The Big Green Idea Patchwork Quilt Project

Do Christmas and New Year feel like a long time ago, and spring just a distant dream? Would you like a new project to occupy these long winter evenings, where you can exercise your creativity and support the BGI at the same time?

If so, please consider contributing a patch to the BGI Patchwork Quilt Project!

We are asking as many people as possible to make a 10" square patch which they can applique or embellish as they like. When we have enough patches a lovely BGI volunteer and member of the Green Living Forum, Pod, will sew them all together and assemble them with a backing to make a beautiful patchwork quilt which can then be sold or auctioned. Whatever we raise through this project will go towards raising awareness in schools about 'clothes miles' and the ethics of the textile trade.

Here are some basic guidelines...

1. Each square's finished size should be 10" square plus at least a 1" seam allowance, which means you would need to start with a piece of fabric at least 12" square.

2. The fabric should all be recycled (from a lovely old dress beyond repair?) or left over from other projects, and should be cotton only please.

3. It's really important to pre-wash fabric before you start sewing to prevent shrinkage later on. Also please make sure all threads are well fastened so the quilt can withstand washing without falling apart!

4. Squares can be made of patchwork - paper or machine pieced, appliqué or any other medium you fancy, as long as it's washable.

5. Your base square needs to be cut on the straight grain. If you're not sure how to do this, there's a tutorial here.

6. We have decided on a blue and green floral theme, so the fabric needs to be mainly blue and/or green and/or floral!

Don't worry if you are a complete beginner. It really is easy, and the sites listed below should give you plenty of advice and inspiration:

Some applique ideas: http://weefolkart.com/?q=node/250

Beginners' guide to patchwork www.quilterscloth.co.uk/buyingguides/for_beginners/beginPattern.aspx

Preparing paper piecing (for complete beginners) www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gePOfMiIxQ

Sewing pieces together (for complete beginners) www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVkV8JBNaIQ&feature=related

Basic applique www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyF4FRdmiE&feature=related%20applique

It would be really lovely if as many people as possible pitched in. Why not ask your friends and family if they would like to join in - maybe you could work together and inspire each other!

Completed patches should be sent to:

The Big Green Idea
Studio 6
The Fold
Bransford
Worcester
WR6 5JB

If you have any questions about this project, please don't hesitate to contact me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Judy

Photos (c) Jilly Graham 2010

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