Shirley bloomfield full bloom

The traditions of patchwork and quilting go back hundreds of years, though, as with other textiles, few pieces survive many generations, unless an item has been cherished and cared for. Initially, it

The search for still-life subjects led the artist Kate Friend to some of the greatest gardens and gardeners in the country, discovers Tiffany Daneff

You will need ■ Prints, fabrics A – Four (4) fat quarters for A blocks ■ Prints, fabrics B – Four (4) fat quarters for B blocks ■ Dark red fabric – ½yd ■ Background (BKG) – 2½yds ■ Binding – ½yd ■ Bac

You will need ■ Centre background fabric – One (1) 20in square ■ Assorted colours for appliqué and stars – Five (5) fat eighths ■ Star background fabrics (if using only one (1) fabric) – ⅝yd ■ Inner b

Like many of us, I grew up surrounded by fabrics and wool. My mum was a big knitter and I can’t remember a time when she wasn’t sitting in front of the TV without the clickerty clack of her needles. I

Tell us about yourself... I’m Italian and live in Modena, a charming town full of tradition, fragrance and colour. I’m a wife, mother and grandmother, three roles I cherish deeply that bring joy and m