Made to Measure

Our workshops are 'made to measure'. We like to keep them personal. Every workshop is different because they're designed to please each person who comes. Judith bought one of our original New English Quilter frames a few years ago. She completed quite a few smaller projects like table runners, pillows and smaller lap quilts. But she was daunted by a larger sized quilt that she'd lovingly pieced. She was afraid of spoiling a top that she really cared about. So she rang and asked for some help.

I suggested that we book a workshop for a couple of days. Judith lives 5 minutes away in the next village so I came to her. This bright sunny spot at the top of her stairs is just the right setting for her New English Quilter frame. Judith designed the quilt to go in her bedroom. She chose a pale yellow fleece for the backing.

For the top Judith chose a thread from Superior Threads' Rainbow range called Opal # 808. The pastel colours looked so pretty over the chintz-like fabrics.

We chose cream coloured pre-wound bobbins in Bottom  Line #620 which blended beautifully with the fleece.We changed the needle to a 100/16 Titanium coated Topstitch needle and we were ready to start.

Judith was practising the scalloped mussel shell design for an overall pattern on paper first, then it was easy to draw the pattern with the thread. She wanted to create a subtle texture, something that would cross the pieced lines and hold the quilt together visually.

Judith loved learning a new line design. By the end of the quilt, Judith was really good at this pattern!  We took the quilt off the frame and threw it on the bed just to see the way the light fell across the raised 'negative space' created by the quilted lines. It looked beautiful.  It's just wonderful when a plan comes together. I'll post a picture of it on the bed once the binding is on. Now Judith plans to do the same scalloped mussel shell pattern on a red, cream and blue quilt for her daughter Cathy to take to University. She can't wait to see how the pattern will look in a different colour- way.