This week we welcome Shropshire Quilters member Sue Milward. Having lead a wonderful Foundation Piecing workshop a couple of Christmases ago, we were all looking forward to Sue teaching us how to make a Travel Sewing Roll last month. Alas, it had to be cancelled, but we look forward to it being rescheduled when we can safely resume our workshop programme.
How long have you been quilting?
I have always sewn. My grandmother taught me to knit and crochet. As a teenager I made my own clothes. When I retired I went to Westhope College and did my patchwork and quilting qualification. Once completed I made a sampler quilt using some of the techniques.
Do you still have your first quilt?
I made my first patchwork quilt over forty years ago. It was made with English Paper Piecing in Laura Ashley's shades of brown - a popular colour then - for my son's brown pram carrycot.
Do you have a favourite fabric style or colour?
I love bright colours. This is my favourite quilt: I cut up the fabric into different sized strips, then sewed it back together to make a different fabric. The diamonds are made up of 5-7 strips, joined and then cut on the bias.
I also like to make memories of my travels: this is one from a visit to Myanmar.
What's your essential notion or tool?
I have two: a pair of thread snips - easier than scissors - and a Fons & Porter Design Wall which has holes for hooks so is easy to put up and take down.
Do you listen to anything while you quilt?
Depends on how I feel. Either silence - my workroom overlooks the garden - or CDs.
Can you share a top tip/online resource?
Go on workshops! You get to know other quilters and I always learn something.
Can you recommend a book?
I am decluttering my library, but a favourite gave me the courage to cut up my UFOs and sample blocks left over from courses: Create Your Own Free-form Quilts by Rayna Gillman.
Sue's scrap quilt, inspired by Rayna Gillman's book
Have you had any quilting disasters?
No such thing in my book. They are opportunities for change, often in a direction you hadn't thought of. Life is not perfect, so if your work isn't perfect don't beat yourself up! This is my mantra.
Words to live by, Sue! And thank you, its been lovely to get to know you.
And we'd really LOVE to get to know our talented membership too: if you'd like to share your quilting story please send an email to info@shropshirequilters.org for the Q&A sheet.
Visit again next Friday to meet another quilter...
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