Great British Quilter Podcast

In this episode, host Sarah Ashford meets quilter, author and Mood fabric designer, Janet Clare. 

Janet talks about her experience of lockdown, how she got into patchwork and quilting, her 5 self-published books and her collections for Moda.  Janet also talks about her beautiful studio in Hampshire and the meanings behind her work.  

Finally, Janet shares 2 top tips, that quilters will love.  

In this episode, host Sarah Ashford meets Lucy Brennan. Lucy is a quilt designer, pattern writer and blogger, under the name Charm About You, and the host of the Instagram stitch along the #saturdaynightcraftalong.

Lucy talks about how she's been getting through lockdown, her current projects, what it's like to demo quilting on TV, and the things she likes to do when she's not quilting.

Lucy shares two top tips with the listeners, that you're going to love.

For more info about Lucy visit: www.charmaboutyou.com and @charmaboutyou on Instagram

For more info about the Great British Quilter visit www.greatbritishquilter.com and @greatbritishquilter on Instagram

For more information about Sarah visit www.sarahashfordstudio.com and @sarahashfordstudio on Instagram

In this episode, host Sarah Ashford meets textile artist Ruth Singer. Ruth talks about her journey into textiles and quilting, some of her many wonderful exhibitions, quilts and embroidery. Finally, Ruth ends with two top tips for creating textiles with meaning.

In this episode, host Sarah Ashford chats with Laura Cunningham of Sweet Cinnamon Roses. Laura talks about how she got the quilting bug when her husband bought her a sewing machine when her daughter was born. From then Laura went on to teach herself all she could about sewing, and now designs beautiful patterns, that she sells worldwide. Laura also talks about her latest initiative; the Let's Make A Quilt Together programme, so that beginner quilters can work on their patchwork by sewing along together and connect with one another, in a dedicated facebook group. Finally, Laura shares 2 top tips for beginner quilters, to put them on the path to success.

For this episode, I had the opportunity to speak to Fenella Dawney from the company Artichoke, about the the book Women Making History, Processions, The Banners, which has just recently been published.

On Sunday 10th June 2018, tens of thousands of women, wearing scarves of green, white and violet took to the streets in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London as part of the Processions Project. It was a mass artwork to mark 100 years since the first women were allowed to vote in the UK.

The book wonderfully captures this incredible event, with close up photographs and background stories of all 100 banners that were processed throughout the cities and it was a great pleasure to hear from Fenella more about it.  

In this episode Sarah chats with Leisa-Morris White, owner of Morris Textiles, a US based fabric company specialising in British fabrics including Liberty Tana Lawns and quilting cottons, William Morris prints, Oakshott fabrics and collections from other British Contemporary designers.  

They discuss setting up a quilting business, how the business model has adapted and changed throughout 2020 and Leisa shares some of her top tips.  

Sarah Ashford is back with Series 2 of the Great British Quilter Podcast. 

In this episode, Sarah talks to historical novelist and quilter Tracy Chevalier all about writing, quilting and her latest novel, A Single Thread.  

Finally, Tracy shares two top tips with the listeners relating to creativity and quilting.  

In this episode Sarah meets with quilter Nicola Dodd who talks about how her previous career has inspired her work as quilt designer. Nicola discusses how she created her design company Cake Stand Quilts and the work she does for Today's Quilter. Nicola also gives an insight into preparations behind the scenes for having a stand at the Festival of Quilts and her work for Moda Bake Shop. Finally Nicola shares some top tips that you won't want to miss.

In this episode we meet Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine editor Alice Hadley. Alice talks about her journey into publishing, how she became a quilter, her trip to Quilt Market and all the things she looks for when commissioning designers.

In this episode Sarah meets with quilters Jenni Smith and Kay Walsh. They talk about their 'Just One Quilt' Youtube series, teaching at the Stitch Gathering Sewing retreat, the Block of the Month project for The Quilter's Guild and the up and coming book in association with Liberty. They have certainly had a busy year! Finally, they share some tops tips that you won't want to miss.

In this episode Sarah meets with Nicholas Ball, modern quilter, Bernina Product Educator and author. Nick talks about his quilting journey, where he finds his inspiration, and how he quickly moved away from traditional piecing to find and develop the improv style he's known for today. Nick also shares the journey of writing his first book, Inspiring Improv, from the first seeds of the idea to a book on the shelf for us quilters to learn from and enjoy. Finally, Nick shares some quilting top tips for getting the perfect finish to a quilt and embracing new techniques.

In this episode Sarah meets with Karen Lewis, fabric designer, author and quilter. Karen talks about how she became a screen printer and quilter and her journey from a small business to having 4 fabric collections with Robert Kaufman and 2 books. Karen also talks about the funs she's had being this years featured designer for the Quilter's Planner and organising The Thread House Retreats alongside Jo Avery. Finally, Karen shares some top tips for attending quilt shows and how to let go of the quest for perfection.

In this episode Sarah meets with Deb McGuire, The Quilters' Guild Director, Marketing. Deb talks about her own personal journey into quilting and her multiple roles in the Quilters' Guild. She discusses all the exciting plans for their 40th anniversary celebrations and the forthcoming Festival of Quilts. Deb also talks about her adventures with her new long arm machine, and she shares some top tips for the listeners.

In this episode, Sarah meets and chats with quilter Kerry Green, who shares her story of how she became a quilter and dressmaker. Kerry talks about why she loves working collaboratively with others, how she's used social media over the years and what it means to her to be a part of the British Quilting community. Finally, Kerry shares some of her top tips for quilting and using social media to connect with other quilters around the world.

Sarah Ashford travels to Edinburgh to meet modern quilter Jo Avery. They chat about Jo's journey into quilting, her distinctive style and the inspiration behind her quilts. Jo also talks about her new book, the quilting retreats that she organises and shares her top tips for quilting and social media.