“English paper piecing Making”  –  by Ann D

I was very much looking forward to this evening’s meeting as this was a great opportunity to learn how to make traditional English paper piecing work…something, as a relatively new quilter, I have never done before!

The meeting began with a warm welcome from the chair, Claire, followed by notices;

• The Jelly Roll course deferred from 2020 was run by Claire on Saturday 28th January 2023 in the hall. (Some examples of the bags from Ann D and Eileen were shown at the end of the meeting)

• Thank you to Kate for the new monthly events newsletter, which started in January and gives us all a “Heads up” on various events and quilting activities/exhibitions. (Please see the previous newsletters for the latest news).

• Linus quilts may be handed in today if anyone has completed them.

• Claire sadly informed the meeting of the sad passing of Jean Dodds, RIP.

• Claire showed us examples of the next 2 “blocks of the month” (kindly made by Jill), with a tip that, for the Dresden Plate, place the pointed sections towards the corners of the backing fabric.

• Viv asked if anyone would like to make “paired Hearts” for the Darenth Valley Specialist baby unit…. templates and instruction were available for those who were interested, and Viv has offered to collect them up and get them to the baby unit when done. 

• There are 2 places on the upcoming course to be held in the hall on 25/03 10:00 – 16:00 – please get in touch with Inez or Ann if you are interested in taking up a place.

The evening was so well organised, as we gathered into four fairly large groups and rotated around to each of the presenters to learn the various methods and traditions of Paper Piecing. It was an excellent opportunity to see four knowledgeable and very experienced members working with the different techniques and to see the various types/styles of paper piecing that each liked to use, supported by beautiful and original samples to see and appreciate. The evening was an impressive hive of industry and learning – it was so good to share so many hints and tips! The hall was “buzzing”, so much interest and enthusiasm, and it was tough to stop for the tea break and we barely wanted it to end!! I am sure that we shall all have a go at the many skills we were taught, with far fewer mistakes and using many short cuts!! English Paper Piecing here we come!!

A massive thank you to our wonderful evening leaders, Chrissie, Anne L, Jill, and Jenny T – I learnt so much and felt inspired to try something new and exciting….and to the show and tell examples that we saw at the end of the meeting – stunning!

Many thanks go to everyone last night, for a busy and enjoyable evening.