July 2025
Notes from my studio, upcoming workshops, exhibitions and studio sales, as well as the things that are inspiring me - all of which are 'threads of my life'.
In The Studio
Apologies for opening this post with my grinning face, but it's been a wonderful and busy few weeks since I last wrote to you, and I wanted to celebrate!
The beginning of the month saw me turn 50 (hence the self portraits to mark the occasion), and I have spent the time celebrating quietly with family and friends: walks in the countryside, special meals out and visits to galleries. I've also been reflecting about my journey over the last 50 years, the connections made, the friends and loved ones lost, how my outlook on life has changed as I've grown older (and hopefully wiser).
Perhaps it's my birthday month, or perhaps it's the time of year, a half-way point, but this inward noticing has become a habit, and one I now relish for the insights it brings.
If you're not in the UK, you may not know that the typical 'English Summer' of my childhood (warm, wet rain, grey skies, the occasional 'hot' day of 28C), has changed beyond recognition this year. We've just come through our third official heatwave of the year, and are currently experiencing a drought; our corner of Hampshire starts a hosepipe ban on Monday. The Harvest has started (early this year, I'm sure), and the earth in our veg patch has turned to dust, despite having had barrow loads of well-rotted compost being dug in to improve the tilth, over the years.
This heat has meant that hand quilting a wool-filled quilt is not the most comfortable thing to do, but I am persevering, nonetheless.
Last month, I spoke about learning how to hand quilt with a rocking stitch, using a hoop, something I'd never done before. I can honestly say, I now love it! I'm learning the quirks of the process, my non-dominant finger beneath the quilt, has gained a little callus (a dancer friend has told me this is a sign of dedication as in the dance world, ballerinas will compare their calluses!!) from the constant pricking of the tiny needle (no, I can't get on with a thimble or similar for that finger - I have tried), and my stitches are becoming neater and neater.
I was asked by a few people recently, how many stitches per inch I will be aiming for. My response has been that I'm not aiming for anything, other than enjoyment. Through practice the stitches will become more even, but the size will depend on so much - from the weight of the fabric, whether it's pieced or wholecloth, even what the batting (the fluffy stuff inside) is made from. If you're lucky enough to find an antique quilt, look at the stitching. I like to think that each stitch was made with love and the intention of creating something meaningful; the qualities I try and emulate in my own stitched work (...and for those who really want to know, I'm currently stitching approx 10-14 stitches per inch).
Image above shows a detail of The Betsy Cope Quilt (1872) from the Quilters' Guild collection, shown at the Festival of Quilts, NEC Birmingham, UK, 2021.
Workshops, Exhibitions & Studio Sales
NEW WORKSHOP DATES - Black Chalk Wine
I will be back teaching in person at Black Chalk Wine this Autumn, nr Andover, Hampshire, UK.
Join me on Saturday 20th September for a day creating a Mini Quilt Inspired by your day at Black Chalk Wine and then on Saturday 18th October, you can join me for an Introduction to Hand Stitched Handwriting. You can book both classes by clicking the button below. Do make sure you book early to avoid disappointment.
Professional Membership of Design-Nation and exhibitions
I am thrilled to announce I have been accepted as a Professional Member of Design-Nation - a portfolio membership for some of the most acclaimed and innovative craftspeople from across the UK.
Through Design-Nation, I will be part of two exhibitions coming up this autumn. Design-Nation Presents will take place at The Hub, Sleaford UK from 13th September - 9th November 2025, while Design-Nation South: Materialised will be at The Regency Town House, Hove, UK from 13th - 26th October 2025. More details to follow, but please save the date!
Current Inspiration
I have fallen down a rabbit hole of traditional quilting designs. I am learning many were regional, or specific to a type of quilt. The designs could be self-drafted, or you could pay for someone to mark your quilting design for you.
Those who self-drafted patterns, took inspiration from the world around them, and often used household items such as cups or plates, to trace around.
The pattern I chose for this quilt, calls on a traditional, winding feather design which echoes the patterns of the crocheted doillies - I used three of my favourite bowls to create the trailing effect, which I'm really happy with.
As I now stitch, I am considering how I can take this way of taking the things familiar to me, from my home, and the countryside around me, to create my own, unique patterns and designs and I will be playing in my sketchbook over the summer
A TREAT FOR THE SENSES
A treat for your ears this month - a recording from my on demand Meditation Scroll online workshop.
I like to play this at the start of a creative session, to ground myself and then let go.
If you enjoyed listening, please do sign up to the class for more mindful moments and calming creativity.
Happy Stitching.
