After I retired I wanted to find a hobby or voluntary work to fill my time, despite friends saying “after you retire you wonder how you found time to go to work”
On Holiday in Ludham, Norfolk I went into a Quilting/fabric shop next to Ludham Bridge, what I found there enthralled me – Quilts hung round the room, fabrics in all colours, patterns and shades and a large table with Ladies sat around sewing and chatting. I did not know anything about quilting, but some how I knew this was for me.
When I got back home I purchased some magazines and made enquiries about courses. I was lucky enough to find a Patchwork beginners course starting in January 2011 at Abigails Shop in Stonehouse, about 7 miles away from me. The course tutor was Karen Philminster who was an inspiration.
I got out my old 1974 New Holme sewing machine, but it hadn’t been used for years, was rusted and no good at all, so over to the Sewing Machine Shop in Henrietta Street, Cheltenham and bought a basic Janome sewing machine, all set to go
The course was a Sampler Quilt following Lynn Edwards Sampler book. Karen took us through hand sewing to basic piecing.
My fabric was bought from the Patchwork Basket in Newest, theme on orchards in greens and reds
This was an absolutely steep learning curved and relished every step. Karen was an excellent tutor and Lynn Edwards book was very explanatory.
This was my finished Quilt
Fabric Art and Quilts by Jill 