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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 debut quilt pattern is on its way!

Happy World Quilting Day 2018!  We have been very busy behind the scenes producing our first studio quilt pattern.  Introducing Morris Mouse.  A dapper young chap, inspired by Liberty's Cottage Garden range.  He loves relaxing amongst the cosmos flowers and bluebells, which surround his cosy thatched cottage.   How is he made? Morris is a foundation pieced sewing pattern.  This means that you sew through the paper templates on your sewing machine and then remove the paper afterwards.  It's a technique that allows you to make very accurate lines and we love it!  When can I buy him?  Morris is making his debut on Sewing Quarter TV on Sunday March 25th at 10am. He will also be available on our website...

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Becoming a guest designer on Sewing Quarter

Hi everyone,  I think it is fair to say I have been neglecting this blog.  It began to feel scary, like a long overdue library book that you are too ashamed to take back.  The simple fact is that I have been all carried away with my other social media - easy to post from my phone and to share in seconds.  However, this blog is important to me.  When I read back over the past few years it is the best record I have of my creative and business journey.  It has helped me to record experiences, and the important and inspirational people I have met.  It is a way to connect with an audience of like-minded people and...

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Hepworth Apron Pinafore Dress Hack

So what is a hack? A hack is making changes to an existing pattern to create a different look.  It is a great way to add your own style and to build confidence in dressmaking. It gives you a good feeling at the end which far outweighs the nerves when you begin.  So, as promised here are all the details of how to use your Hepworth Apron pattern to make a super stylish pinafore dress. The fit remains flattering and very contemporary.  You can buy the Hepworth Apron here as a paper pattern or as a PDF (including a US version).  You can follow the basic construction tips and free video tutorials included in the pattern, as well as reading...

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All you need to know about sewing the Grainline Tamarack Jacket

When my friends at Vlieseline (major producer of interfacings etc) asked me try out their new wadding I had a definite project in mind. The Tamarack by Grainline Studio. I have admired the company's minimalist style for some time, and have also been lamenting the lack of time to quilt, so this seemed like the perfect project.    The jacket is simple in shape and the sleeves don't need to be set in.  However, it is rated as an intermediate level because you do need to quilt all of the pieces, add welt pockets if you want to, and bind the edges.  It took me approximately 8 hours to sew up - though I didn't add welts in this case...

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