Mini Art Quilt Workshop…..

November 3, 2017 / Karen Lane / 10 Comments

We had a very intense day today at the Alford Craft Studio with seven ladies learning new techniques and using them to create a mini art quilt. I based the workshop on my Three Tall Trees design but participants were encouraged to use their own creativity to make their quilt their own.

Two of the ladies created beautiful pieces with their own designs while the other five chose to stick more to the original but, as you will see from the photos, each one has its own distinct style and beauty.

Katie is basing her design on a photo taken in Italy

Alison working on her trees

Kate has the background trees stitched

Rose’s quilt

Kate’s quilt

Sheila’s quilt

Annie’s quilt

Alison’s quilt

Katie’s quilt

Jean’s quilt

Everyone worked really hard throughout the day and produced some terrific work but, with so much to fit into the workshop, none of the pieces are quite finished……I will post updates as and when I receive images of the completed quilts.

Mini Art Quilt Workshop…..

October 9, 2017October 11, 2017 / Karen Lane / 4 Comments

On 3rd November, at the Alford Craft Market Studio, I will be running a workshop using the techniques and materials which went into making my Three Tall Trees art quilt. This will be a one day workshop so in order to get the piece finished (or as near as possible) we will be making a mini version.

To create a beautiful forest scene we will be painting, layering and hand/machine embroidering. For the foreground trees students can choose to work entirely on their own design or I can provide templates. This workshop is suitable for all abilities including those who have not yet tried free machine embroidery.

I will provide all fabrics but students will need to bring: Colouring medium i.e. fabric paint, Inktense blocks or acrylic paint plus brushes. Sewing machine with a normal foot and free machine foot. Basic sewing kit. Selection of different coloured machine threads including black, grey, cream and greens.

The studio in Alford is small so workshop numbers are limited. This makes for a lovely friendly atmosphere and means I get to spend more time with each participant.

For more information on classes at Alford, or to book a place, please see their website http://www.alfordcraftmarket.co.uk/alford-craft-market-centre.html or call Lynne on 01507 463341

Delft Quilt….

September 13, 2014February 8, 2015 / Karen Lane / 10 Comments

Hand embroidered Delph Quilt designed and made by Liz Hands

Delft Quilt by Liz Hands

I first saw a version of this Delft quilt a few months ago at a show in Woodhall Spa. There were lots of quilts on display but this one really caught my eye as it was so dramatic and fresh and the hand embroidered detailing was fabulous. I immediately fell in love with it and, after talking to its owner, I discovered that she had made it during a series of workshops run by Liz Hands at Stitchcraft in Grantham. The next day I called Stitchcraft and booked straight onto the next “Delft Quilt” course which is being held one day a month and started this Wednesday.

Although I love the traditional blue Delft shades I chose to make my quilt using these gorgeous, fresh teals with matching embroidery threads. For the background fabric I am using a delicate ivory patterned cotton.

First of 25 blocks

There are ten of us on the course and it’s a very friendly bunch. Liz has a relaxed style of teaching and is very approachable, which is great for someone like me who hasn’t made a quilt before. This week I almost completed my first block during the class (just got to finish the 2nd leaf) and I now have the next three blocks cut out and bonded to the background fabric ready to embroider at home. All I need now is time……..