QI – Quilted Individuality
The naturally cute, handmade accessories from Heartzeena can be found on our design boutique. We asked the designer behind them how she got started: 'I found out the basics in old sewing books (mostly my mums) but the best resource was the internet with free step by step guides available so you can teach yourself how to quilt easily.' Heartzeena's top tip? 'I have realised that the simplest designs are often the prettiest! Squares and rectangles are easily cut out and easier to sew together than pentagons and you should spend the first part of a day practising on some boring fabric to get the technique working right.'
Go rogue and break the rules
Tonya, the face (and quilting pro) behind Lazy Gal Quilting, is a fan of free–piecing, a technique that throws out the rule book: 'Most instruction in the quilt world is geared towards following rules to make things match and be precise. If that suits you, you're set. But it can definitely be frustrating if you like to approach quilting with a more casual, fun attitude.' So belt out Cyndi Lauper and don't get too tied up with the rules.
Be inspired by colour
Creating colourful quilts that are set apart from those mass–produced on the high street, Lulu & Nat wood block print all their own Indian cotton quilts. If you like their style, look abroad for ideas: 'We find inspiring English prints and combine them with vibrant Indian colour,' said Lulu. Two things to remember? 'Set aside a lot of time and spend money on good quality fabrics. You may pass these quilts down to your children.' Now, who wouldn't love a quilting granny?
Patchwork of art
Fabric is certainly an important factor when you decide to make that family heirloom (aka Sunday night snuggle throw). Lisa Whatmough, patchwork prodigy behind the unique designs of Squint, said that she uses 'lots of English woven silks which are beautifully tonal and change depending on the time of day'. Her advice? 'Not to get too caught up in the minutiae; every so often you need to step back and look at what your actually making.'
Be a shade braver
There's no limits to what you can quilt or patchwork. But if all that stitching is a little daunting the best place to start is by salvaging old furniture and using that as a base for your creativity. BeauVamp transforms tired lamps by covering the shades 'in a whole host of fabrics, from vintage couture dresses to Indian Saris or a pair of retro curtains.' She told us that the 'best place to start hunting are charity shops' (or perhaps you needn't go any further than your own living room...).
The V&A has joined mydeco! Look at the V&A Museum's profile and their quilt–inspired moodboards. If you need more advice, simply ask our community experts in our forum.
