Instagram Feed – Quilting On The Go
Newfound Skill/Technique, @seam_collective #septtextilelove .
This would be my fascination with Kawandi quilts and their makers. I’ve been fascinated by these quilts and the process of their creation for a while, and so have stitched my way through eight minis (I make them on tea towels so that dictates the size) and have two more on the go.
But I recently saw some bandanas on sale in @seasaltcornwall in colours that spoke to me. So now I have one more Kawandi in progress but on the square bandana. I’ve used a cotton flannel as the middle, and the top is made with pieces of @libertyfabrics Tana Lawn. This too was a new concept as I’ve never made a quilt only using Tana Lawn 🤓. It’s quilted with @valdani_threads Cotton perle in P4.
#kawandiquilt #siddiquilts #scrapquilt #qayg #quiltasyougo #handstitched ##slowstitch #bigstitch #valdanithreads #libertylawn #tanalawn #libertycraftclub #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
Repurpose for @seam_collective #septtextilelove .
When I started to stitch my first Kawandi quilt I used a tea towel as the backing. Now I’m stitching my ninth and tenth and the tea towel is still very much part of the stitching journey of these quilts. I didn’t set out on a mission to use tea towels as mini quilt backs, but it has now become part of the fun. To have given these humble textiles a new direction is something I didn’t anticipate, but I’m thinking that by repurposing them here their status is elevated 🧵🤓🧵.
#kawandiquilt #kawandiquilts #siddiquilts #qayg #handstitched #handstitching #handquilted #handquilting #runningstitch #bigstitch #bigstitchquilting #slowstitch #enjoytheprocess #makersgonnamake #repurpose #usewhatyouhave
Just checking in on #bigstitchquiltalong and the progress of blocks for your Blue Borders Quilts or whatever colour you are stitching 🤪) from the Big Stitch Quilting Book.
And here to make a tiny suggestion 🤓.
If you have blocks made but not put together yet , how about using one of the methods from my new book out in November to make them Quilt As You Go ? @searchpress
Sometimes it’s nice to be able to break a quilt down into smaller portable and more manageable pieces while you quilt it. Two of the methods in the book would be great for this quilt. 😃. All you need to do , as the books not out right now, is Stitch the blocks together in groups of four ( I’ll be making nine groups of four blocks making my finished quilt 72in x 72in ). But if you want to stick to the size in the book , stitch the blocks together in rows, but don’t stitch the completed rows to each other!
I know, so much happening, and new books coming out, I didn’t want you to miss out on possibly making your quilting life easier!
If you pre order then you’ll be on top of your game and ready to put things together in November 🥳🥳. #bigstitchquilting #searchpress #quiltasyougo #qayg #quiltbook #quiltinprogress #quiltalong #bigstitch #quilting #patchwork #makersgonnamake #quiltersofinstagram #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
Geometric for @seam_collective #septtextilelove .
Struggled with this one so had to look up the definition. Turns out it’s just what I do all of the time. So here’s a new something that may or may not become something in its own right, or just be part of something bigger 🤷♀️. Digging deep some days 🧐. #patchwork #quiltinprogress #scrapquilt #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
#favouritefabricfriday and I’m showcasing this great black floral print. If you swipe through, the maker of this vintage quilt quite liked it too. It’s been used in numerous blocks all with a different pairing. I find that endlessly fascinating to see how that one fabric works with the others. So many to share, ten are here, but more in my stories today 🤓🎉. #favouritefabric #vintagefabric #vintagequilt #vintagepatchwork #patchwork #quiltblock #patchworkquilt #makersgonnamake
Structure for @seam_collective #septtextilelove .
I’ve taken this prompt to be the structure of the quilt, how it’s put together and stays together. Lots of my ideas and inspiration come the the how is made avenue, and looking at the structural elements of an old quilt I find constantly fascinating 🤓. So today I’m showing you binding on a vintage quilt, which solves the problem of joining the binding on the quilt. Although I love a mitre as much as the next person, you could get away with three out of four, so by starting and finishing on a corner with a square corner, there’s no need to join the two ends. I know I could just use the square corner method on all of the corners, which I do when the quilt calls for it, but I find this version of both fun and quirky. And sometimes this is just what we need 🤪. #vintagequilt #quiltbinding #vintagepatchwork #bindingaquilt #makingaquilt #finishingaquilt #scrapquilt
Connect for @seam_collective #septtextilelove .
Connections and connecting is a big part of my life on here. And what those connections lead to is often wonderful and always a fun journey.
Today for example @stitcherydo 👋posted about her fabric coil basket. I’d liked the looking of this before and commented that I’d thought of having a go a while back, brought supplies, put them away and lost them 🤦♀️.
The supplies subsequently turned up and following Shirley’s lead checked out @arty.tictac so see how the process was done 🤓.
Then realised that I’d followed @craftschooloz for ages , just because she makes wonderful coil work too!
So now an hour later, cord from @maccullochw , fabric strips from @theoldhaberdashery , perle thread no3, and chenille needle in hand I’ve spent a productive time starting a coil thing! Also realised that I’m probably left handed in my approach to this as I’m doing it all in the opposite direction to everyone else 😂😂. Connecting, where will it take you? #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts #scrapfabric #coilropebasket #basketmaking #slowcraft #basketcoiling
Sketchbook for @seam_collective #septtextilelove
I’m a bit of a let down for most people when it comes to my process and my sketchbook. So I’m showing you the finished article first, ( the Mid Century Modern mini quilt from Big stitch Quilting from @searchpress ).
And when you swipe you can see some of the images from my notebook.
I’ve never really thought of these books as sketchbooks as there are often as many words there as diagrams, and even some glued in pieces of paper or cards. I work in black pen into a @moleskine book with gridded pages. I’ve had different size book over the years, and the are never bigger than A4 in size. They usually have a black cover, but I did venture into green when they were on sale once 🤷♀️. There is never any colour in the diagrams, that only comes when I start stitching, so no delicate water colour or fabric swatches, just black pen on paper.
It seems to work for me , so I don’t question it! #bigstitch #bigstitchquilting #midcenturymodern #handquilting #handquilted #searchpress #sketchbook #nakersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
Flowers for @seam_collective #septtextilelove
Just to be clear, I struggle with how to introduce these prompts and cobble together a sentence each time. But today when I read @plainstitchdeb and her concise and simple intro, I’m like, I want that to be me 🤓. So with apologies to Deb, because what I write after will never be as thoughtful or beautifully put as she writes, or even grammatically correct, this is how I too will start my challenge prompts 😃😘.
I’m all in on the floral fabrics, whatever size the blooms. In fact the different scales and styles of prints that we get today make floral fabrics put together such fun for me. And even better when they get put with some stripes, checks and dots!
The quilt shown from my book Big Stitch Quilting (@searchpress ) shows off some nice florals in nice big chunks, making the most of the different scales , and all held together with some elbow quilting in big stitch! #floralfabric #bigstitch #quiltsofinstagram #quiltmakersofinstagram #patchwork #quilt #patchworkquilt #bigstitch #bigstitchquilting #elbowquilting #baptistfan #baptistfanquilting #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts #searchpress
Sometimes it’s the way things go. You make a patchwork block from scraps, then the scraps left over make another patchwork block ➡️ that you think you might quite like better 🤷♀️🤣🤣. #patchwork #stringquilt #stringpiecing #scrapquilt #usewhatyouhave #sewyourstash #usewhatyouhave #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts #improv #improvquilt #quiltblock
Today on @seam_collective the prompt for #septtextilelove is line.
So I’m showing you one of the first vintage quilts I purchased and it was because of the quilting. It was the first time that I was really struck by how simple but effective lines of quilting could be. Up until then if you had said quilt a 9-patch quilt I’d have been stitch around each square. Then when I saw this, and it’s Utility Quilting approach, it was a light bulb moment of how simple and easy quilting and a quilting design could and should be🤓. Swipe through to see the back, to get the full impact of how clever that quilting really is! #utilityquilting #quilting #handquilting #handquilted #scrapquilt #patchwork #vintagepatchwork #vintagequilt #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess
Today on @seam_collective and the #septtextilelove the prompt is Mark Making.
I’ve taken this pretty literally and am showing you what I use to mark my quilts when they are layered and ready to quilt.
I use a Hera marker. It makes a crease in the fabric that is easy to see and doesn’t require any rubbing out or worry about chemicals, pen marks etc on the fabric.
The top two are from @clovermfg and my go to, easy to buy and use. The third is one I got from a Japanese sewing shop, and the last is from @houseofquinn and is wooden.
If you’re looking to use what you might already have to make creases on your quilt then card makers seem to have similar tools, blunt butter knives work or even a wooden avocado knife (I know, a bit niche 🤦🏽♀️), a blunt tapestry needle or even your thumb nail. #markmaking #heramarker #quiltersofinstagram #makersgonnamake #quiltmarking
Today the prompt on @seam_collective for #septtextilelove was detail. And to be honest my photos library is just full of endless detail shots. Take these for example. If you swipe through, it’s all the pictures I took when writing instructions for how to bind a quilt with the backing. And this was only how to stitch it, not even the measuring and trimming 🤣. Yet by the time an editor and a book design team get to work on this, their skill will have whittled the whole process down to about four pictures, and made my words make sense. Sometimes there’s just too much detail 🤦♀️. Thanks @searchpress for keeping me on the straight and narrow!
#quiltbinding #handstitching #handstitched #bindingaquilt #detail #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts #makersgonnamake #quiltersofinstagram
Playing catch up on @seam_collective and the #septtextilelove . Day 10 was fibre. I must admit to using a lot of cotton, lots of different weights and weaves, with a smidgen of cotton/Linen thrown in.
But I do have a pile of lovely linen from @merchantandmills that are destined for a quilt that has not yet happened. This pile of linen in sea glass colours is patiently waiting 😍. #linen #seaglasscolours #quiltwaitingtohappen #makersgonnamake
So I’ll be using the weekends as a time to start you off and check in on our #bigstitchquiltalong 😃. I’m starting today by showing you the #navybordersquilt in a couple of other colour ways 😉.
Some of you will recognise this sunny version from the Big Stitch book as I used it to demonstrate the tabletop basting, and the red version makes an appearance there too!
All the versions use the same basic block, swipe to see .
One block consists of a centre square in a plain/plainish fabric (8 1/2in squares) and then the border strips in prints to contrast.
The first two strips to stitch on are ( 2 1/2in x 8 1/2in). Then cut four strips (2 1/2in x 6 1/2in), joining them in pairs along the short end. Stitch these final borders on the remaining side of the square. I press all of the borders away from the centre.
You can make your quilt as big or as small as you like. I’m aiming for my red version to be finished for Christmas as it has that seasonal vibe !
As you can see it’s great for using up scraps and you could make it whatever colour you choose! Share your progress and fabric pull over on #bigstitchquiltalong 🧵🤓🧵.
#carolynforsterquilts #carolynforster #bigstitch #bigstitchquilting #searchpress #quiltinprogress #quiltersofinstagram #patchwork #scrapquilt
Yeah! #favouritefabricfriday 🎉🎉. Just to let you know this vintage quilt will probably be popping up a lot here on Fridays 😉. It has so many wonderful fabrics, and in great combinations that one picture is hard to select.
I’m going with this wonderful green floral today, but mainly as it’s paired with the navy polka dot 😍. I do love a good dot!
A little word about the quilt block, and swipe to the next picture as it’s easier to see. These blocks are 4 1/4in finished and the core is pieced from two pieces 🤷♀️. It sort of makes me think that when the pattern was printed they only printed half, and you were meant to fold it over and make it twice as long, or put the fabric on the fold. But the maker here cut two fabric shapes from the half template and stitched them together 🤦🏽♀️. I just find all the techniques fascinating 🤓. #vintagequilt #vintagefabric #favouritefabric #patchwork #quilt #patchworkquilt #quiltblock #handstitched #handpieced #handquilted #makersgonnamake
Today for @seam_collective and #septtextilelove the word is Colour.
I’m going with my comfort zone colour of blue. I use blues a lot for samples and tryout blocks and then more often than not there will be a blue quilt in my books.
My latest book (Quilting On the Go, @Search press) is no exception with the blue quilt being a group friendship quilt stitched with the Potholder method of #QAYG 😃. My friends all got to choose their own blues making it even more special 😍. You can order your copy and make one of these too with your friends in whichever colour you choose 😉 as @pincushion_pantiles has them on pre order 🎉🎉. #patchwork #blue #patchworkquilt #groupquilt #friendshipquilt #quiltingfriends #handquilted #bigstitchquilting #quiltasyougo #potholderquilt #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
And a big thank you for all the comments related to the guessing of the quilt for the #bigstitchquiltalong !
The quilt will be the Blue Borders quilt, but you will be seeing it in some new colour combos during the quilt along 😉. Keep checking in as I’ll pop details of the block and notions etc, or look in your book @searchpress and get ahead of the game !
And for day 8 of @seam_collective #septtextilelove the prompt was Stitches, so I’m sneaking that into this post too 🤓.
My stitch is a running stitch, to piece and to quilt and everything else in between, so from making to mending that’s all you need to know, because there are endless ways to create with a running stitch 😍.
#runningstitch #patchhwork #quilting #handquilting #handquilted #bigstitch #searchpress #quiltalong #quiltersofinstagram #patchworkquilt #scrapquilt #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
Day 7 for @seam_collective and #septtextilelove has given us Edges. So I’m immediately on board with my love of binding the edges of my quilts. (In fact @louisepapas only posted yesterday about her love of binding, and we had a quick chat about why do folks hand stitch it in such an obscure way ? 🤪) !
But back to today, so I got out a couple of binding samples, then realised one was made from fabric edges, the selvedges 😍. So that got me thinking that perhaps I should be showing and talking about the endless uses for those pieces of fabric so often discarded? Swipe to see my mini quilt, which I feel sure will lead me stitching even more with this wonderful textile! Do chip in with you favourite selvedge sews 🧵😉🧵. #quiltbinding #bigstitchbinding #machinebinding #selvedge #selvedgesewing #selvage #selvagesewing #stringquilt #stringpiecing #patchwork #wastenotwantnot #sustainablesewing #usewhatyouhave #sewyourstash #bigstitch #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess
The morning after the night before. When I stitch in the evening, anything I finish and need to put away or take upstairs gets left on the mantle piece. In the morning when I come down I see these little heaps of stitching accomplishments . It’s a good way to start a day.
FYI here we have some new finger pincushions, and a finished Nosegay block 🧵🥳. #handstitched #handstitching #fingerpincushions #pincushions #pinnies #scrapfabric #sewyourstash #usewhatyouhave #carolynforster #makkersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess
Reverse is the prompt today from @seam_collective for #septtextilelove . As a hand piecer of patchwork I do find the pressing of the completed blocks a very satisfying part of the process. So here’s the back or reverse of the the little Nosegay block that I showed the other day. There’s a close up as I’m always especially pleased with the way some of the seams swivel 🤓. #simplepleasures #patchwork #handpieced #handpiecedpatchwork #handstitched #handstitching #quiltblock #pressingmatters #pressing #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts #enjoytheprocess #makersgonnamake
Today on @seam_collective the prompt is Trying Things Out . And it fits in well as today I was teaching and I’d had to work on some samples for freehand cut curves.
I was really surprised how much I’ve fallen in love with this technique, and am now planning quilts 😍. Although I’ve made loads of quilts with curves I’d never gone down the freehand route. Just goes to show you never know until you try! #patchwork #freehandcurves #improv #norules #quiltinprogress #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
Today on @seam_collective the prompt is Method/Technique 🧵.
As a quiltmaker and Quilter holding everything together is a running stitch (whether by hand or machine). It’s as simple and as non technical as that, the running stitch holds the patches together and the running stitch holds the three layers of a quilt together. That’s what I do , that’s how it works and that’s what has kept me occupied for the last N years 🤓.
(Side note here, until I’d started typing I didn’t actually know what I was going to write. Yes I’d chosen a picture, and I’d had some thoughts on fabric and using it then getting more and needing to use that, and so the cycle continues, but I’m happy with my running stitch, it after all being my method/technique 😍). The picture is a Siddi inspired Kawandi quilt, a series of making that has continued to keep me occupied for the last few years! #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #runningstitch #patchwork #quilt #patchworkquilt #siddiquilt #kawandi #kawandiquilt #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
Our prompt for today by @seam_collective and the #septtextilelove is current project. I’ve actually got a lot of current projects, but this is the most recently started.
This block represents the start of many that were inspired by a quilt owned by my friend Jenny @pincushion_pantiles . 😘 If you swipe you can see the original. I’ll often make blocks I’ve seen in old quilts and sometimes one is enough and I go no further. This one however is a keeper and I’ve a few more cut and ready to stitch. As usual I’m not sure how many I’ll make, or how they will be set in a quilt top, but at the moment I’m enjoying the making 😃. #quiltblock #patchwork #scrapquilt #handpieced #handpiecing #handstitched #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts #quiltersofinstagram
#favouritefabricfriday today is the backing fabric on an old and very falling to pieces vintage quilt that I own. I love how light and airy this print is and it’s all over the back of what is a very scrappy quilt front. The backing has been brought over to the front to make the binding, but the quilt is so well worn that it is all coming away.
If you swipe through you can see some close ups of the hand quilting design which is another reason that this whole quilt is a favourite. Each block is quilted in right angles, a design call Elbow Quilting. It is so quick to mark and quilt, a true Utility quilting design 🤓. #favouritefabric #vintage #vintagefabric #vintagequilt #vintagepatchwork #scrapquilt #handquilted #handquilting #utilityquilting #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess
So day Two on the #septtextilelove from @seam_collective is Discipline. I’m taking that to mean my primary practice, but equally how disciplined am I! 🧐
I’d describe myself as patchworker and quilter. Just to be clear, patchwork is sewing the fabric pieces together into a top. And quilting is the running stitch that keeps the three layers of a patchwork or whole cloth quilt together.
So you can have patchwork without quilting and quilting without patchwork 🤓!
All aspects of the techniques fascinate me and I love reading about the history! But as far as discipline, I can flit between projects with the best of them! 🤣🤣 #siddiquilt #kawandiquilt #patchwork #quilting #handstitched #handstitching #bigstitch
And today I’m concluding the #zokinsewalong ! It’s been fun hearing some of the comments about tea towel choices you’ve made (or not made!) during the process 🤪. And even more fun seeing the Zokin that some of you have stitched and shared 😊.
Either way hopefully it got you thinking about re using some old textiles and got you warmed up with your Big Stitch Quilting! @searchpress Later next week I’m starting off the full size quilt along with a quilt from my book. If any of you want to have a guess which quilt it will be then I’ve a little fabric prize to send out to the selected winner🎉. Just comment below and I’ll choose before the actual quilt post next week!
#zokin #reusereducerecycle #sustainablestitching #bigstitch #bigstitchquilting #searchpress #carolynforsterquilts #carolynforster #handquilting #handquilted #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #slowstitch
So a day late and only found out about it from @flossieteacakes (thanks), but I’m going to participate in the #septtextilelove challenge this month 😃 organised by @seam_collective .
It’s all been , and still is a bit intense here with book deadlines and focussed stuff, so the idea of some prompts to open me up and think in some new directions is very welcome.
Introductions are my usual stumbling block. I’m Carolyn and I’ve stitched and made since a child. Some of you may know me from my books and magazine projects, or have been on a class I’ve taught. All the writing and books evolved from the teaching of folks to make patchwork and quilting, there was no big life plan there! So my picture today is my view of my world, watching happy stitchers admire their own and others achievements! #patchwork #quiltteacher #teacher #makersgonnamake
Well September, how did that happen ? It’s sort of felt like it for the past week, very autumnal in the mornings and evenings. I’ll be getting my organised hat on to start a quilt for a #bigstitchquilting sew along. Just a hint that it will be from my book from @searchpress 😉. #monthlymarker #september #patchworkalphabet #patchwork #quiltinprogress #quiltersofinstagram #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
Basically sharing some happy colours and fabrics to look at as I bind this latest quilt. Because if you’ve had a Bank Holiday Monday as grey and cold as we have, then you need this too 🤓. #quiltbinding #bindingaquilt #handstitching #handquilting #handquilted #bigstitchquilting #patchworkquilt #quilt #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
Today for #favouritefabricfriday we’re going slightly autumnal as that seems to be the weather vibe around here at the moment 🤷♀️. This print is part of a large panel from @dsquilts , and if you swipe you can see it’s panel number two. I dithered too long and never got panel number one. Lesson learnt.
Needless to say I’ve loved so many of the fabrics that Denyse has created and her quilts are up there too.
I’ve been lucky enough to hear her talk in person about her fabrics and quilt designs, and even met her a couple of times. And each time I’m like completely star struck and barely a word comes out of my mouth 🤦🏽♀️.
But back to the fabric.... I love this combination of colours in one print and I’m a sucker for a good brown 😍. There are lots of other prints in the panel, and I’m just letting it all settle into my DS stash before thinking of cutting it up! What’s the longest you’ve left a fabric before cutting into it? #favouritefabric #denyseschmidt #denyseschmidtfabrics #stashbuilding #fabricstash
I’ve always fancied having one of my quilts photographed on a black barn door 🤓. Hashtag simple pleasures, easily pleased 😂. Thanks Colin and Jenny 😘. #patchwork #quiltsinthewild #patchworkquilt #quilt #makersgonnamake #quiltsofinstagram #appliquequilt #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
Some quilts went for an outing today. Thanks @pincushion_pantiles and @colinwalton_waltoncreative ! #quiltsinthewild #quiltsoutside #patchworkquilt #handquilted #baptistfanquilting #bigstitchquilting #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
Itching to stitch some new projects, but lots of ideas so actually just pfaffing around 🙄. #patchwork #quiltblock #scrapquilt #usewhatyouhave #hexies #hexagonhappenings #makersgottamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
Living life on the edge quilt making style 🤣. Just as well there was enough already cut, as it was the last of that fabric ! Now to finish off the hand stitching 😃🧵. Hope you have a happy stitching Saturday! #quiltbinding #bindingaquilt #justenough #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #quiltinprogress #quiltersofinstagram #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
I’m taking a bit of an off track route with #Favouritefabricfriday this week.
For a start it’s Thursday, but I have a lot to do tomorrow and don’t want to miss a post.
And it’s about a book . I’ve always had a soft spot for the quirky in a quilt, and when a good few years ago @roderick752 self published the two books , that you can swipe to see, I was I heaven 😊. And then he put together Unconventional and Unexpected, and it was just brilliant. Yet more quilts to look at and get me thinking about what could be. When I’m asked about what inspires me it’s always the old quilts , and very often the quilts that could have been overlooked. It’s this sort of book that I can go back to endlessly and be inspired.
If you never got a copy the first time round,now is your chance, as @quiltfolk have worked with Roderick to get a new edition to press with even more quilts inside 🥳. Needless to say, my copy is ordered 🤓. #unconventionalandunexpected #quiltbook #makersgonnamake #inspirational #inspiration #patchwork #quilt #patchworkquilt
I know I’m not the first person to say this, and I won’t be the last, but isn’t it wonderful how something as simple as sewing bits of fabric together can be so satisfying on so many levels 😊. #patchwork #quiltblock #miniquilt #quiltinprogress #quilted #handquilted #handquilting #bigstitch #bigstitchquilting #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #quiltersofinstagram #slowstitch #mindfulstitching #runningstitch #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
In case you need something to brighten up your Wednesday, here’s a Bight Hopes Block 🌸. I always think this is a very optimistically named block. Seemingly it first appeared in the publication Farm Journal and Farmers Wife in 1945 🤓. Now you too can stun friends and family with this useful bit of information 😉. #patchwork #quiltblock #scrapquilt #usewhatyouhave #wastenotwantnot #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
Creating my pattern on my Zokin today 🤓. You can cover the centre with stitches any way you choose, but I quite like a geometric pattern. You can see if you swipe that I mark it with a Hera Marker and a ruler, but there’s nothing to stop you going freehand! I’ve shown you the back too, which is plainer as I like the stripe in the tea towel as my front! Share your progress over on #zokinsewalong 👋👋. And catch up on the details if you’ve not yet started. #zokin #usewhatyouhave #sustainablesewing #bigstitch #bigstitchquilting #searchpress #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
For the times when only a fat binding will do 🤓.
Details for those that like them, double fold binding , cut 4 1/2in wide, batting and backing trimmed 3/4in from the finished patchwork edge 🤓.
#patchwork #quilt #patchworkquilt #bigstitch #bigstitchquilting #handquilting #handquilted #libertytanalawn #quiltbinding #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
I’m loving all of the chats about tea towels over the last few days 😍.
I’ve started stitching on my Zokin, and here’s how I go about it.
Swipe to see how I end up on this first picture!
I start with knotted thread in the middle of the side where the two folded edges come together. I’m not hiding the knot when I start on these, but I must admit I do when I finish the thread.
My first stitch is a back stitch to ensure the knotted thread doesn’t pull through.
I continue with running stitch through all of the layers around the outside edge.
When I get to the hanging loop I secure that with extra stitches, jus rows in this case, but in the ones in the book I’ve gone with a more fancy option. It doesn’t matter really as long as the loop is secure.
Continue all the way round until you reach where you started. Then I do a second row, close to the first, all the way round !
I’ll pop a video on from my website and you tube channel on finishing the thread and hiding the knot.
Tomorrow I’ll show you how I decided to fill in the middle with the stitching! Happy stitching folks, and don’t forget to share #zokinsewalong 🤓.
Zokin h#handquilting #handstitching #wastenotwantnot #sustainablesewing #reuserepurposerecycle #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
And it’s #favouritefabricfriday 🎉🎉. Today I’m paying homage to the good old tea towel 😍.
I do think that this a is a much over looked source of interesting fabric. Most of the time when I’m away there will be a gift shop of some description and that there will be a souvenir tea towel to buy. And I’ll buy one , not always to actually use to dry dishes, but to put into a sewing project or quilt 😃.
In the past I’ve used them as patchwork block keepers, parts of memory quilts the base for my Siddi quilts and now the used ones end up as Zokin .
Are you a tea towel buyer, and do you put them in quilts ? #favouritefabric #teatowel #usewhatyouhave #repurposereuserecycle #makersgonnamake
Today we’re preparing our tea towel to make some cleaning cloths or Zokin! If you’re following along on #zokinsewalong then you can see all of the posts over at the #. And if you’re letting us all see how you are doing with this quick project, to practice your Big Stitch Quilting , then use the # 😍.
The first thing to do is either cut the cloth in half along the length through the centre, or as I’ve done with this one into thirds, along the short side. I’ll get three cloths this way. It’s no big deal , just depends on the shape of the cloth at the end😉.
Cut the selvedges off from each side of the cloth, these can be used as a hanging loop for the cloth, and the spare one as a garden tie 🌷.
Fold one short edge in 2/3rds of the way then bring the other side in to meet it.
Now fold the cloth in half, hiding the ends within the cloth.
Insert the selvedge loop in the corner to be secured when you stitch! 🤓. You can pin the layers or use clips around the edge if you like!
We will be stitching this weekend so get some Zokin folded and we will be ready to roll🧵😉🧵.
The project is from my book Big Stitch Quilting from @searchpress if you’re looking to get ahead of the game!
#bigstitch #bigstitchquilting #handquilted #handquilting #zokin #wastenotwantnot #searchpress #reuserepurposerecycle #sustainablesewing #makersgonnamake #enjoytheorocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
When we start up on our #zokinsewalong tomorrow we’ll be taking joy in the exposed knots and frayed edges 🥳. No quilting police here! #zokin #searchpress #repurpose #recyclerepurposereuse #sustainablesewing #sustainablestitching #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #handstitched #handstitching #handquilting #handquilted #quilt #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
If you are joining us on the #zokinsewalong, then here’s what you need to gather together!
I use 12wt thread, @aurifilthread and @valdani_threads shown here. I often use a variegated one as I think it’s fun 🤷♀️.
No.6 Embroidery or Betweens needles, these are @johnjamesneedles , easy to get and good quality.
Then basics like thread snips @patterntraceuk , and thimbles @clovermfg .
And if you swipe you’ll see the old teatowel that I’ll be repurposing 🤓. All the details and lots of examples in Big Stitch Quilting @searchpress !
#bigstitchquilting #bigstitch #handquilting #handquilted #zokin #repurpose #repurposed #reuserenewrecycle #sustainablesewing #usewhatyouhave #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess
If you have been thinking of trying out some hand quilting and the idea of Big stitches and thick thread appeals, then this little quilt along is for you 🥳.
These stitched cloths are Zokin, which are a cleaning cloth made from repurposed textiles in Japan. Children often learn to stitch them at school, so what better way for us to start!
All the details of what you need are in my latest book from @searchpress , Big Stitch Quilting. (And we will be having a quilt along with a quilt from it in the autumn). 😉
Swipe to see some of the cloths up close, and what you will need, although I’ll talk more about that tomorrow! I hope you’ll stitch along 🧵🤓🧵!
#bigstitch #bigstitchquilting #searchpress #quilting #handquilted #repurpose #sustainablestitching #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #handquilting #zokin #zokinsewalong
Finding the pleasure in small things, swipe to see the pressing 😍. #patchwork #handpieced #handpiecing #handstitched #handsewing #runningstitch #quiltblock #sewingmystash #pressingmatters #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #thehandmadequilt #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts #butthisispatchwork #quiltmakingbyhand
Joining Lucy @charmaboutyou for #saturdaynightcraftalong 🥳👋👋. I’ve been quilting today on a big quilt in my hoop. I’ve not quilted in this way since forever( if you see my new book due out in November you’ll know why 😉), and it’s such a joy to be back on a whole quilt! Obviously big stitch, betweens No6 needle and @aurifilthread no12 in colour 4060, my favourite 😍. Happy stitching folks! #bigstitchquilting #bigstitch #handquilting #handquilted #quilting #aurifil #aurifilthread #makersgonnamake #enjoytheprocess #carolynforster #carolynforsterquilts
