We’re so thrilled to announce that our Block of the Month project is inspired by, drum roll please … our Red Manor House Coverlet!

Red Manor House Coverlet, 1840-1860, maker unknown. This frame quilt, with a central motif of a red house surrounded by flowers, and domestic and rural animals, is the inspiration for The Quilters’ Guild first Block of the Month project.

Made in 1840-60, the coverlet is filled with motifs celebrating Georgian rural life and has over 100 blocks surrounding the central appliqué panel taking inspiration from birds, animals, buildings, and flowers.

The Red Manor House Coverlet originally belonged to a family from Gloucestershire, who later emigrated to South Africa. The Coverlet returned with them to Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire and was sold to a private dealer in 1971. The coverlet came to The Quilters’ Guild Museum Collection in 2013 after capturing the hearts and imaginations of Quilters’ Guild members.

The Coverlet features a lot of appliqué which makes it an unusual piece as this is rare in quilts from the period. Our Block of the Month Project will let you explore a whole range of techniques including foundation piecing, traditional piecing as well as appliqué.

If you’d like to see this amazing coverlet do come and visit The Quilters’ Guild at the Festival of Quilts in August where we will be officially launching the Block of the Month and the coverlet will be on display in our exhibition Forty; The Evolution of a Collection. The Red Manor House Coverlet has only been on public view once before so don’t miss out on this great chance to see it in 2019.

Our Block of the month project designer Jenni Smith (left) and Jenni’s studio manager Kay Walsh studying the Red Manor house Coverlet.

Designing our very first Block of the Month project is the very talented quilt designer, teacher – and Guild member – Jenni Smith! The monthly projects – which will cover a range of techniques – will begin in October 2019.

The Quilters’ Guild Block of the Month, Red Manor House Quilt Design, by Jenni Smith.

We are launching our Block of the Month project at The Festival of Quilts on The Guild stand (E2) at 11.30am on Thursday 1st August. You will be able to buy the project and  pre-order your exclusive limited edition fabric pack at The Festival of Quilts (while stocks last). Cutting requirements will also available for those who wish to use their stash or purchase fabrics during The Festival to their own specifications. We will also have exclusive thread packs on sale.

If you don’t want to miss out on this quilting adventure, register your interest and receive all future updates direct to your inbox as this project progresses.