a belated round-up of "Quilting-on-the-go" course

Some time back in late spring, I took part in a two day "Quilting-on-the-go" course led by Carolyn Forster  at Threadbear near Croydon.

 Threadbear is a gorgeous shop full of all things knitting and sewing related.  There is a big selection of wools at the front of the store and many folders of patterns - not books but single patterns.  (I don't knit, but the people that I know do knit, often complain that they have to buy whole books these-days rather than a single pattern)  The middle of the store is full of cross stitch, embroidery and tools/ other supplies, whilst the back of the shop is stuffed with fabrics and the work-shop area.

Carolyn was a very patient and informative teacher.  She showed us lots of samples to get started.  I showed Carolyn my stash of old linens & talked about a possible quilt block pattern.  I ended up making only one block on the first day as I was so indecisive, although it was great watching everyone else.  A couple of ladies had chosen the same pattern but different fabrics and it was fascinating, just how different the quilt blocks looked.In the afternoon, we were taught how to quilt the individual blocks.  This is the block that I made on the first day of the course. (sadly still not quilted!)  All of Carolyn's blocks for QOTG finish at 16-17 inches.

Between the two course dates, we needed to go home & make some more quilt blocks.  (pieced and quilted) I was very busy with work stuff - report-writing time :(  and didn't have the time I needed to concentrate on my vintage linen blocks, so I used a charm pack and some "jelly roll" strips that I had left over from my first ever quilt and followed the same pattern. I managed to piece & quilt 10, 17 inch blocks in a couple of evenings.

 On the 2nd way, we were taught Carolyn's "quiting on the go method" to join all the quilted blocks together.  It is a mixture of machine and hand sewing. This quilt will be square, 3 blocks X 3 blocks with one block left over to either make it into a quillow or to make a matching pillow.  I have started sewing the blocks together, and now have to sew the rows together.  However, this is something that will have to wait till after Christmas.

If you are unable to get to one of Carolyn's courses but are interested in the Quilting on the go method, Carolyn has a book and book2 is due out next year sometime.