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Woven Wool Quilt Journey
DEIRDRE BOND-ABEL HAS BEEN QUILTING AND DESIGNING HER OWN QUILTS FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES. HER DESIGNS FEATURE APPLIQUÉ WORKED IN WOVEN WOOL COMBINING PIECED BLOCKS AND BACKGROUNDS USING COTTON REPRODUCTION PRINTS. HER BUSINESS, HAT CREEK QUILTS IS ON HER FARM IN THE BEAUTIFUL COAL RIVER VALLEY IN TASMANIA, WHERE SHE TRADES IN PATCHWORK COMMODITIES, PROVIDES WORKSHOP FACILITIES AND B&B ACCOMMODATION AND PATTERN WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION.
by Mindy Cook
Between April 16 – 19, Deirdre will be tutoring three classes at the Australasian Quilt Convention in Melbourne, and lucky for you – there are still some spots left, but class numbers are limited!
Here’s a little insight into Deirdre’s creative technique, and what to expect from her classes…
If our readers were looking for a different technique in quilting, why would wool appliqué on a cotton pieced background make an irresistible option?
Wool appliqué is simply raw edge appliqué. The wool doesn’t fray so there’s no need to use fusible web to prevent fraying. This also means that there’s no seam allowance to turn under. Stems are super easy as the wool bends beautifully and you can cut them out on the straight of grain – no need for bias cuts. Simply use glue stick on the back of the wool to position onto the background and then hold it in place with paper staples while you stitch. There are no pins to fall out or prick yourself with and no messy fusible to make fabric stiff and difficult to sew.
How does your environment and colour influence your designs?
I normally start any design by selecting my cotton prints then I commence matching my wool colours with those. I do live with a small collection of antique quilts, and in those I can see that the makers have used all sorts of colour options, as they worked with the fabric that was available to them at the time. I am of the opinion that if it was good enough for them in the 1800s it’s good enough for me, so I like to use similar colour schemes.
Is your style quite unique to you or is it part of a worldwide trend?
I don’t think I am at all unique in this regard but people do say that I have a fairly distinct way of using colour.
Are your AQC classes primarily focused on antique reproduction designs or is there something in there for those who prefer different design persuasions?
My three designs have an influence from antiques but could look more modern with different colour choices.
We think Deirdre’s classes will be fascinating learning, with the flexibility to discover and engage your own creativity. It’s easy to book online as part of the AQC delegate package. See the options and book your place now. Deirdre would love to have you! |