Craft students showcase works as quilters create gift for charity

Tudor Rose Patchwork was buzzing with excitement on Saturday, January 9, as the display of their work was unveiled to friends, family and customers.

The exhibition allowed students to show off the many skills they learnt in their 2015 classes and to discuss their experiences with others.

Manager and owner Sandra Crow said: “We had a fantastic variety of projects this year. The range showed some unique and stunning quilts, a great selection of clothing, a colourful collection of machine embroidery and the many knitted items from our knit and natter group. It was a joy to see such a large range of crafts on display for the day and highlighted just how much talent our customers have.”

Visitors were also able to test drive the newest addition to Tudor Rose Patchwork, the Gracie long arm quilt frame and sewing machine. Visitors took turns to quilt small parts of a single bed quilt which will be donated to Project Linus UK to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children. Customers can now hire the quilt frame to complete their own work.

Tudor Rose Patchwork would like to thank everyone that helped make the exhibition possible including staff, class tutors and students.

Special thanks were paid to Kathleen Laurel Sage, the world renowned textiles artist, who came up with the original concept of the student exhibition and who continues to organise the event.

Jonathan Massey, the trainer for the long arm quilt frame, said: “It was so great to see so many people support us and to feel all that creativity in one building. We work so hard to bring a wide variety of classes to our customers and it’s wonderful to see it all come together and achieve brilliant results.”

Tudor Rose patchwork is a specialist thread craft emporium in Station Road, Oakley that attracts customers from all across Bedfordshire and further afield. The current owner has expanded the shop to include two self-contained workshops for classes, a long arm quilt frame and a coffee shop, O For Coffee, with a full lunch menu. The range of products also continues to grow with the shop now stocking a large selection of craft cotton, dress making fabrics, knitting products, beads, embellishments and needlework supplies.

Visit the website www.tudorrosepatchwork.co.uk