21
Referring to Diagram 3, join
two assorted 3in squares and
two assorted3x3^11 ⁄ 2 in rectangles to
make a strip. Repeat this step and
sew these two joined strips to the
top and bottom edges of the panel.22
Join two strips of assorted
squares and rectangles as
shown in Diagram 4 and sew them
to the left and right edges of the panel.
The cushion front should now measure
161 ⁄ 2 in square, raw edge to raw edge.QUILTING23
Fuse a square of lightweight
batting to the wrong side of
the cushion front. Fit a walking foot
to the machine.24
Using white thread, quilt
as desired. Yvonne quiltedin the ditch around the pram, hearts
and borders and quilted a 1in
diagonal crosshatch pattern over the
white background of the appliqué
panel. In Border 3, she added another
line of quilting parallel to the border
seams and ditch quilted the seams.25Referring to the photo, backstitch
the string for the hearts hanging
from the pram handle using one strand
of medium brown thread.Cushion back
YVONNE WESTWOOD
How often do you start a new project do
you think? I do have many projects on the go
at any one time (although some may end up
as UFOs). I may do two or three large quilts
a year, but I also love making small items,
and there may be a few of these each month.
Do you have a new design completely
formulated in your head before committing
to paper and fabric? No, I usually start with
the central panel and then add to the design
as I go. This is not such a good idea, as I may
end up with a dif erent-sized quilt to what I
aimed to do. I don’t think I’ve ever succeeded
in drawing/writing a complete pattern out
on paper before making the whole quilt.
Do you avidly follow other designers online
and in magazines? I do go on Instagram andfollow some designers there. I particularly
love Lori Holt’s fabrics and designs and
Edyta Sitar, of Laundry Baskets Quilts.
I have always preferred softer tones, but
I’ve discovered Alison Glass’s fabrics, and
they have beautiful bright colour. I have
recently succumbed to buying them.
What’s your least-favourite part of
designing and making a project? The
central panels are fun. But as the quilt grows,
I find it quite dif icult to handle the large
pieces. At this point, the project is in danger
of ending up as a UFO. The other part I really
find boring is the writing up of a pattern.
Have you been stitching since you were a
child? Even as a child, I used to love making
dolls’ clothes. Needless to say, they fell
apart very quickly. I would sit and make
decorations for the Christmas tree using
colourful crepe paper. Craft has been an
important part of my life since childhood.
Did you have professional training in stitching
crafts? No, I didn’t. Most of what I know is
self-taught. I read books and magazines and
now learn from dif erent sites on the computer.
I have also attended a few workshops and classes
at the local patchwork shops over the years.
What products can’t you resist buying in
patchwork and haberdashery stores?
Fabric! Fabric! And more fabric!
Have you any unfulfilled stitching dreams?
I have so many stitching dreams, but sadly,
not enough time to make them all, as yet.
What do you find is the greatest reward for
your stitching projects? I’ll never forget the
first time I opened a Homespun magazine and
saw a photo of a completed quilt made from
one of my designs in the Readers’ Showcase
section of the magazine. I was speechless!Get ing to know ...YVONNE’S
APPLIQUÉ TIP
I still love using spray starch for my
appliqué shapes – the Crisp brand,
bought in supermarkets. I spray it
on before I cut out the fabric shapes.