Today's Quilter Issue 115

Writing this after a glorious weekend of sun and being by the coast, it really does feel like summer is finally on its way. And that’s why it’s the perfect timing for Jo Avery’s second seasonal series cushion: Summer. Featuring Redstart birds, it is the ideal project to work on in the garden, enjoying some sunshine. Pam and Nicky Lintott have also created a stunning new design that uses a 60-degree triangle to create a constellation of stars for you to sleep under. Véronique Digiligent is back too with a beautiful design that is dedicated to her late mother and a much loved rug she owned. The design features a vase with flowers flowing out of it and would make a lovely piece of wall art for any room in…

For this issue of Today’s Quilter, we have created a pocket rocket addition to your quilting stencil library. This unassuming little square has a traditional pumpkin seed shape – that tiny petal-shaped seed that grows into Cinderella’s magnificent coach! Four little seeds set on point build the centre of our stencil, creating a 3½in square and, on point, a 5in square. Including the double frame, the stencil fits a 4½in square and a 6½in square if you turn the whole thing on point. Whether you choose to quilt by hand or machine, this simple shape offers a variety of possibilities for traditional or modern stitchers (Fig 1). Simply press your fabric or quilt ready to mark and position your stencil. You can use long Flower Head pins to steady the…

Beach House Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts has created a new collection that will let you enjoy dreamy days spent by the sea all year round. Soak up the serene shades of blue and cream and imagine walking along calming coastlines with the warm, salty breeze against your skin and soft sand between your toes. This tranquil collection includes both ditsy prints and larger botanical designs and will add an elegant and summery touch to any project. www.laundrybasketquilts.com Gütermann Sew-all thread pack with folding rotary cutter Gütermann creativ’s latest thread pack includes 100m reels of Sew-all-thread in eight beautiful pastel colours, plus a handy folding rotary cutter that will make cutting up fabrics a total breeze. The Sew-all-thread is a popular thread due to its high quality and durability…

Gathering Blooms My son gives me a subscription to your magazine as an ongoing present. I thoroughly enjoyed following Jo Avery’s Gathering Blooms BOM quilt each month. I’ve only been quilting for about three years and it has taught me new techniques along the way. I went a little off script when I quilted it as I wanted to try free-motion machine quilting, and as I have a small machine, I decided to do each block as a QAYG. I tried to make the flowers and leaves ‘realistic’ with the choice of colours and the way I quilted it. I know it’s not perfect, but I’m very happy with the outcome! Helen Jackson, via email We love your version Helen. Nothing is ever perfect, but we love that you enjoyed…

Stories in Stitch Until 29 September • The Barnard Castle Museum’s Fashion and Textile Gallery will play host to a new capsule collection of textile artworks, most of which have not be shown before. Admission to The Bowes Museum is £13.50 for local members (residents of County Durham and Darlington), £15.50 for members (residents elsewhere), £18.00 for a day ticket, £19.80 for a day ticket including gift aid. Under 18s, full time students and carers are free The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, DL12 8NP www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk 02 Textiles present an exhibition of new work, ‘Seamless Flow’ 6-11 June10.00-17.00 The Courtyard Gallery, The Ballroom Arts, 152A High Street, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, IP15 5AQ www.02textiles.co.uk Mill Quilters Exhibition 7-9 June • Trade stand, tombola and raffle. Refreshments available in the Stables…

BEHIND THE QUILT USE A RULER! “This quilt uses fabrics from the Jubilee collection by Tilda with a Tula Pink pink solid called Giggles for the background. We love working with a 60° ruler – there are so many ways to use it. We hope you enjoy making our quilt!” – Pam & Nicky Lintott You will need ■ Diamond/Star fabric – Seven (7) fat quarters■ Background fabric – 3½yds■ Batting – 74in x 80in■ Backing fabric – 4yds■ Binding fabric – ¾yd■ Templates – small 60° triangle, a small half-hexagon and a large half-hexagon Finished size ■ Quilt size: 66in x 72in Notes ■ Read all the instructions before starting your quilt.■ Use a scant ¼in seam allowance throughout (see right for how to check your seam allowance).■ Pam…