Lesson planning
A few weeks back I taught a full day workshop in the porthole technique that Lu Summers had taught us at FQ London (I checked first to see if she was ok with this – she was).
I had already made this Peekaboo quilt to give the class something to work on, but I thought I would try doing something else with the technique for my demonstration pieces.
So out came my stash of vintage linens and old pattern book/furnishing fabrics.
And I put together these 2 cushions with lovely remnants of vintage embroidered linen poking out of equally lovely Jane Churchill or G.P and J Baker fabrics left over from my Interior Design days.
A few rounds of running stitch in coloured perles and they are ready to sell in the shop.
I love combining producing handmade items with teaching!
Last week I started a new evening class, Modern Patchwork Techniques 2. I did the first version of this earlier in the year but some students still wanted more! Frankly I had used up most of my best ideas in the first block, so I asked my dear readers to make suggestions for new subjects.
And, of course, you came up trumps! I think it was Dolores that suggested Dresden Plate.
I have to admit I’d never tried it before because I don’t think I’d really liked the ones I had seen. But I used this tutorial from Works in Progress that went along with a recent ORBC quiltalong and it was very straightforward it produced quite a stunning pillow, even if I do say so myself!
Of course I had to be a bit fancy and embroider on to the centre circle. I used natural Essex linen for the circle and the background and had a hankering to use just one colour (red) for the embroidery. I have always loved rows of dots and achieved that this time with tiny red buttons (and as you know, I also love buttons!).
I have to say that this cushion is really quite restrained for me, but I like it! Maybe I am finally embracing the ‘less is more’ concept.
My class really enjoyed making their Dresden Plates too, and it was a nice simple block, good for easing them into the class and the more complicated Double Wedding Ring that we attempted this week.
It looks like Simon and Lola like it too!
Don’t forget there is still time to enter my Liberty Lifestyle giveaway AND to claim your blog reader 10% off discount on our website! Both end at midnight tonight.
And one more thing, we will be taking a stand at the Scottish Quilt Championships this Friday – Sunday (with all our fabric and more!) and I would love any of my readers that are visiting to come by and say hello – don’t be shy!
Your cushions are gorgeous! I especially love the embroidered centre of your dresden plate. I'm planning a dresden plate cushion for my aunt and I think I might just copy your idea 😉
You made me laugh with your version of less is more – it would still class as 'more' for me! It is beautiful. Juliex
These are gorgeous cushions!
I love the modernised look of the dresden plate design. The porthole look is simple but effective too, and quite different. Red embroideryon a plain background is always a winner too! All lovely cushions.
Teresa x
I love those cushions, they're fab! I didn't think I liked dresden plates much, but I've been seeing some lovely modern versions recently and think I might be falling for them!
Love all your cushions! I had forgotten about the quilt show, if I make it I'll be sure to pop along to find you 🙂
So very gorgeous! All of them. 🙂
Oh wow. I love these. Great textures!
Gorgeous cushions. I have always loved the dreseden plate design but never thought of doing anything special with the centre, I do like your embroidery and might try some myself.
Oh, I love them all ~ especially the one with Simon and Lola. Wish I was there to take the class with you!
I love your dresden plate cushion. It looks like a row of little houses in a circle!
Those cushions are beautiful! Why are you so far away?
Your cushions are beautiful! I particularly like the Dresden plate as, inspired by your use of fabric in your Christmas stocking, I was planning to make a Christmas Dresden quilt with the Brr polar bears/snowflakes as centres. Now I'm thinking about making plain centres and adding a button or some embroidery…
I love all yr gorgeous cushions, really to die for. xx
Gorgeous cushions, and I really love the embroidery in the middle of that dresden one too! Scotland has a Scottish Quilts Championships?! Cool. Wish I was in Edinburgh still…
Love your cushions, they came out beautiful!
Fab class samples there, love all the different makes :o)
Oh those pillows are just devine !! !! !!
I love the one you made using Debs tutorial – I'm using her tutorial to make my wonky dresdens
The pillows are amazing!! Will check out the tutorials!
I forgot to ask if there was a way of getting that porthole block pattern or is there a tutorial on how to do it? I love the blocks you've done using it 🙂 Thanks!
Tis tasty!;)
Way to multi-task girlie!!:)
I love that you used my tutorial! My dresden quilt is all basted for hand quilting. I think it might take a loooong time to finish the quilting.
Your pillows are simply beautiful. I am new to your blog, and have already placed it in the "eye candy" category! Your work is wonderful and I am glad i found you!