Quilting Workshop at The Little Stitchery

My renewed interest in dressmaking has led to a curiosity about other forms of sewing, so when I had the chance to attend a free workshop on quilting I signed up straight away.  The workshop was being held in The Little Stitchery, in Ystradynglais in the next valley over from where I live.  The Neath valley is very scenic, so I enjoyed a Sunday morning drive there.  It was the most glorious glowing Autumn day.

Above: A couple of my finished 'blocks' - one day they could be part of a quilt!

It's a great setup at The Little Stitchery.  Run by couturier Nicola Ridd-Davies, it's a bright and modern space with lots of machines, cutting tables, and bolts of fabric.  There were about a dozen of us attending the taster workshop, which was led by two very experienced and enthusiastic quilters.  We learnt a little about the history, which was particularly interesting as quilting is known as such an American craft these days, but there's a long history of quilting in Wales that predates American quilting.  After learning about the basic construction technique, we then had a go at cutting out our pieces and stitching them together.  Accuracy is key, apparently.  Accuracy is hard.  There were lots of 'whoops' moments with the rotary cutter...

I could see how it could become addictive.  I think I should probably concentrate on one thing at a time though and stick to dressmaking for now.  I may revisit quilt making in future, when I'm a bit quicker at sewing and could make one in less than a year!!