Get to know The Guild better by meeting our talented members! We have interesting and inspiring members all over the country doing amazing sewing and we want you to be able to share their work. We are asking Members to tell us a bit about their sewing life using four simple questions. At the end of the interview each member suggests another to interview. This way we hope to bring you a wide range of makers from all corners of The Guild over the next weeks and months. If you know an inspiring quilter who we should feature, get in touch digital@quiltersguild.org.uk and we’ll send out a copy of our questionnaire.

Bravely going first is Collette Howie who we caught up with last week and asked her to answer our four sewing life questions. A huge thanks to Collette for going first! Do visit her site and show your appreciation and Guild friendship #imintheguild.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on a churn dash quilt for a repeat customer in sea greens, greys, and sea blues.  You can see more of my work on my blog or follow me on Instagram @poppypoochie

What’s your favourite quilt that you’ve made?

My favourite quilt that I made is a group quilt made of blocks contributed by Instagram quilters titled “No means No in any language”. I put a call out on Instagram asking for volunteers to make a quilt block saying the word “No” in their native language, or the language of the country in which they were resident. I made the first block and then received lots of blocks in the many languages of our world. From Arabic, to Persian, Chinese script and even American Sign Language, the blocks came in from amazing quilters united by the wonders of Instagram!

The word “no” has been used, in this quilt, as a response to many of the issues surrounding sexual violence against women and men. It can mean a “no” against attempted rape or unwanted sexual advances towards anyone, thus addressing sexual consent issues. It can be interpreted as a collective “no” from those of us who are against a pervasive rape culture in society. The quilt will be in an exhibition of work by Rape Crisis Scotland 2018.  #nomeansnoinanylanguage

Who are your quilting heroes?

My quilting heroes would have to be a group of ladies I have taught over the last 4 years who have now become firm friends and amazing quilters. We now have our own quilting group and have held an exhibition of their inspiring work for charity!

Can you recommend a good quilting read?

Quilt Improv by Lu Summers. I love everything about this book! It is inspiring, encourages you to get out of your comfort zone and experiment.