Summer is nearly here and we have a fabulous flower theme to our May issue.
On the cover is Mandy Munroe’s Fabulous Flowers Quilt which makes a bold statement with bright fabrics and curved piecing. If you love applique you will want to make Suzanne Fisher’s Scrappy Baltimore Quilt, and Fiona Hesford’s Pretty Plant Pots will give a quick and easy update to your shelves. Sadie Yeomans' Mon Ami picnic throw is the perfect addition to summer days out, and for a quick make look to Brenda Dean’s clever 1,2,3 Go Cushion.
As always there is plenty to read too. We have our regular features that include Show and Tell, Bookshelf, What’s On, and Let’s Visit, plus Sara Cook meets the textile artist Alice Fox. Our Editor Elizabeth Betts takes a tour of a needle factory to find out how they are made and Anne Williams takes a look at the work of Averil Colby, one of the most influential quilt makers of her time.
BRING OUT THE BUNTING
With the Queen’s 90th birthday this year, it’s time for a right royal celebration, so we’ve got a sampler to rule them all! Fit for a Queen. Take care with the backstitching! Some of the stitches don’t cross a whole square, and they are worked in one, two and three strands.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD
The image on our cover of lovingly clasped hands on a lace background make a picture that is full of romance. This makes it the perfect design to stitch for any couple getting married this summer or as a gift for any special anniversaries coming up. If you'd like to add extra bling, you could stitch some sparkling beads to the ring or the lace background. All of the shades on this chart are very close together so you will definitely want to sort your cottons on to a strand organiser before you start. Label each shade clearly on your organiser and refer back to the key frequently as you stitch.