Tutor: Marion Haslam

Thursday 23 May

Level - All levels

10.30-4.30pm with a break for lunch

Marion made her first string patchwork back in 1990 (obviously as a mere slip of a young quilter)! It’s a technique she loves to revisit as it’s so fun making something out of nothing and is versatile too. The technique was widely used by quilters in the depression of the 1930s. It’s gaining popularity again as we are more aware of sustainability in sewing. You’ll use small pieces of plain and patterned fabrics to create quickly-sewn patchwork blocks. It’s ideal for making a small dent in your fabric stash. Marion will demonstrate a variety of design options that you can try and will also show suggestions for quilt settings and layout. She’ll also bring along several vintage string quilts from her collection to inspire you. Machine sewn.

You can use your sewn blocks for a cushion, bed or table runner, or the start of a quilt. The choice is yours as you can complete your sewing in your own time at home. Suitable for confident beginners. Machine sewn.

Materials and equipment required:

• Sewing Machine. A basic sewing machine is fine. Don’t forget the 1/4-in or standard straight sewing foot, pedal, lead and instruction booklet. Alternatively you can hire a machine subject to availability (add to your basket with your workshop booking)

• Rotary equipment - mat (at least A3 in size), ruler (at least 12-in long) and rotary cutter with a sharp blade

• Sheet of A3 template plastic or (2 x A4 sheets) - you can add this to your booking if you like.

• 50cm of Vilene L11 sew-in interfacing and 50cm of Madeira stabiliser (both available instore and online here.

• Scraps of quilting weight fabric! All colours, patterns, stripes, solids and sizes are fine as long as it’s more than 1 1/2-in wide and 3-in long. Strips, scraps, orphan jelly strips / layer cake squares are all good. You’ll need at least a metre, so just fill a bag, and don’t overthink colour coordination, unless you want to. Scraps (or 50cm) of low volume/ white-on-white, or solid light coloured fabric can also be useful in your blocks.

• 50cm of a plain/plainish fabric to contrast with your scraps. (You can buy this on the day if you aren’t sure about what colour to bring)

• 100% cotton thread in a neutral or coordinating colour

• Basic sewing kit - fabric / thread scissors, pins, stitch ripper. Pencil.

Refreshments will be provided during the day. There’ll be a break for lunch. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch, or there are many coffee shops, tea rooms and delis in the high street.

We’ll also have a scrap bag of fabrics that you are welcome to dive into during the day and all the haberdashery mentioned above is available instore.

If you have any questions, please phone us on 01634 838880 before booking. Please note we do not send out reminders to students before the workshop as all the materials information is here. For details of local car parks, please refer to the Visit Us page.