Today's Quilter 61

There is nothing quite like being snuggled up with a quilt. Soft, warm and protective! And if that quilt has been made with love by someone special, it makes it all the more comforting. On the flipside, making the quilt itself is just as soothing. Finding a pattern you love... or think someone else will like, diving into your stash to find the perfect combination of fabrics... or getting to buy a collection of fabrics and waiting eagerly for them to arrive, all these things bring delight to quilters. And then, getting stuck in, measuring, and measuring again before cutting that precious stash, sorting all the pieces out (there can be hundred of squares, triangles and strips to wrangle), before finally sitting at the machine while it whirrs away, connecting…

Sarah Fielke SUNNY SEWING Sarah has taken a quilt from the American Folk Art Museum and produced a gorgeous sympathetic version of the design (page 39). Lynne Goldsworthy STAR BRIGHT Today’s Quilter regular, Lynne Goldsworthy, has created another show-stopper with her HST quilt (see page 52), which shines bright. Carolyn Forster HOME AT THE LOG CABIN A scrappy quilt (page 24) not only looks home-made, but also like a favourite shirt or toy, something you want to be wrapped up in.…

THE BOOK OLD QUILTS, NEW LIFE First published in 2015, Cico Books is re-releasing Old Quilts, New Life. Featuring 18 stunning quilts designed by Sarah Fielke. She has selected nine quilts from The American Folk Art Museum in New York and created two designs inspired by each one – a sympathetic interpretation of the original and a more contemporary creation. The book also takes you through the history of the quilting traditions. Turn to page 39 for one of the book’s gorgeous patterns. THE DESIGNER MICHELLE YEO Michelle has been designing quilts and teaching for 20 years and began running her own business, Michelle Yeo Quilt Designs, in 2006. Inspired by antique quilts and the challenge of design, Michelle uses reproduction fabrics to achieve a timeless appeal. But she is…

What comes to mind when you think of the designer Anna Maria Horner? Joyful colour? Iconic prints? Fussy-cut designs? All of these are true for Deputy Editor, Laura, who has been a huge fan – and fabric collector – of Anna Maria for years now. So, when the idea of a supplement showcasing the work of this iconic designer came up, it was met with immeasurable enthusiasm! With the help of Jane Rae, Anna Maria Horner and the team at FreeSpirit Fabrics, we’ve created this celebration of a designer who has brought splashes of colour and inspiration to so many quilters around the world. Inside the pages, you’ll find fabric collection galleries worth swooning over, a designer profile where you get to spend a typical day with the woman herself…

Lush knits One of Sandie Lush’s innovative sweater quilts has been acquired by The Quilters’ Guild for their permanent collection. This piece was the first in a series of themed quilts created by Sandie exploring knitted designs and textures. ‘Slip 1, Knit 1’ was made by Sandie for The Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles’ 7th National juried exhibition in 1999, held at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Of course, the location, the theme ‘Under the Covers’ and Sandie’s love of knitting all came together in this realistic-looking quilted cricket sweater. What you might not realise from the picture is the scale of Sandy’s work, as this sweater is actually large enough to place on a single bed! “Sandie’s work in wholecloth quilting is well known, beautiful and skilfully executed, and we…

Over the coming issues, we’re previewing some of the exciting galleries lined up for this year’s The Festival of Quilts. There’s something for everyone, from the traditional and unique style of Amish quilts to the sensational art quilts made by Danny Amazonas. Abstract quilt maker Sheila Frampton-Cooper is turning up the volume with her energetic improv quilts and Sarah Hibbert’s gallery is inspired by a daily ritual of paper collage. Did we mention that Angela Walters of The Midnight Quilt Show fame will be the after-dinner speaker on 30 July? She will also be sharing her longarm-quilting skills in a series of lectures and workshops. We don’t know about you, but we can’t wait! www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk Sunshine and Shadow: Amish Quilts A fascinating gallery of quilts, some dating back 100 years,…