Applique Quilts with an English country theme
Appliqué Quilts, especially Baltimore Album Quilts are always ‘show-stoppers’ at Quilt events. Inspired by these quilts I have created a range of designs which give an English twist to this American quilt tradition. Through my workshops and lectures, I have discovered that many quilters (and would be quilters) are also intrigued by the Baltimore Album Quilts and want to learn more about Hand Appliqué. Not all quilts need to be speed stitched and its very relaxing to create something ‘by hand’.
Check out the Gallery page to see some of my quilts and About Shirley to find out more.
My book the 'The Applique Garden' is proving to be a great favourite for appliqué lovers. It is full of techniques and tips to help you master hand applique. I've had great feedback both from experienced quilters looking for new ideas as well as beginners who want to learn the basics of Hand Appliqué. See Books for more details. The book can be ordered on-line but it is also stocked by several shops in the UK and USA.
Something new for 2009!
A wonderful treat for all who love to applique (or who would like to learn) is in store for you at Le Vieux Monastere, South West France. 5 - 11 September 2009.
Image a holiday in beautiful surroundings, staying in luxurious cottages, meals beautiful prepared while you have the time to stitch, learn and have fun with quilters! This is all possible at Le Vieux Monastere where an exciting programme of workshops and excursions has been planned. I will be sharing (in English!!) my tips and techniques for hand applique and the course can be adapted to suit all abilities. There are three designs on offer. The Hydrangeas is particularly suited for complete beginners; Courtyard Birds is suitable for all levels ; Summer time is good for those with some experience and wanting to extend their techniques. (See photo below)
The cost of the holiday is £525 which includes accommodation, full board, workshops and excursions. With the current exchange rates this makes it quite a bargain for quilters in the USA and Europe!! Travel from the USA is easy . (Flight to Paris and fast train link).
For further information download an information pack at www.levieuxmonastere.com
Do feel free to contact me if you would like more information and I look forward to welcoming you at this exciting new venue.
BOOK SIGNING!
I gave a short presentation illustrated with examples of my quilts at The Village Quilter, Mount Holly, New Jersey on Saturday Feb 7th. It was wonderful to share some of my quilts and tips with enthusiastic customers. Although a small shop it has a great stock of fabrics and notions. Susan di Bartolo and her staff gave a great welcome.
Demonstrating some of the finer points of hand appliqué!
Susan and I surrounded by some of the beautiful shop quilt samples
Trying to buy in the USA?
These shops now stock the book and have mail order or on-line purchase facilities.
The Village Quilter, Mount Holly NJ (6092650011) www.thevillagequilter.com
Pennington Quilt Works NJ (6097374321) (www.penningtonquilts.com)
Cottage Quilts (www.cottage-quilts.com).
Quilt Mercantile, 215 Highway 69 North, Celeste Texas 75423 (quiltmercantile215@msn.com)
Shiisa Quilts, 2536 W Industrial Park Dr, Suite 5, Bloomington IN 47404 www.shiisaquilts.com
Looking for classes in the USA?
The Village Quilter, Pennington Quilt Works and Quilt Mercantile all run classes using my designs.
The annual Elly Sienkiewicz Appliqué Academy ® held in February in Williamsburg is a very special event for all appliqué enthusiasts. I was honoured to teach three classes there this year. Here are two of the designs which were stitched with enthusiasm by my wonderful students. Patterns for the designs are now available and will be on the PATTERNS page soon. So do please check back or contact me if you would like more information.
Wildflower Basket (New version)
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Summertime
I have made this block into a bordered wall quilt and the pattern contains full instructions for making up the complete quilt. (The pattern will shortly be on the PATTERNS page but e-mail me if you would like to order. Price £6.50)
The Patterns page has details of the Country Pleasure pattern range. The good news is that I now have Paypal facilities so I can accept international orders. Great news for USA quilters as the exchange rate works well for you! Patterns and books can also be ordered direct from me. Just e-mail me with your requests if you prefer not to use Paypal. In addition there are shops (including on-line) which stock some of my patterns and the book. See the Links Page for details. If you have any problems in ordering patterns or my book The Applique Garden, please e-mail me at shirley@shirleybloomfield.co.uk
SPECIAL OFFER!
International orders for three or more patterns qualify for an extra pattern free . Place your order in the normal way but - e-mail me with your choice of extra free pattern (or leave the choice to me) so you don't get charged.
If you check the Schedule you will find where I will be teaching in 2009. There are one-day workshops as well as two to three day residential courses. You can enjoy a short break, learn lots of tips and techniques for hand appliqué as well as make new friends. The Links Page also has details of other locations where I teach courses.
Some of my workshop travels in the past!
Wildflower baskets abound in sunny Châteauponsac at La Maison du Patchwork, June 2006! If you would like to stitch the new version of the Wildflower Basket (photo above) then do check out Studio Patchwork. This is in a delightful location near Toulouse, France where I taught in June 2008 and I look forward to returning in Aug/September 2009. See Links Page for more details.
Wildflower Baskets proudly displayed by my students at
The Elly Sienkiewicz Applique Academy (Williamsburg, VA 2009). We all had a wonderful time at this truly unique event for lovers of hand appliqué.
Jan Crane, owner of Pennington Quilt Works, New Jersey, looks on as I prepare for my lecture and book signing at the shop, Feb 2007.
Coffee break with a group in Dooks, Ireland October 2006
Good luck with all your appliqué projects!
Shirley Bloomfield |
