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Does anyone do patchwork?

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biglouis Tue 24-May-22 00:03:42

Many years ago my grandmother taught me to do what she called "English piecing" using paper templates to make quilts, cushion covers, and so on. She never in her life used an electric machine because her house was all gas! She refused to have electric lighting installed because she did not trust it.

She had an old fashioned treadle machine - which I learned to use as a child. However all the patchwork was done by hand with the paper templates. I remember that cutting them out to fit was quite a chore in itself. However with care they could be re-used for another project.

In later life I came across traditional Indian (as in South Asian) patchwork and fell in love with it. All those rich colours, brocades, beads and additions. I like the irregularity and novelty of the designs - so different from the discipline of English piecing. A wonderful way to use up really small bits of fabric that are too tiny and irregular to make into propert templates.

Do any of you do patchwork? Do you use a machine or hand sew? I have always preferred hand sewing as I feel it gives me more control.

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Purplepixie Tue 31-May-22 09:25:13

Thank you. I love putting together the pieces and seeing the finished item.

saltnshake - I used to use a pasting table (clean new one) but found it was still too small for the bigger items. Before we rearranged the kitchen I used to use the floor but the area has been taken up now. I enjoy making the duvet cover though and the next one is for our bed which is king size so I had better get a move on.

They keep me sane during these trying times.

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Happysexagenarian Sat 04-Jun-22 17:49:29
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User post image https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202206/medium-729309-maze-1.jpg User post image https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202206/medium-686936-whole-quilt.jpg User post image https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202206/medium-63395-quilt-1-whole-quilt.jpg

I went to EPP evening classes back in the 60's. I made a velvet clutch bag which I still have. Not the easiest material to work with. I later started a quilt. I came across all the pieced hexagons (nearly 400) last year and thought 'Shall I......?' But I don't think I have the patience now and hand sewing makes my hands ache, so they went back in the loft.

But I do make quilts. I discovered machine quilting a few years ago and it's now a bit of an obsession. As I write this I have a quilt laid out on the dining room table waiting for me to decide on the next step. I set myself a goal this year to make 7 quilts for the GC who don't already have one. Five done, one in progress and one to go.

Mamissimo I love your book case quilt. It is similar to what I plan to make for eldest GD who is an avid reader.
Vegansrock That Postcards from Sweden pattern has been haunting me for ages, it's so vibrant and fun. You have made it beautifully. One day I'll try it.

These are a few of the quilts I've made this year. It's nice to find other GNERs are quilters, none of my friends sew at all.
Now I 'spose I'd better get back to the quilt on the table!

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Purplepixie Sat 11-Jun-22 12:40:11

Beautiful work by you all. I love patchwork and find it very therapeutic.

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