Category: classes

Rae’s quilt – a remake

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Those loyal followers of Dashwood Studio will remember this lovely quilt, appropriately nicknamed the Stacked Books quilt.
The very talented Rae from Fabric HQ designed and made it to show case Dashwood’s beautiful Retro Orchard fabric collection.   
 
This quilt has been admired by many and a number have asked for a pattern so that they can make their own version.  As it was made with no thought of making more, sadly there was no pattern.   So Rae asked me to draft one up from the original quilt.
 
Cue much measuring and many calculations,
Selecting and cutting fabrics for a test version, 
And finally piecing and machine quilting.
Here is the final test version, made up in Origami Oasis with Flurry in green used for the contrast strips and binding.
Even if I say so myself, I think this version looks just as pretty as the original.  Stacked Books is a terrific design that easily lends itself to other fabric combinations.  It is a great usable size too, being approximately 1.2 x 1 metre, and would make a fab throw or child’s play mat.
 
If you’d like to create your own version, Fabric HQ will be running a class to make this quilt later in the year.  Keep an eye on their website or sign up for their mailing list to be notified of the class dates.  
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An extra special retirement

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Another one to one class, this time teaching how to make cupcake toppers suitable for a retirement party.
 
The toppers were carefully designed to illustrate the various interests of the person leaving for greener pastures.  Let’s see if you can guess what this person will be doing post-retirement.  Here is your first clue.
Did you guess that the lady is proposing to join the Women’s Institute or WI?

Now, what about these ones?
Well done if you guessed that she enjoys walking and hiking in the countryside.  

Now for the next clues.  
Congratulations to everyone who guessed her favourite past times include drawing and painting.  Just one more to go.
This was an easy one showing that she enjoys regular trips to France.  

Together they make a lovely record of all the things she can most look forward to now she has given up the day job.
 

A special congratulations and a gold star must go to my student.  She is essentially a beginner and most of the decorations were made free hand.   She did a great job making them and managed really well with all the intricate details.  I particularly love her little walking boots and her pencils.  I bet her retiring friend did too.  

Baby shower cupcake toppers

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Saturday was another wintery day, with overcast skies and rain, rain, rain.  Which made it the perfect day to be indoors teaching a one to one cake decorating class!
 
The brief – to make a selection of cupcake toppers suitable for a baby shower.  No pinks or blues allowed as the expectant mother is having twins, gender unknown.  Oh, and the lady taking the lesson is a beginner.
 
Well, just look what she made!  Aren’t they fab?
A selection of designs in gender neutral colours of lemon, orange and green.  What new baby wouldn’t love these romper suits, co-ordinating bibs and cute little shoes?  They are all so gorgeous and will look amazing on her own homemade cupcakes.  I am so proud of her.  She has done a fantastic job.

At the end of the afternoon, I had a very satisfied and happy client.  Job done!