Here's What You Will Learn on this very special Two-Day Workshop

 

In terms of Course Information, Skill Level required and Materials/Equipment needed, here's all you need to know for your CraftyMonkies 2025 Four-Day Midweek Welsh Craft Retreat:-​ 

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​Introduction by Nicholas about Welsh Quilting history:-

Wales has a rich quilting history that predates the Amish. Once one of the country’s most important exports, flannel has found its way not only into the national costume of Wales, but also into many stunning examples of improvised quilts. Less known than whole cloth examples, Welsh flannel quilts were first created out of necessity, for warmth and comfort. Now, they are works of art which hold their own against more celebrated examples of improvisation, such as the quilts of Gee’s Bend.

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What You Will Learn in this In-Person Interactive Workshop:-

During the workshop, you will learn how to improvisationally piece many of the familiar elements found in Welsh flannel quilts, such as four patch, nine patch, half square triangles, and quarter square triangles. Each student will receive a small piece of traditional Welsh flannel which they will combine with brought fabrics to create a small improvisational study, approximately 18” square.  Students will then learn big-stitch hand quilting using wool thread to add wonderful texture to their quilt in a number of traditional motifs, as well as a more organic, improvised design. Each student will receive a reel of thread for quilting. Finally, the edges of the quilt will be finished using a traditional Welsh butted edge technique.

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Skill Level for this In-Person Interactive Workshop:-

The workshop is suitable for all skill levels. The traditional blocks will be familiar to new and experienced quilters, whilst the improvisational nature of the piecing will provide a gentle introduction to sewing without patterns or specific measurements.  A small quilt study is also great for learning how best to fit irregular sized pieces together without feeling overwhelmed and provides a firm foundation for lots of other improvised techniques.

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Material requirements for this In-Person Interactive Workshop:-

Whilst not essential for the workshop, Nicholas's latest book Use & Ornament (Lucky Spool, scheduled for release in March 2024) will expand upon some of the techniques learnt and provide many more improv tips and tricks!

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Fabric Equipment requirements for this In-Person Interactive Workshop:-

Whilst difficult to give exact fabric amounts and measurements when sewing in an improvised way, please use the following as a rough guide:-

• An assortment (4-6) fat quarters in your chosen colour scheme.  Students may wish to use the traditional colours of Welsh flannel quilts, which are black and red, though any colour scheme will work.  The flannel provided will be a mixture of red, black, and cream.

• A piece of wadding approximately 22” square

• A piece of backing fabric approximately 22” square

• An assortment of small square and rectangular scraps in your chosen colours for added interest.

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Please don’t stress about these requirements. They are simply a guide and Nicholas has yet to teach a class where something couldn’t be made because of the wrong fabric pieces. If in doubt, gather up a selection of prints and colours you like and you can cut during the workshop. Accuracy at the cutting stage is not so important using Nicholas's techniques, so it won’t take long at all if you want to cut your pieces along with him!

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Equipment requirements for this In-Person Interactive Workshop:-

• Sewing machine - you could hand piece, yet this will be slower and so you may not achieve as much on the day.

• Good quality thread in an appropriate weight for piecing (Nicholas recommends Aurifil 50wt)

• Sharp fabric scissors

• A hand needle for quilting - Nicholas prefers a long milliner’s needle. Use whatever length you are comfortable with, though ensure that whatever you choose has a large eye to accommodate the thicker woollen thread. We will be using a 12wt thread for quilting.

• A willingness to explore your own creativity!

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Tickets for this live, in-person 2025 Four-Day Midweek Welsh Craft Retreat will be limited to no more than EIGHTEEN people and allocated on a first-come/first-served basis, so please be sure to book quickly!

 

 

Rachel (owner of CraftyMonkies) and Nicholas really are the most warm, engaging of souls and our total focus is on ensuring that you have an experience to remember - trying anything new is always a wee bit scary but don't be put off; jump in - you're going to love it!

 

We aim to inspire you and give you a lot of fun at the same time!...