31/08/2026
💙☕ A very special entry from Gillian… and one with a wonderful story behind it! ☕💙
Gillian chose our Summer in Provence fat quarters to create something we haven’t seen in the challenge before – a patchwork and quilted postcard!
The idea began when Gillian spotted a display of handmade textile postcards in Romsey, where she was singing with the Romsey Voices Choir. She’d never come across them before, but when our Summer Fat Quarter Challenge came along, she knew exactly what she wanted to make.
And this isn’t just any postcard. It’s going to a very good friend in the North East whom Gillian has known for nearly 60 years, since they first met at primary school. Her friend Jill was even Gillian’s Chief Bridesmaid! ❤️
We absolutely love the little teacup and teapot appliqués, but there’s an especially lovely detail in the background. Gillian thought the blue fabric looked as though bubbles of steam were rising from the teapot, so she added French knots to bring them to life. Even better, the embroidery thread she used was left over from smocking the pinafore bibs worn by her two youngest bridesmaids over 40 years ago. 🥹
Gillian hadn’t done any patchwork or quilting for around 30 years, but between seeing the exhibition in Romsey and taking part in our challenge, she was inspired to pick it up again.
She told us:
*“Your encouraging Challenge gave me that final stimulation to get patching and quilting again! I am really grateful to you!”*
And that, for us, is exactly what this challenge has been about. ❤️ Inspiring someone to revisit a craft after 30 years – and creating something filled with almost 60 years of friendship and memories in the process – is rather wonderful.
Thank you so much, Gillian, for joining in and for sharing the story behind your beautiful postcard with us. We hope Jill loves receiving it as much as we’ve loved seeing it! 💙📮
