News

Lizzie Wall’s “Two Fine Fish” Workshop

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

By Diana Woods, ago

What should I take to my first meeting?

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

By Diana Woods, ago

Chronicle report 24th September 2024

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

By Diana Woods, ago

Eco printing

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

By Diana Woods, ago

Festival of Quilts – 1st to 4th August 2024

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

By Diana Woods, ago

Chronicle report May to July 24

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

By Diana Woods, ago

Travels with my sketch book

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

By Diana Woods, ago

Chronicle report March and April 24

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

By Diana Woods, ago

Tips, tricks and Tools

A talk by Lis Binns on November 7th 2023 During Lis’ entertaining talk, the group were given many useful sewing tips based on her experience and expertise of making many quilts over the years. Her talk was humorous and informative, including what to do when things go wrong or don’t go to plan. Lis also provided a copy of her booklet (Download link at bottom of page). She concluded that the ultimate tool was usually Read more

By Diana Woods, ago