Life's a beach

Well it was a couple of weeks ago when we spent a few days at the seaside. Laura took some amazing photos of the beach and I couldn't resist using them as inspiration for a DMTV video workshop.

I've used a raw edge appliqué technique using scrappy strips of all kinds and weights of fabric including silk, velvet, cotton and scrim. I loved quilting it on the PowerQuilter and this version only took me a couple of hours.

Having enjoyed the process I made the journal sized version on camera. DMTV members can see the appliqué part of the workshop from today and the stitch techniques I used to complete it next week.

The quilting in this mini quilt was done on the Pfaff GrandQuilter. It's a great machine for free motion and deals with all the different thicknesses of fabric without a murmur of complaint. This was supposed to be a bit of a stash buster but I have enough scraps left to make lots more quilts (and they're so much fun) so watch this space!

Thursdays are always busy for us but with the latest video up and running and the newsletter scheduled to go out later today, we popped over to Bilston Craft Gallery to see the Through Our Hands exhibition. Although it's been open for a while now it was my first opportunity to visit as I missed the official opening. It was also good for Laura to see the exhibition without the clamour and excitement of the opening. We loved it all and I honestly couldn't pick a favourite exhibit -  every single piece looked incredible. I don't want to offend any of the artists involved so if I don't include your work it's simply because we want as many people as possible to go and see the exhibit for themselves. Here are just a few images to tempt!

Bobby Britnell

Sandra Meech

Els Van Baarle

Clare Smith

And of course, Annabel Rainbow

My word that girl can paint!

And stitch!!

Just a taster of what is on offer until July 25th. Hope you can make the trip!

Love Linda