We hope that you enjoy looking through our blogs to find out more about what we do. We welcome new members and always make sure visitors are looked after and introduced to members and future activities. We also have a Facebook and Instagram presence and can be found…… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/beartownpandq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beartownpandq/
At the 2024 Ruby Exhibition a purple quilt was on display and much admired. I asked Ruth Garner and Mary Turner to write the story behind it – The 2019 exhibition committee enjoyed working together so much that in March 2020 we got together to talk about a new group venture of creating a quilt based on the poem below, using only vintage fabrics that we would dye ourselves. Warning by Jenny Joseph When I Read more…
Written by Wendy Townley, Photos from Nancy Clark On Saturday 5th October 2024, at Astbury Village hall, fifteen members of Beartown Patchwork and Quilters attended a raw edge appliqué workshop by Lizzie Wall. The workshop was entitled “Two Fine Fish”, Members were shown how to cut out fish templates which were then collaged and embellished by layering them with colourful and exotic fabric, using the heat and bond application method. The embellishment could be as Read more…
Written by Judy Harris My first meeting of Beartown Quilters was on 10th September 2024. I set off, not quite knowing what to expect but full of trepidation and excitement. What to wear, what to take and how to get there on time – mustn’t be late for my first meeting! I knew there would be “show and tell” so do I take something and if so what? Eventually I decided to take a quilt Read more…
At the Beartown meeting on 24th September 2024 the 99th, 100th, 101st, 102nd, 103rd and 104th Quilts for Care Leavers made by members were displayed during the Show and Tell part of the evening. Well done to all involved!
On Tuesday 24th September the Beartown Patchwork and Quilters drew the winners for their Charity Quilt Raffle. The quilts, all lovingly crafted by the group, had been proudly displayed at their Ruby anniversary exhibition in the Town Hall, in May. The sponsors were Congleton Borough Council and Congleton Inclosure Trust.There were many prizes. All were designed, sewn and put together by the group. The first prize was a beautiful Ruby Bouquet Quilt. Other prizes included Read more…
On 23rd March 2024 Maggie Pearson gave an interesting talk to Beartown members on botanical contact printing [also known as eco printing], using local leaves with natural dyes to design and create unique and sustainable hand printed designs on natural fibres. After the inspiring talk by Maggie, 6 members, Wendy, Helen, Nancy, Anne, Chris and Christine, decided a workshop to develop the discussions that arose that evening was needed. A date was agreed by all, Read more…
I went on the Saturday with my daughter Gwen arriving around midday. We made it through the traders hall quite quickly, taking note of stalls we wanted to return to, as for me, the important bit was viewing the quilts. How to do It? We decided to wend our ways up and down the rows. And who should I spot but Christine , Chris, Joan and Doreen having a spot of lunch – they’d been Read more…
Beartown Patchwork and Quilters have enjoyed an exciting and varied Summer programme.On 1st May they were entertained and enlightened about Eco dyeing by Maggie Pearson. She showed how leaves and flowers could be laid on top of silk as part of an eco dyeing process to be made into exquisite and unique scarves. For more information https://www.bymaggienaturally.co.uk/about On 21st May the meeting was entitled “It’s grim up North!” This was a suitcase collection of quilts Read more…
Talk by Mike Fitchett on 4th June 24 A fascinating talk of how his urban sketches became wonderful quilts. He used coloured paper to work out the layout, emphasizing light and shade, then the material pieces were appliqued on by his wife, also a talented quilt maker and textile artist. Simple quilting was used to emphasize, sea, fields, sky, brickwork etc The group was totally awestruck by the finished works of art! The dramatic triptych Read more…
On Tuesday 5th March Christine Davidson and Ruth Garner introduced the group to a collection of small quilts entitled ” The Handbag Collection“. These miniature quilts were laid out on table for everyone to peruse, and comment on aspects of technique, contrast, finishing, favourite and least favourite. All were amazing and promoted lively discussion. The meeting on 19th March was led by Chris Flatman who instructed members on the making of a beautiful applique butterfly Read more…