Mosaic Appliqué and String Patchwork Hand-Stitching Weekend

We’ll start with an introduction to the creative possibilities of using fabric scraps in quilt making, with a focus today on traditional mosaic or tile-style designs. We’ll look at how quilters through history have repurposed small pieces of fabric to create both practical household textiles and decorative works. We’ll start working on our own pieces; selecting and arranging fabric scraps, considering colour, pattern, and placement to design a small mosaic-inspired quilt panel. We’ll look at different hand appliqué techniques, such as needle-turn appliqué and broderie perse.

Once the design is assembled, we’ll assemble our mini quilts; layering and basting the top, wadding, and backing fabrics. The afternoon is dedicated to hand quilting the piece, allowing time to enjoy this slow, meditative process. Finally, we’ll look at how to bind our mini-quilt by turning over from the backing.

Today focuses on the versatile technique of string patchwork, starting with an exploration of traditional string patchwork methods and looking at a variety of design options for arranging your strips, or strings, to create your blocks. You’ll use the stitch-and-flip method to build your block directly onto the backing fabric, offering a practical and satisfying way to use even the smallest scraps.

Once the block is complete, you’ll turn it into a biscornu, a distinctive eight-sided pincushion, with Carolyn guiding you through the assembly of the shape, stuffing, and neatly sewing the final opening closed. By the end of the day, you’ll have a unique hand-finished pincushion created using traditional patchwork skills.

Following the workshop, depart the hotel and make your own way home.