Thursday 28 April 2011

The Last of The Patchwork Quilts

I just LOVE patchwork quilts and have been very lucky to have been surrounded by them all my life. My beautiful, clever Nan who sadly passed away last year was the queen of quilting. When she began making patchwork quilts (all by hand of course) they weren’t fashionable or desirable, but a cheap way to make bedding and blankets  out of old dresses, curtains or whatever fabric that could be found  during the war.  Over the years Nan made countless quilts that me, my sister, mum and aunt would all greedily snap up (after all you can never have too many can you?)
 As a child, spending time at my Nan’s was heaven.  Her house was full of mis-matched items and furniture. I loved how she would always have many different projects on the go, making patchwork quilts, crocheting blankets, painting her beloved garden gnomes, knitting slippers for us or making new fabric sleeves for her favourite old armchair. I always wanted to get involved and Nan let me do whatever I wanted. It never bothered her if I messed up a stitch or painted a wonky line. She would just laugh.
So now I have taken on the challenge of finishing this rather special quilt.

Nan, it may take me a while but I promise to finish what you started... the last quilt you would ever make.  I’ll cherish this one, like the others forever.

Wednesday 27 April 2011

Mama Lans' Baking Company


So at long last my fabulous brother-in-law Lans has decided to put his talent to use and start up his own cake making company, 'Mama Lans' Baking Company'.  He asked me to design him a lovable character for his business cards and labels...so here she is.  I look forward to seeing her on cake boxes all over London.