Book Review: 500 Quilt Blocks

Yesterday I taught a beginners patchwork workshop at the New Brewery Arts Centre in Cirencester.

I love teaching at the New Brewery Arts Centre, it is such an inspiring place with lots of lovely artist all in one place!

As always I was planning my session and knew I needed a demonstration piece to show the learners - nothing worse than not knowing where you are going on your learning journey! A sample of where everyone should be aiming is a great teaching tool and provide inspiration.

So sat in my studio watching the rain fall I was trying to think which block would suit beginners, include some cutting but not too much and be manageable in 6 hours...

This is where the wonderful book 500 Quilt Blocks by Lynne Goldsworthy and Kerry Green comes in.

Image Courtesy of Lynne Goldsworthy

This fabulous book contains a huge amount of patchwork knowledge - don't be fooled by it's small size, it is jam packed with great blocks!

I love skimming the book and finding blocks that I would like to make, but as a teacher it takes a lot of the stress out of workshop planning because the measurements are all written clearly. It means I don't have to work all the maths out as well everything else a lesson plan needs. 

Image Courtesy of Lynne Goldsworthy

The book even has a few variations for each block - differentiation for my learners readily available!

Image Courtesy of Lynne Goldsworthy

The book also has some items to make with the blocks they have made.

Image Courtesy of Lynne Goldsworthy

This book is a fabulous addiction to any quilters bookshelf, but it is particularly useful for beginners starting on their patchwork wanting to explore different blocks.

You can of course get your copy from a certain International book selling website, but do considering visiting your fabulous Indie Bookshop to get your copy- you get a smile when you shop with them! I spend so much in my local shop, the Yellow Lighted Bookshop, I occasionally get a bacon bap and a mug of tea whilst browsing books!

Amazing myself..

My life is a juggling act of 3 little boys and 2 ex-husbands.... yeah I know, at 35 I have managed to be married and divorced twice, been bankrupt and been through more ups and downs than a rollercoaster!

So you could say that my self belief is a little bit low sometimes. I take hits from all sides - I either have happy kids and problems with the ex's or happy ex's and unhappy kids... I now keep the kids happy and stable as possible, and let the adults worry about themselves!

Making decisions that effect my little family is so scary, especially when there is no-one to talk to, no back-up. What if I screw it all up and get it all wrong?

I have those thoughts whenever I make a massive decision, but I try to shake it off pretty quickly because my gut has got pretty good instinct and if I follow it things usually work out ok. My gut was screaming out to shut up Funky Diva Designs and yesterday confirmed that I made the right decision!

Yesterday morning I had a meeting at the Brewery Arts Centre in Cirencester. It was my chance to pitch my skills and talent to one of the places I really respect. It is a great space and full of wonderful artists.... I still struggle to see myself as an artist.... so it was realy important to me to get it right...

Well after an hours discussion about my work experience, the classes I have taught and showing them some of my work, I was offered the opportunity to work in three different provisions that the centre co-ordinate:

Workshops on Site - workshops held at the arts centre for fee paying learners (kids and adults)

Working in the Community - working on projects with vulnerable adults in the Cirencester area

Working on School projects - working with schools who attend the centre on day visits teaching sewing to kids.

I was amazed!

Now, the work is subject to people booking courses and it will not be regular to begin with, but it will help me a build a reputation (fingers crossed a good one!) as a sewing teacher in the area.

I am beyond chuffed, but also slightly shocked at how well it all went.

As my dad always emails me: Onwards and Upwards!