When my lap quilt was finished I was thrilled.  Looking back at that very first poor attempt, with all its errors, lumps and puckers, I laugh when I recall that, at the time, I felt like I had made a "masterpiece" - oh dear!  My confidence soared and dormant creativity awoke.  Here is a photograph of my very first quilt. The six blocks are: Grandmother's Fan; Circle of Hearts (applique); Floral Wreath; Churn Dash; Ohio Star and Little House.
Top

Since 1995 I have carried out many different projects.  Secret cushions (or Quillows, as they are called in the US), ordinary cushions with quilting block front panels, table mats, cot quilts, lap quilts, even a queen-sized bed quilt.  Naturally, some projects were more successful than others, but I can say that I've thoroughly enjoyed working on every one of them.

Loving the "Double Wedding Ring" pattern, I was tempted to take a class that promised to teach its participants the secrets of this wonderful pattern.  I went along and while the workshop was good, I found that this particular pattern was definitely not for the novice quilter!!  We were to make either a DWR wall hanging or a table runner, using 4 interlinking rings.  I chose the wall hanging and did it in my favourite colours of green, cream, pinks and burgundy.  The end result was disappointing to say the least.  My rings seemed determined never to meet!  Here is my attempt - the second photo shows what use my "wall hanging" was finally put to!  However, I had good fun trying.
 

Ah well ... somebody loved it anyhow!  It makes a great basket quilt. Goodnight all. Zzzzzzzzz

Today:
My dear, patient husband has stoically accepted that he married an impulsive fabric buyer and is very supportive of all my creative endeavours.  My stash seems to have a life of its own and increases a lot faster than it decreases.  The cotton fabrics, at first so difficult to come by, are much more readily available in Northern Ireland now and we have some wonderful quilt shops here.  A trip to them is always a treat.  Of course, creating patchwork in the time honoured way from fabrics from old clothing, bedding etc is also fun in a different way.  Fabric from a dress worn on a special occasion or by a special person, provokes many memories and what better way of storing those memories than in a patchwork quilt.
Top

My Craft Album:
Many of the things I make are given away as gifts, but I try to keep a photographic record of some of my favourite projects.  If you'd like to see my Craft Album and view some of the things I've made, then please click here.

Quilting Friends:
People who quilt are some of the friendliest people you could wish to meet. I have been privileged to make many wonderful quilting friends from all over the world - mostly through the superb National Online Quilters website.   My first NOQer contact was with Kate from England when she came over to spend a weekend with us and visit some of Northern Ireland's quilt shops. Then in February 2001 I got to meet one of my American NOQer pals face-to-face.  To see a photo of Terry and me having lots of fun in the wonderful Keepsake Quilting shop in Center Harbor, New Hampshire, USA, just click here.  In May 2002, it was our pleasure and privilege to welcome not only Terry and her husband, Jim, to our home but also, in June 2002, to meet Leilani and her husband, Ashley, for the first time.  To see photos of our summer of fun with my dear American NOQer friends, click on our Internet Pals page.  Since that time, both couples have been back to visit us and our friendship continues.

Back to Top

 Back to Top