 +0000

Vendulka Battais recommended the post Journey of a New Long Arm Quilter

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 00:26:53 +0000

Vendulka Battais recommended the post Have you heard of QUILTING POLICE??

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 13:57:24 +0000

Jo Graham posted a new activity comment

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 22:57:47 +0000

Such a cute and useful project…..one can never have enough pin cushions. Great blog Gini x

In reply to - giniscanlan wrote a new post, Here begins the Scrap-Busting! So this month I’m sharing the first of my ‘Scrap-Buster’ patterns. I don’t know any sewist who can bear to throw away scraps of fabric… after all, you…

Jo Graham wrote a new post, February 2018 Blog - How To Do The Quilt As You Go Method (QAYG)

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 15:00:29 +0000

Hello all you lovely UKQU members and fellow bloggers out there. Where has January gone? I can’t believe its been a month since I last blogged!

This time I thought it would be interesting to talk about the quilt a…

Vendulka Battais posted a new activity comment

Sat, 03 Feb 2018 19:52:15 +0000

Wonderful Pam, glad to hear it arrived well. Looking forward seeing your creations on the UKQU facebook page!

In reply to - Vendulka Battais wrote a new post, Have you heard of QUILTING POLICE?? Seven years of teaching, running my own patchwork shop and being daily surrounded by quilters of all abilities I have noticed many things about…

Vendulka Battais posted a new activity comment

Sat, 03 Feb 2018 19:50:36 +0000

Dear @debquilter. What an awful thing to say to someone, sorry to hear about your experience! What that person should do is spent less time behind a sewing machine and more time around people practising being nice and human! I hope my article made you feel a little bit better and please take no notice of people like that, they are only projecting…[Read more]

Vendulka Battais wrote a new post, Have you heard of QUILTING POLICE??

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 10:30:33 +0000

Seven years of teaching, running my own patchwork shop and being daily surrounded by quilters of all abilities I have noticed many things about people’s attitude to sewing and one of them which is valid for most of u…

Vendulka Battais posted a new activity comment

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 20:31:30 +0000

Thank you Maggie!

In reply to - Vendulka Battais wrote a new post, 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…

Vendulka Battais posted a new activity comment

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 20:29:02 +0000

Thank you ladies, I’m glad you enjoyed the review and like the hanging!

In reply to - Vendulka Battais wrote a new post, Magic clips Review I think by now most of you have seen the novelty of clips to hold your fabric together instead of the pins. I have tried the ordinary clips and I guess it’s ju…

Vendulka Battais wrote a new post, Magic clips Review

Fri, 26 Jan 2018 17:00:24 +0000

I think by now most of you have seen the novelty of clips to hold your fabric together instead of the pins. I have tried the ordinary clips and I guess it’s just a matter of a habit or preference.
But then I was in…

Vendulka Battais recommended the post Grosvenor Show, Newark , January 2018

Sat, 20 Jan 2018 20:56:02 +0000

Vendulka Battais recommended the post Grosvenor Show, Newark , January 2018

Sat, 20 Jan 2018 20:55:59 +0000

Vendulka Battais recommended the post Nice to meet you

Sat, 20 Jan 2018 20:16:30 +0000

Vendulka Battais recommended the post Nice to meet you

Sat, 20 Jan 2018 20:16:21 +0000

Vendulka Battais posted a new activity comment

Sat, 20 Jan 2018 20:16:03 +0000

Oh, what a lovely story! The old needs to go to make a space for the new, but I know that even with an understanding of this, it doesn’t’ mean it’s easy. So nice to hear that sewing was healing! Wonderfull!

In reply to - Hilda Wessels wrote a new post, Go bye bye About a year ago I found myself very bored with my job. I felt very guilty about it, since it was a dreamjob… I worked as a coordinator for a project called “…

Vendulka Battais recommended the post Go bye bye

Sat, 20 Jan 2018 20:12:59 +0000

Susan Persaud recommended the post Nice to meet you

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 19:48:14 +0000

jacqui_cole posted a new activity comment

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 11:44:01 +0000

Thanks Jo. And I am so glad you managed that first step. Sometimes everything is so, so hard. I almost aways carry some kind of sewing with me now, so that I have something to focus on rather than whatever my brain is trying to fixate me on. It rarely fails to help.

In reply to - jacqui_cole wrote a new post, P&Q Class…or is it P&Q Therapy? If you have read my Bio or popped onto my own blog, you will know that I write under the name Picklepiemama, and that I spend far too much time making…