WHY ENTERING YOUR QUILT MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK. Every second year, as the South African National Quilt Festival approaches, I start hearing the same quiet concerns from students and fellow quilters: ‘My quilt isn’t good enough.’ ‘I can’t compete against master quilters.’‘ The judges terrify me.’ Every year, I want to gently shake you and say: you’re missing the point of quilt competitions entirely! I am not only talking about the South African quilters! Many of you are f

It’s happened again! December has once again sneaked up on me! However, I must admit, it feels like a gentle exhale after a long, busy year. It’s the one time when I deliberately slow down and make space for all the things that simply don’t fit into the rest of the year. I walk more — longer walks, unhurried ones — because the weather is glorious. I get up earlier too when the world feels fresh and quiet, before the heat and the noise arrive. Those early mornings are a gift.

Hi everyone! Just lately I’ve been exploring a few ideas that have been sitting quietly in the back of my mind — and one of them has taken me down the most unexpected path. Paper. Not the kind I write class notes on but paper as a material. I’ve started looking at it differently and it has completely shifted the way I think about what “textile” really means. So today, I’d like to share a few thoughts on this idea of paper as textile  — because once you see it that way, you ca

It’s that time of the year again — when pumpkins grin, ghosts float about and spiders suddenly become fashionable! Whether you’re planning to dress up or simply enjoy the spooky atmosphere, why not bring a touch of Halloween into your quilting? I’ve got a few fun ideas to help you add some playful “scary” touches to your stitching. A Spider Web Corner Filler When I’m doing graffiti quilting, I often get stuck for ideas to fill awkward corners. That’s when a spider web comes t

When most people in my community hear the words free-motion machine embroidery , they immediately picture it on a quilt top—swirling...

As quilters, we often think of fabric as a source of comfort—soft, colourful and deeply tied to tradition. Fabric can also be a powerful...

There’s something deeply magical about capturing the spirit of a wild creature with fabric and thread—especially when it’s one of our...

WORKING WITH COLOUR: WHAT WE FEEL…WHAT WE CREATE  As quilters and textile artists, we often talk about fabric, thread, texture and...

There’s something magical about watching a flat piece of fabric transform into a richly textured artwork with nothing more than a sewing...

Where Old Meets New in Textile Art   Quilting has a long and rich history. For generations, it’s been a way to preserve memories, tell...

CHALLENGING THE NORMS OF TEXTILE ART  There’s something exhilarating about breaking the rules—especially the ones we don’t even realize...

EMBRACE THE SEWING MACHINE IN NEW WAYS  As quilters and textile artists, we often find comfort in the familiar—the hum of our sewing...

The new year has started and for me, it brings with it a pull towards renewal and fresh beginnings and I think a lot of you feel the same...

CATCHING ME BY SURPRISE   Every year I think I am well prepared for the festive season and every year it catches me by surprise! This...

TIPS FOR FIBRE AND TEXTILE ARTISTS  Exhibiting artwork is an exciting yet often nerve-wracking experience, especially for fibre artists....

In the world of fibre art, the tactile nature of materials and the thoughtful creation of textures allow artists to express deep emotions...

We've all been there: knowing that the deadline for a big project is looming, but somehow leaving it until the last minute. The stress...

This is something that seems to happen to everyone at some point in their creative journey. As a quilter or fibre artist, your creative...

After attending the South African National Quilt Festival in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, as a teacher, competitor, and delegate, I...

Trees have always held a special place in my heart. From the huge baobab trees of northern South Africa to the towering redwoods of...