This quilt was made by one of our students, who first started quilting with us and then put in many hours of practice! Free motion quilting is a skill, it can be taught and therefore learned: no one is born a free motion quilter!  ​

Our free motion quilting (FMQ) course is one of our most popular and this week we started off not one, but two classes.  Whilst we're having a welcome coffee we introduce the course structure and give lots of information about needles, threads and various ways on how to deal with T-issues*

To begin with we always first draw out the pattern in a book, on the white board or even on the iPad  because it gives a chance to see where you're going, improves hand-eye coordination and promotes muscle memory, as well as giving you problem solving thinking time - how are/ where are you going to start and stop the pattern etc 

Then it's time to start stitching.  A simple 'head & shoulders' pattern is a great pattern to start with as you have to move up and  down as well as left to right and then as you move down to the row below, right to left.  Start stitching at your default size to begin with and then try going larger and smaller in scale.

Even after all the years we've been stitching, if we haven't free motion quilted for a while we still do this as our warm-up exercise.  It also is a great way to check that your machine is running smoothly and that there are no tension issues.

Wear quilting gloves also helpful when you FMQ as they'll give you extra grip when manoeuvring the quilt sandwich under the needle.  

You may be puzzled by the blog title, but throughout the first day we find students have a tendency to hold their breath as they sew, so we like to remind them: pop your tongue in and....breathe!

If you would like to learn how to  free motion quilt or to improve your technique why not subscribe to our newsletter as we'll shortly be releasing the dates of our next courses?
​
Hazel & Terry

* tension!

Happy New Year! A bit late I know, but as it's still January so I think I'm still in time! You'd be forgiven for being a bit confused over the title for this week's blog but if you follow us on either Instagram or Facebook you'll know that we've had entered 2019 with quite a bang using this hashtag!

For the last 18 months we've watched as Chris, our landlord, built a new studio especially for us. Planned originally as a warehouse he adapted the plans in the building schedule to transform it into a bespoke studio just for InStitches.

No, we can't quite believe it either!

It's a bit of a dull day so perhaps not the most inspiring of images I know, but it'll give you an idea!  The outside still needs to be landscaped and the carpark levelled, but we're in and open for business: Phew!

It was a close run thing aiming to move in over the Festive period, especially as there was still so much to do... But you know what they say: If you want a job done, just ask a busy woman. So, as you can see from the photographs, we tied on the aprons and got stuck in!

Grouting, undercoating, topcoat painting, climbing up tall ladders: we tackled all that we could. And before any of you make comments - I was there, working just as hard (that’s me up the very tall ladder ) but someone had to take the photographs!

Cups of tea and sweet treats kept us all motivated and working...

and gradually everything began to fall into place until

everything from the old studio was moved in!  There was still furniture to put together, new print tables to build and the painting to finish,

but eventually the tables were up and despite the ever-growing pile on the table 

everything made it onto shelves, into cupboards or, when we were desperate, up into our loft.  Our ex-ward trolley is even being used for what we'd always intended!​

Time to close the door and go home, at the relatively early time of 10.30 pm! ​

The next day we were open to welcome our students. With 12 large adjustable print benches, huge windows to let in plenty of light, a dedicated 'wet' area and space to sit and eat lunch (this week we are hosting a guest tutor workshop ) and level access parking to say we're feel pleased would be the understatement of the century!  I expect we'll be wandering around with silly grins on our face for quite some time to come...

Come and see us soon, you'll be sure of a warm and creative welcome!

Hazel & Terry

Guest tutor days come complete with homemade biscuits and cake I'm always on the look out for great tasting gluten free biscuit recipes. This week I tried out Meaningful Eats' chocolate chip cookies recipe and it was a winner with all students, gluten free and otherwise, so I thought I'd share the recipe with you.

Ingredients

• 1 stick butter (1/2 cup) (4oz/ 110g)
• 1 tablespoon milk (or almond milk)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 1/3 cups (7.5 ounces) gluten-free all-purpose flour (recipe recommends for best results  to use one that contains xanthan gum)
• 1/4 cup (1 ounce) almond flour ( I just used ground almonds)
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, almond flour, baking soda and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted start to whisk constantly. First the butter will begin to foam, then after a couple of minutes it will begin to brown on the bottom of the saucepan. Turn off the heat as soon as the solids turn brown and the butter gives off a nutty aroma. Pour into a glass mixing bowl to prevent burning.

Add the milk, brown sugar and white sugar. Whisk to combine. Add the egg and vanilla and whisk until smooth and creamy.

Using a rubber spatula, mix in the dry ingredients until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Cover the bowl and let sit for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180C. Scoop the cookie dough (about 1 dessert spoons of dough per cookie) and place a few inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden and the centre is set.

Let cool 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.

Visit  Meaningful Eats website first as there's lots of tips and plenty of other gluten free recipes.

Enjoy!

Hazel & Terry