Seams French

Esther Miller, was born into an Amish family in the U.S., and now lives in Germany where she has for many years taught the techniques and methods of Amish hand quilting to anyone interested in learning these skills. As a child, she would closely watch as the women of her community worked together on a quilt, and eventually she was rewarded with a needle of her own and encouraged to join the group. Through the years, she has mastered these skills and techniques and now generously shares them with anyone who has a genuine desire to learn. Esther Miller in Ste. Marie-aux-Mines in Alsace France. An example of her own work, Esther brings this intricately and perfectly hand stitched wall quilt to class as inspiration for her students.  Last week, at the "European Meeting of Patchwork" in Ste. Marie-aux-Mines, in Alsace France, www.patchwork-europe.com , I had the privilege of taking a 2 day workshop with Esther. The Amish...

This traditional floral motif, designed by Francine Born,   www.boutis-provence.fr , is the boutis piece that I started in Francine's classes this past summer. The boutis itself is completed and set into linen, for the table topper that it will become. Now it must still be sandwiched with batting, backed with the blue toile and quilted. Because of the extra suitcase space it will require, I will wait until I get back to Vancouver to do that part. Boutis tabletopper, set into linen, with the blue toile that will be the backing,  in the background. Detail of the boutis. To be considered as authentic boutis, the work must be hand stitched, and when held up against the light, the relief will show translucence and shadow. The seam allowance now still visible around the central design, will disappear once the batting and backing are attached. An excellent book about the quilts of southern France, including much information about bouti...

Collecting vintage linens seems to be becoming a "hobby". At home in Vancouver, I have many linens, laces and embroidered works that I have inherited from my mothers family. Here in France, where I have no heritage of my own, it is possible to find vintage linens and laces at the "Marches aux Puce" (flea markets), as well as the larger "Brocantes" and Antique Fairs. Over the past 7 years, I have collected a few pieces that have caught my attention. When I look for antique fabrics, I look for something that can be reused in a new piece of my own, so they must be clean (without any stains) and in good condition. Here are a few of the vintage pieces that I have found at these markets. 19th Century Toile de Jouy  and raw cotton muslin. Both pieces were found in the town of L'isle sur la Sorgue, which is well known for it's large antique market, held every Sunday in the central town square. On the wrong side of the fabric the old quilting lin...

In the pleasant atmosphere of a Renaissance village, under the shade of magnificent plane trees that are a very familiar sight in France, the town of Barjac hosts it's annual 3 day "Foire aux Antiquites et la Brocante" (Antique Fair and Flea Market). Barjac, a 2 hour drive north of Montpellier in the Gard region of France, is a Renaissance village, complete with ancient narrow, winding roads that are flanked on either side by stone houses, original to the time.  The vibrant colour of the red geraniums and impatience adds life to the golden grey of the limestone walls. A gateway to a residential area.  Here the old  town ramparts act as a market place for the 3 day event. Frequented by both locals and tourists, the fair has been an annual event since 1974. As the name suggests, (Antique Fair and Flea market), there are both quality antiques to be found as well as some more affordable vintage finds. Beautifully refinished furniture can be fou...

After having appliqued the polka dots onto the placemats, I feel that just a touch of "pizazz" is needed to bring a little more spark to them . To accomplish this, I will add a narrow line of mixed, 1/4 inch stripped colour. Having recently seen Sally Collins teaching a lesson on precision piecing on "The Quilt Show" website ( www.thequiltshow.com ).  I was inspired to try her method. At times, those of us who have been quilting and sewing for many years, will use certain short cuts and speed sewing techniques to get a project done a little faster. Although the goal is always to make the best product we can, sometimes precision is sacrificed for speed. Watching Sally was a reminder that this should never be an option.  Striving for the best quality is never a waste of time, and accuracy is always worth the extra effort and time. Using Sally's method, I was able to make a very accurate and consistent 1/4 inch strips. It takes p...

This summer, because of the opportunity to learn from Madame Born, most of my focus has been directed towards boutis. My interest in boutis is growing steadily, however, this past week, I felt a need to reacquaint myself with my fabric stash and my Bernina. Therefore, I'm taking a slight detour from the "road of boutis" to the "highway of Bernina". This fabric, prepped for cutting, all came form my stash. It will find itself happy in a placemat. Freezer paper templates pressed to the fabric. The dots will be machine appliqued to the background fabric. Precision cut strips ready for piecing. She's all set! All the parts and pieces are ready to go as well.

Dijon, known throughout the world for it's famous mustard and wines, is also a city full of many medieval architectural treasures. During the 11th to 15th century, it was a city of great wealth and a centre for art, learning and science. Many of these buildings and works of art have survived and are still in use today. The "chouette", (or owl), is considered to be a good luck charm in Dijon and the symbol can be found scattered throughout the city, sometimes in unexpected places.  Here it has been set into the sidewalks. An architectural peculiarity of Burgundy are the polychrome glazed roof tiles in terracotta, green, yellow and black, arranged in geometric patterns.  (I see a pieced quilt coming from this tour of Burgundy!) One of the many intricately carved doors found throughout the historic centre of town. (Inspiration for a free-motion quilting design?) These half timbered houses, some dating as far back as t...