Talks
I have recently decided to cut down considerably on giving “in-person” talks as I am now finding the preparation and travelling too tiring. I will still be teaching at Festival of Quilts, but am not accepting new bookings to give individual talks to quilt groups any more. I am sorry about this, as I have enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people over the years, but arthritis in my foot is making standing and driving for long periods difficult.
However, the various entertaining and informative talks currently available, will still be available online via Zoom, using high-quality close-up photographs.
Dating the Fabrics found in Antique Quilts
As delivered at Festival of Quilts in 2024, based on my paper in Quilt Studies Issue 25. This talk focuses on identifying the printing and dyeing techniques used in fabrics in the nineteenth century.
Looking at Old British Quilts
An introduction to the different styles of traditional quilts made in the UK. What can you discover by ‘studying’ a quilt more closely? Layout, fabrics, quilting designs and regional styles.
Our Traditional Quilt Heritage
As I have too many antique quilts to fit into one talk, this one is available in two versions with an appropriate selection:
a) Patchwork only
b) Quilting only (wholecloths & Strippy quilts)
On the Edge & Round the Bend
A closer look at the border and corner quilting designs on antique wholecloth quilts – connected with winning the Amy Emms Bursary in 2016. This talk was published in Quilt Studies Issue 24.
Antique British Strippy Quilts
As given in 2019 at the Festival of Quilts. A talk looking at the origins and designs of Strippy Quilts
Antique British Frame Quilts
As given in 2022 at the Festival of Quilts. A talk looking at the origins and designs of Frame Quilts. Note that this talk is now available on my YouTube Channel.
Colour & Contrast
Many people struggle to choose fabrics for their quilts, and worry about which colours will combine together well. A “teaching” talk aimed at improving confidence by identifying how contrast is important as well as colour.
Success with Stripes
A “teaching” talk showing how to achieve stunning effects in blocks and borders with striped fabrics, including tips on how to make them meet perfectly in mitred corners.
Which way do I press it?
The usual rule is “press behind the darker fabric”, but a careful choice of pressing direction – sometimes in opposition to this rule – can make a big difference to the precision of your piecing.
A “teaching” talk aimed at those wanting to learn more.
Quick, Piece it!
The story of my developing love of making traditional quilts in a modern way.
A general talk aimed at a mixed audience.
Workshops
Unfortunately, I will no longer be offering workshops (apart from at Festival of Quilts) either.
You can still discover about a variety of machine-stitched traditional style patchwork projects and techniques by looking at the Techniques section of this website, watching my videos on YouTube; some more extensive workshops are available as full online courses in my Shop; e.g. Birthday Bunting or A Perfect Eight Point Star