How to start quilting
Follow our guide to the best books and courses to set you on the right track with this traditional country craft. By Steph Turner
Go on a course
Patchwork and quilting (OCN Level 1, Unit 1)
Learn the basics by hand or machine-stitching on this four-day course arranged by the Women's Institute at Denman College, Abingdon in Oxfordshire. Here you will learn to make samples which can be used to create the beginnings of cushion covers of quilts. Places for the course held between 2-5 December 2010 cost £375 for non-members which includes food and accommodation. You are required to bring your own materials and sewing machine (materials list and prices for members and non-residents are available on the website). www.thewi.org.uk
Simple housey housey and Scandinavian Christmas
This one-day-per-week, six-week course starting on 2 November 2010, offers the chance to create a personalised festive quilt on an organic dairy farm in Launceston, Cornwall. Places cost £69 plus £40 if you wish to purchase Lynette Anderson's Scandinavian Christmas patterns.
See the website for a range of other textile-based courses and the October 2010 issue of Country Living Magazine (on sale 13 September) for a feature on Cowslip Workshops. www.cowslipworkshops.co.uk
Essentials of hand quilting
A one-day course held at the picturesque Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds that aims to build up knowledge of hand stitching, for beginner and intermediate level quilters. The day will involve looking at historic quilts for inspiration and learning new tips, in a relaxed atmosphere. Places cost £58 including lunch on 2 October 2010. Materials list is on the website. www.farncombeestate.co.uk
Quilt in a day
Discover how to create the best part of a traditional heirloom quilt quickly! This one-day course based at Bristol Folk House costs £24, with concession prices also available. The two dates for this year are 23 October or 4 December 2010. www.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk
Contemporary quilt-making - designing and sampling
A four-day course aimed at more intermediate or advanced quilters, focussing on design techniques and taking place at West Dean College in West Sussex. Places start at £336. This course starts on 28 February 2011. www.westdean.org.uk
Quilting courses with Jennifer Barlow
Jennifer Barlow offers bespoke courses to groups of four to eight, catering for all abilities in the pretty village of Abbotts Ann, Hampshire. Jennifer has a vast knowledge of quilting, leading workshops and lectures at venues across the country including the V&A. Contact Jenny for availability and prices. www.quilt-with-jenny.co.uk
Books to read
'Encyclopedia of Quilting and Patchwork Techniques' by Katharine Guerrier (Search Press, £12.99)
'Layer Cake, Jelly Roll & Charm Quilts' by Pam and Nicky Lintott (David and Charles, £14.99)
'Quilting for Beginners' by Cheryl Owen (Carroll & Brown Publishers, £12.99)
'Quilting for Embroiderers' by various authors (Country Bumpkin Publications, £18.99)
'Quilts 1700-2010: Hidden Histories, Untold Stories' by Sue Prichard (V&A Publishing, £35)
'Ultimate Quilting Bible: A Complete Reference with Step-by-step Techniques' by Marie Clayton (Collins & Brown, £25)
'Rowan Patchwork and Quilting Book: No. 4 ' by Kaffe Fassett (Rowan Yarn, £12.95)
'The Complete Book of Patchwork, Quilting and Appliqué' by Linda Seward (Mitchell Beazley, £16.99)
Visit an exhibition
Classic American quilts
A collection of 240 American quilts, some dating back to the 18th century, are currently on display at the American Museum in Bath, Somerset. Until 31 October 2010, open Tuesday to Thursday, 12-5pm; adult ticket is £8, which includes entry to all exhibitions, the museum collection, grounds, café and shops.
Quilting in Wartime
This is the current main exhibition at The Quilt Museum in York featuring the Canadian Red Cross Quilts. Other artefacts include a quilt created by a German POW in York. Admission is £6 for adults, £5 for concessions and £2 for children. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. www.quiltmuseum.org.uk
The Festival of Quilts
This is the largest quilting event in Europe, with workshops, talks and quilts on display. The festival also has a number of traders in textiles, quilting and patchwork - a great opportunity to pick up some supplies. Held at the Birmingham NEC, 11-14 August 2011. www.twistedthread.com
Purchase quilting materials
www.tikkilondon.com - This quilt and patchwork fabric shop is based in Kew, London. The online shop has a range of quilting fabric and kits.
www.quiltessential.co.uk - A specialist fabric shop for textile crafts in Cromford, Derbyshire, which also offers a range of courses.
www.quiltroom.co.uk - This fabric shop has plenty of supplies for quilting and patchwork. Courses and talks are held on the premises in Dorking, Surrey; 'Strip Club' is a free talk on different techniques (various dates, see website).
Find out more
www.quiltersguild.org.uk - UK registered charity which aims to keep the heritage of British quilting alive.
www.twistedthread.com - Book reviews, articles, 'how to' guides, historic quilt information and textile events.
www.quiltersdomain.co.uk - A useful website with information on suppliers, speakers, groups across the country.
www.textileholidaytours.co.uk - Tours across the UK visiting a wide variety of textile-rich homes, studios, cathedrals, castles and cottages. Choose trips and workshops to inspire you, from arts and crafts to gardens and textiles. Various dates and prices; see website for more information.
