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My Sailor Collar block on the Splendid Sampler 2

I am very happy to share my block design with you all for the Splendid Sampler 2 - Sailor Collar on page 42 in the book. This is the first time I have been part of a worldwide sew-along and it has been a really interesting journey so far.  I feel more confident in different quilting skills and watching my quilt grow is exciting. I also love watching everyone else's projects develop, and seeing how each person can put their unique spin on each block.  The block represents a sailor collar and that is because I am working on a quilt project using the remnants of one that belonged to my Grandpa Stanley when he served in the Navy in...

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Our exclusive Janome membership club

I have being sewing on Janome machines now for the past 12 years.  They are user friendly, reliable and can help you to be amazingly creative. I've taught over 500 students at my classes on Janomes and only ever hear and see good things! Janome UK are also good, honest people to work with.  Their machine lease scheme enabled me to set up as a teacher without huge costs.  They have offered me training and always encouraged each new venture I have presented to them. Many people I teach at the Ilkley studio, or via my online tutorials ask me which sewing machine to buy, or upgrade to, so we have decided to offer a small collection of our favourite...

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The Orchard Garden Collection for Liberty

I loved being involved with the development of Liberty's latest quilt range The Orchard Garden.   I had my first preview back in January when the head designer Mary-Ann came up to visit my Ilkley studio.  I instantly fell for a couple of the signature prints including Pheasant Forest.  The design is similar to Jess & Jean on Tana Lawn with delicate details perfect for piecing into a quilt. The first strike-offs arrived in the Spring, and we designed the Orchard Star Quilt as a free project to accompany the collection. This pattern can be downloaded from Alice Caroline's website here, where you can also buy fabrics.  I made the quilt in time for Festival of Quilts in August and...

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Quilting is cheaper than therapy

Every week I teach quilting at my studio in Ilkley.  Many of the women have been sewing with me for a number of years.  In fact, over 95% of our customers stick around, and have warned us that we are never allowed to close the studio doors! We often discuss the fact that the cost of the each term of classes, is much cheaper than therapy.  Whilst it's a bit of a joke now, the mental health benefits of practising a craft in the company of others is real. I witness it day in, day out and it's an amazing experience. I can recall so many moments of laughter, as well as the odd moan.  Someone gauging opinions on a...

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