Previous work

So I wanted to post some of the previous samples and work I've produced since I started:

This was my end of Term 1 stitched assessment- a home decor item with kantha-like running stitches, hand dyed panel and an art deco like figure. Far from perfect and my style has been all over the place on this course but I had fun with it. I often think I'm working intuitively to create something I'm going to like- but it's mostly not something that would jump out at me if it was someone else's.
Anyway, we had to incorporate the term one quilting techniques/styles with the design work on line we'd done.


Below is my end of term two stitched assessment- an accessory incorporating one of the applique techniques we'd learnt, including appropriate quilting.

 Final Item:

Samples and Mock up

Term 3 Week 4: Log Cabin

I jumped ahead with this week as week 2 strip patchwork wanted us to use a rotary cutter- I haven't got one yet. I'm sure a rotary cutter would make creating log cabin blocks easier too but for now I just wanted to try a few things out. There are issues with accuracy that I'll sort out- but I had fun with the variations.

This was the first block I tried, making an obvious distinction between dark and light sides in a traditional block 

Top Image: This was my courthouse steps variation, with a modern crayon bright colour scheme- turquoise cotton for the centre square, two shades of a hand drawn geometric print and cherry red linen.


Middle Image: Not sure what I was thinking with the colours here but it looks better in real life. The pink is 'distressed' looking with tiny marks of silver and lime and less of a salmon shade than in the image- I'd like to try it with grays and denim shades.

Bottom Image: I think I became a bit more expressive here- pleased with the dreamy colour combination.As I get further on in the course I'd like to try a quilt with blocks like this separated with chambray sashing/borders.


These were all done without a base- but I may produce one with. I'm also thinking of quilting one of my two 'four block' samples as hinted in the instructions. Probably I'll do the courthouse steps, stitching in the ditch.

I've had fun with these ideas so far and have a lot more I want to try out. For the course I still need to produce an off centre log cabin sample.

First Post



Hi to whoever might come across this blog. I plan to first make a couple of posts here, and see how it goes. I think my main aim is to make it clearer to myself how I've progressed, and to hopefully connect a little with the online crafting community.

I started this course last year, and we're now approaching Term 3. We've had design modules, and practical exercises where we produce samples of various techniques. So far I've designed and produced two fully finished sewn items.

Being 23 I'm not exactly in the Women's Institute demographic and definitely the youngest doing DL patchwork and quilting in my area, but have found my tutor supportive.

Hopefully I'll make a second post within the next few days showing what I have done for the first week where we are observing, recording and sketching form around us- buildings, sculpture, furniture, jewellery etc etc. I will also show some of the work I've already completed since late last year.

And now an unrelated video: