Our 2024 exhibition is supporting a much-loved local charity, Ruby’s. Read more about the charity and the exhibition preparations here or scroll down to view all the fabulous quilts on display at our 40th anniversary exhibition.
Exhibition Quilt Catalogue
Enjoy a virtual tour of our exhibition below!
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Starburst - Anne Carter
Adapted from a block of the month pattern designed by Sarah Vedeler for www.thequiltshow.com. Machine pieced and free motion custom quilted. I felt that the original outer edges and border were too busy so I simplified them. It took me about 18 months to complete the quilt.
This was machine pieced and quilted on a domestic machine. Using the following techniques: Foundation Paper Piecing, Appliqued
Flora - Frances Woodgate
This quilt was inspired by flowers that grow in my garden. I designed it as a ‘block of the month pattern’ which was sold in 2023 as a kit and quilt along through Cotton Patch. Made entirely by traditional piecing in Linen Texture by Makower UK, this quilt uses a variety of piecing and pinning techniques. The beautiful custom quilting is by Caitriona Mackle of Half Acre Quilts.
Techniques Used:
Traditional piecing, inset seams, custom long arm quilting
Celtic memories - Anne Carter & other Beartown members
The twenty Celtic, hand appliqued blocks were presented to me in 2005 by Beartown P's & Q's after I'd finished being chairman and before I went to live in Australia. The idea was for me to put the blocks together as I wanted. I decided on quilt as you go, as it's a quick method! Over the next several years I used the blocks to demonstrate and teach random machine quilting. I finally put the quilt together when I returned to live in the U.K., so it was finished in 2023, eighteen years after I received the blocks.
The blockers were Appliqued, Hand pieced and Machine Pieced before being quilted on a domestic machine.
by Gwen Hayhurst
Made this quilt for myself and started this at a retreat. Attributes: Quilt block book of blocks which could be done in different sizes.
Block type of Double wrench, and was machine pieced. Long arm quilted.
SSS - Christine Fairclough
This quilt was made for myself because I thought it was about time as I use this design as a teaching tool for beginners. SSS stands for Star Quilt, Subscription (where the fat quarters came from), Stash (where the background came from)
Block type is half square triangle and was machine pieced. Long arm quilted.
Shoe Box challenge 2023 - Anne Wheater with contributions from 6 other group members
Several techniques were used including Appliqued, Hand pieced and Machine Pieced. It was quilted on a domestic machine.
Safari Sunshine - Chris Flatman
Made from a panel which took my fancy due mainly to safaris experienced in South Africa. I made it for myself and thoroughly enjoyed the process! This was machine pieced and quilted on a domestic machine
Celebrating 4 decades of friendship -Diana Woods
I have been friends with Sarah since the 1990s. We have shared many things -music concerts, dog walking, cross stitching, sewing and in the last few years -patchworking. She made the White Cottage country craft Le Moyne star design and as it used a red charm pack, I thought, yes, ideal size for me to tackle for the Ruby celebration. Plus I always think of Sarah when I see red clothing/designs! She lent me the pattern and I chose to use Moda's Fire and Ice Batiks Charm packs to make my version. I discovered the le Moyne star was also be called a Lemon star by non French speaking Canadians!
Made using a collection of Charm pack and batiks. Blocks used are Flying Geese and Le Moyne stars. This was machine pieced and quilted on a domestic machine.
Quilt 2 - Autumnal Shoebox Challenge - Helen Wardle & Others
A shoebox challenge. The top right was my initial block and then other people added to it. There are patchwork, appliqué, printed, traditional and more contemporary designs.
Round Robin shoe box - Rosemary Newling
One of a series of quilts made as a group challenge. A project over a few weeks whereby an original block was anonymously added to by other members.
Various techniques were in the creation, and was hand quilted.
Crazy Tile Quilt - Christine Davidson
In lots of shades of blue – my favourite colour – this crazy tile quilt is created by layering and cutting fabric and swapping the order of the pieces for the ‘crazy’ look. Sashing between the pieces emphasises the effect. It was simple and fun to make.
Machine pieced, stack and cut
I Love Batiks - Lynda Brant
The 12 inch block was drawn up by my husband after I chose the size required. It was a design to use my stash of batik fabrics.
Always measure the length of strips before placing the triangle in place.
This was machine pieced on a domestic machine, long arm quilted
What do you do with Batiks? - Joan Shreeve
What can you do with a pile of Batiks? This is a sister quilt to Doreen Parson's entry.
Inspired by a bed runner saw being made at a DYOT day.
This was machine pieced and long arm quilted
Rainbow Batiks - Doreen Parsons
I had a box of batiks.........I still have a box of batiks.
Inspired by a bed runner seen at a Do Your Own Thing day.
Block types include disappearing 9 patch and bricks. This was machine pieced on a domestic machine, long arm quilted.
Beartown memories - Donna Hanmer
The quilt contains various Beartown activities, such as the Shoebox challenge, Ukraine quilt blocks, tulips, previous exhibition challenge.
Appliqued, Hand pieced and machine pieced. Was quilted on a domestic machine.
Travels in Japan - Chris Flatman
Having collected Japanese style fabrics over the years and experiencing the country itself I wanted to make a quilt for myself to create memories of happy times in Japan.
I saw a similar quilt on the internet which gave me the inspiration.
This was machine pieced and quilted on a domestic machine
The results of the Group's Ruby Challenge
members were given a square of ruby material which they had to use in a 12 inch square block of their own design to celebrate the 40 years of Beartown P & Qs
Lone Star with a twist - Janet Jones
I saw this quilt, designed by Jane Brereton, during one of my classes at Cheshire Needlecaft. I had previously bought a range of Liberty prints called The Summer House Collection from Bernadette at Cheshire Needlecraft so I decided that this was a good project to use the lovely design.
It was a very challenging project for me as the ‘star’ construction had to be at a 45 degree angle!
My quick unpick was my greatest companion and if it wasn’t for Bernadette’s patience and guidance I wouldn’t have completed it, so a huge thanks to Bernadette for her help! Bernadette was the excellent patient teacher.
Off to Hogwarts -Donna Hanmer
Inspired by Harry Potter, and a purchase of Harry Potter fat quarters.
2020 lockdown happened and I wanted to try new patchwork techniques. So I raided my stash (which explains the random mix of fabrics!) and various google searches for similar themed quilts, I designed my own quilt.
The aim was to try new techniques in patchwork and quilting.
Various techniques used; applique, foundation paper piecing, machine pieced on a domestic machine. Various quilting techniques used, include domestic machine quilting, hand quilting.
Carpenters wheel - Gwen Hayhurst
Autumn fabrics and calico background and backing. Made with fabrics from my stash.
Block type is half square triangle and was machine pieced. Long arm quilted.
Lockdown quilt - Joan Joans
I did it for something to do during lockdown. Binding is left over fabric from a quilt made for a grandson.
This was machine pieced on a domestic machine, long arm quilted.
Radiance -Frances Woodgate
This quilt was designed and made for Makower UK for their stand at the 2023 CHSI Stitches trade show held at the Birmingham NEC. Makower UK kindly sponsored the fabric. I developed my own method for assembling the blocks to avoid y-seams and made use of chain piecing to speed up the construction.
Designed by Fran Woodgate of Flow Studio Designs Ltd, quilted by her using the long arm rental service at Bright Quilting, Llangollen.
Baby blocks - Jacki Lomas
This was my first time using a jelly roll, creating a geometric pattern. Pattern and instructions by Pam and Nicki Lintott
Block type is a tumbling block. This was machine pieced on a domestic machine, long arm quilted
Bryn Awelon - Mary Turner
Quilt made for daughter Lizzie and Michael's house bought this year in Dolgellau. Used material from my stash in Lizzie's colour pallet. Only had to buy material for border.
Technique used is a disappearing 9 patch. This was machine pieced and quilted on a domestic machine.
Off to Hogwarts - Donna Hanmer
Inspired by Harry Potter, and a purchase of Harry Potter fat quarters.
2020 lockdown happened and I wanted to try new patchwork techniques. So I raided my stash (which explains the random mix of fabrics!) and various google searches for similar themed quilts, I designed my own quilt.
The aim was to try new techniques in patchwork and quilting.
Various techniques used; applique, foundation paper piecing, machine pieced on a domestic machine. Various quilting techniques used, include domestic machine quilting, hand quilting.
A blue bed runner - Helen Wardle
Started it in COVID for a son who came home for the duration of the first lockdown. It took a lot longer with several large gaps. Then wasn't sure how to quilt it and after a false start decided to hand quilt with a variety of randomly placed circles.
Technique used is a half square triangle. This was machine pieced on a domestic machine, and hand quilted.
Memories of New Zealand - Christine Davidson
Design seen on a quilt hanging in a quilt shop in Blenheim, New Zealand, while in a wine tour on South Island. Original block and completion was by myself. Other blocks by Beartown P’s and Q’s members.
Various techniques were in the creation. It was hand quilted.
Jolly Penguins - Joan Joans
This is a Christmas themed quilt and will be gifted to the great grandchildren.
This was machine pieced on a domestic machine, long arm quilted.
Lone Star with a twist - Lynne Clark
This central star of the quilt was based on a design by Jane Brereton. I used the remnants of fabric from cutting the star to create the first border and added a second border of flying geese.
I completed the quilt at Goostrey Home and Leisure. Bernadette helped with the measuring and cutting of the fabric for the first border and suggested quilting an eight pointed star in the corners which I repeated in each corner of the borders.
This was machine pieced and quilted on a domestic machine
Gone fishing! - Donna Hanmer
Made for my Stepdad’s birthday. The quilt uses disappearing 9 block, with a solid blue border. There are bold colours of blue and yellow, making the fish print seem more cheerful.
This was machine pieced and quilted on a domestic machine
Cabinet of Curiosities - Pam Price
Created to use up some fabric in my stash, and not buy any more. Used a mix of liberty and plain fabric. Inspired by an image in a magazine.
Techniques used include: Appliqued and English Paper Piecing. This was machine pieced on a domestic machine, long arm quilted.
My Pink Quilt - Val Lancaster
The quilt is for me. My daughter bought me the material for my birthday and I wanted to make something a bit different. I had never done sashing before nor put blocks together on the diagonal so it was something new for me to learn.
Technique includes sashing. This was machine pieced and quilted on a domestic machine.
Jelly Roll Blocks - Helen Wardle
Made using a jelly roll and sampler blocks. Design from the book ‘Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts’ by Pam & Nicky Lintott
This was machine pieced and quilted on a domestic machine
Nesting Spot - Christine Fyfe
Light, fresh, multi-block quilt with light background and multiple colours in the contrasting fabric.
Made for my spare bed using only stash fabrics.
Some of the blocks were a bit challenging but enjoyed making it and ampleased with the result.
Pattern from Bramble Patch
This uses various block types and machine pieced.
Tessellated Maple Leaf - Anne Carter
Made for City & Guilds part 2. Brief was to make a quilt using tessellation. My research project was on trees so I chose the traditional maple leaf block to tessellate. The design on each row changes a little down to the centre and then the lower half is a mirror image. The rust and black are commercial fabrics, all the others were hand dyed, as is the backing fabric. It took six months to hand quilt, using large stitches in embroidery threads. The quilting is concentric circles as the rings of a tree. It is now 30 years old and is well used. It won a ribbon at The Great British Quilt Show at Harrogate in 1995 for "development of theme."
This was machine pieced and quilted on a domestic machine
Shades of Autumn- Christine Davidson
Maple leaf design started as a sample for a Group evening project. 64 leaf blocks in 64 different autumn colours. I have too much fabric! This is a work in progress.
This was machine pieced and hand quilted
Playing with Triangles - Christine Fairclough
A play with triangles to use my stash of layer cakes, creating a geometric design.
Block type is half square triangle and was machine pieced. Long arm quilted.
Cat and Bird Quilt - Christine Fyfe
I saw this quilt completed at a quilt show and really liked the colours and subject.
The quilt is a patch work quilt with some additional applique. It is described as challenging by the designers, I found certain parts were challenging as they were so small. I Machine quilted it using some of the original ideas such as following the body of the cat to give definition, I also added some machine embroidery paw prints to some of the open areas.
This was machine pieced and quilted on a domestic machine. Also featuring, Appliqued, Embellishments
Welcome to the North Pole - Doreen Parsons
Christmas houses from the book 'Welcome to the North Pole by Piece O'Cake Designs'.
This was appliqued, embellished and machine quilted on a domestic machine.
Autumnal Quilt - Val Lancaster
I wanted a cover for my garden bench and wanted it to represent the colours of my garden. I got my inspiration from a cushion cover pattern and converted it to make my quilt. I found that batik fabrics had just the effects that I wanted.
Techniques used include quarter square triangles, and was machine pieced.
Who’s at the Zoo - Janet Jones
This quilt was made for my lovely 5year old grandson.
I thoroughly enjoyed making it as it was an excellent way of using a lot of my stash and bits of material I’d kept just in case they’d be useful at some time in the future….and they were! Pattern is Who’s At The Zoo by The Red Boot Quilt Company.
Techniques used include applique and was quilted on a domestic machine.
Tutti Frutti - Clare Curtis
A Jelly Roll Race quilt made with Kaffe Fassett Rainbow jelly roll. A quick make when a speedy result was needed. Great fun to make and a satisfying sew.
This was made with the jelly roll race technique. This was machine pieced on a domestic machine, long arm quilted
Gone fishing! - Donna Hanmer
Made for my Stepdad’s birthday. The quilt uses disappearing 9 block, with a solid blue border. There are bold colours of blue and yellow, making the fish print seem more cheerful.
This was machine pieced and quilted on a domestic machine
Ruby Anniversary Celebration - Clare Curtis
The quilt was made for the Ruby wedding anniversary of my husband and I. It is designed to be a quilt for our bed. My initial inspiration came from the Koi quilt at the 2023 Uttoxeter quilt exhibition which had an ombré effect I wished to emulate. I have used Kaffe Fassett fabrics alongside blenders and my own block printed fabrics. I have also used machine embroidery and appliqué techniques. It has been an interesting project to realise and has much symbolism of our forty years together.
Block type is a rail fence, featuring applique. This was machine pieced on a domestic machine, long arm quilted
Lockdown light relief - Felicity Laurence
Lockdown seemed to have been around forever, so I decided to make a quilt from my scrap box. It was a light relief to retreat upstairs to my sewing room and create this quilt. It now hangs on our garden room wall.
Block type is pineapple, featuring applique. This was machine pieced on a domestic machine, and hand quilted
Sending Love - Lynne Taylor
Decided it was time I made a quilt for my own bed so in 2018 I made the top and layered the quilt, then I packed it away to move house. 3 house moves later and I joined Beartown and made finishing this quilt a priority.
I was originally going to hand quilt it but after starting that I didn't like the effect. Then I planned to free-motion cloud lines across it but having practised this, I hated it. So I decided that simple diagonals that were complete were better than leaving it unfinished any longer, I actually really like the finished effect. Finally, I have a quilt for my bed!
Techniques used is a Rail fence block. This was machine pieced and quilted on a domestic machine.
Rainbow Hexagons - Lynne & Carol Taylor
While I had limited mobility due to a knee injury I needed something to keep busy with and found a stack of hexi flowers in mum’s sewing room. She was happy for me to take them over. I designed a rainbow pattern with black to make the colours pop. I wanted to make it for mum as she had made me quilts for my bed but didn't have one for her bed.
Over 2 years, this became a group project, mum covered most of the paper and sewed some flowers, dad helped with the colour balance of the flowers and my sister made a hexi flower too. This project travelled to uni and on holidays with me as I sewed hexi flowers and put the flowers together into a top. It was then Long Armed Quilted by Bramble Patch.
Started as a scrapbusting project that used English Paper Piecing. It was long arm quilted.
When I am an old woman…..
Phoenix Group (Ruth Garner, Janet Whitewright, Nancy Clarke, Jean Bell, Mary Turner)
This quilt (coverlet) is based on the poem 'Warning' by Jenny Joseph. It is made from 100% vintage fabrics which have been donated by friends or purchased from charity shops. The front and back pieces are made from large damask tablecloths and the visible patches are made from table runners, small table cloths, tray cloths and hankies etc. The pieces are made of a variety of fabrics including cotton, linen and man made blends. The fabrics have all been dyed using techniques such as jam jar dying, stamping/over-dying, silk screen printing using leaves from our gardens as masks etc. The construction is inspired by the art of Boro, hence the visible mending, and the fabrics have been strengthened by hand quilting and darning.
This piece hasn't been pressed, giving it the 'wrinkled' feel that we aimed for. We wanted to retain the surface texture created by hand stitch. The work has been embellished with silver thread radiating from the red 'hats'.
The group of five have all brought different skills, experiences and preferences and we have all found something new to learn during this creation. All five panels are 'the same but different' just as we are.
Made using a variety of techniques including Applique, embellishment. All of this was hand pieced and hand quilted.
Callie's quilt - Janet Whitewright
I made this for my 13 year old granddaughter as she is currently using a quilt which I made for her when she was a toddler. We both felt she needed something a bit more grown up. She chose the design and colour palette. It used up a lot of bits from my stash, as it has 864 small (3.5 x 2 inch) rectangles in it. I quilted it on my Pfaff using a "wiggly" stitch pattern.
The idea came from the book "Successful Scrap Quilts" by Judy Turner and Margaret Rolfe. I've used this book for inspiration many times, as it's all based on simple rectangles to give very different designs. The block is inspired by Japanese tatami mats.
Autumn Fruits - Anne Wheater
I made this quilt for myself using Autumn fruit colours.
Techniques used are a combination of 3 inch squares and a jelly roll race. This was machine pieced on a domestic machine, and hand quilted