It's always a joy to shine a spotlight on extraordinary women, this time it's our Quilt Advisors, affectionately known as Quilt Queens, Helen Stevens, Trixie Clifford and the Wessex Quiltmakers. Their expertise, guidance, and dedication will be invaluable to The Fabric of Britain projects in transforming individual quilt blocks into stunning Memory Quilts that beautifully capture the spirit of our country.
Meet Our Quilt Queens
Helen Stevens
Helen Stevens' journey into quilting began as a heartfelt endeavor to bring warmth and comfort to her children's university rooms. Initially a skilled sewer and embroiderer, Helen took on the new challenge of quilting when her three children left for university, carefully crafting quilts that reflected their individual tastes in design and color. Living in Switzerland at the time, she sought advice and practical help from experienced quilter friends to guide her through the process. After retiring from her career as a Paediatric Physiotherapist 14 years ago, Helen deepened her passion by joining the Wessex Quiltmakers. Through this community and various quilting courses, she has honed her skills, finding great satisfaction in the art of quilt-making. Helen's love for quilting continues to flourish, recently culminating in the creation of quilts for her five grandchildren as they embark on their own university journeys.
Trixie Clifford
Trixie Clifford's love for sewing was inspired by her mother and blossomed in her early teens, when she began making many of her own clothes. Throughout the years, she dabbled in patchwork and other needlework, but it wasn't until her retirement that she fully immersed herself in the craft. With newfound time, Trixie has passionately pursued quilting through classes, workshops, and a deep exploration of various techniques, turning her long-time hobby into a dedicated and fulfilling pursuit.
Leading and Advising on Technical Aspects
Helen and Trixie’s primary role as Quilt Queens involves leading and advising on the technical aspects of making a quilt block, as well as helping quiltmakers piece together blocks into stunning memory quilts.
The Wessex Quiltmakers: Transforming Blocks into Memory Quilts
Under the leadership of Helen and Trixie, the talented Wessex Quiltmakers played a crucial role in turning the beautiful squares from pilot project The Fabric of Winchester into six exquisite Memory Quilts. The Wessex Quiltmakers, a collective of passionate quilters, brought their diverse skills and creativity to the table, working tirelessly to piece together the individual blocks into cohesive, visually stunning quilts.
Process:
Planning and Design: Helen and Trixie led the Wessex Quiltmakers in planning and designing the layout of the quilts, ensuring that each block was placed thoughtfully to create a harmonious and impactful final product.
Sewing Bees: They organised sewing bees where the Wessex Quiltmakers gathered to stitch the blocks together. These collaborative sessions were filled with camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose, as quilters worked side by side to bring the Memory Quilts to life...buoyed by lots of tea and biscuits!
Finishing Touches: Helen and Trixie oversaw the final stages of quilt-making, including adding borders, backing, and binding, ensuring that each quilt was finished to perfection.
A Tribute to Dedication and Craftsmanship
The resulting Memory Quilts from The Fabric of Winchester were a testament to the dedication, craftsmanship, and community spirit that Helen Stevens, Trixie Clifford, and the Wessex Quiltmakers embodied. These quilts not only showcased the technical skill and artistic vision of our Quilt Queens but also encapsulated the collective memories and stories of the Winchester community.
As we continue to expand The Fabric of Britain project, we are deeply grateful for the leadership and expertise of our Quilt Queens. Their contributions will ensure that every quilt we create is a beautiful, meaningful, and lasting tribute to the diverse stories that make up the fabric of our nation.
Stay tuned for more updates on how you can get involved in The Fabric of Britain, and join us in celebrating the incredible work of Helen, Trixie, and the Wessex Quiltmakers!
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