Join us as we explore the wonderful world of British quilting heritage through our exclusive series of patterns inspired by The Quilters’ Guild Museum Collection. Each pattern introduces a different skill or technique as a way to develop and broaden your quilting knowledge,  whilst offering a chance to challenge yourself — without biting off more than you can chew.

We invited expert quilter, designer and author Carolyn Forster to take a piece from our Collection that inspired her and to create a new pattern so that we can all enjoy a little bit of the heritage that the Collection has to offer in our homes.

Carolyn chose this gorgeous Canadian Red Cross Crazy Quilt from the 1940s as her inspiration for the pattern.

1940s Canadian Red Cross Quilt, The Quilters’ Guild Museum Collection.

Carolyn felt that a quilt that was made from square blocks which can then be put together simply in rows, was an easier format than some of the more elaborate Victorian examples that seem to grow organically over a large piece.

“I like the idea of a central shape and the fabrics building up around that as it related more to a Log Cabin block, and I felt that as quilters it might be nice to try something new, based on something familiar.”

Carolyn Forster

She kept the embroidery to one colour and type of thread, reflecting the black quilting stitches or blanket stitch applique sometimes seen on quilts at that time.

The strips going around the central, off centre shape are all of a similar width as she felt this reflected quilters now, who often cut strips with rotary cutters and might have those sorts of scraps left over.

“Although I admire the heavy ornate Victorian Crazy quilt I wanted something that had more clean lines and was fresher, and not so cluttered.”

Carolyn Forster 

The pattern Carolyn created is available from QShop now as a digital download and requires access to a printer. You will receive the file link at the very end of your order confirmation email. The completed cushion measure 16″ square.

You can find out more about Carolyn on her website,  or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

A full length interview with Carolyn will also be featured in the Autumn edition of our quarterly member only magazine, The Quilter. To receive your copy, click here to Join The Guild.