30 October, 2012

Inis Oirr Classes

It's always a pleasure to head out to Inis Oirr for a class with the Mná le Chéile group.


Following the arrival of Mary McCarty to the island the group came together and met to sew in the Arts Centre: Arás Eanna.  Since then they have moved to their own lovely premises Teach Brid, a renovated cottage that is home to the group and their Gammill long arm quilter.


Many of the group are very experienced quilters at this stage and make lovely and varied work.  They also host classes for young people from local schools.  I was invited to do a class this autumn and suggested the nine-patch that you cut and twist. 


I figured that the more experienced quilters might get a quilt-top done and at the same time it would be a good block for beginners to try. We discussed colour choices on the Friday evening and some people even began cutting their strips.


On Saturday morning it was full steam ahead. Participants had instructions for a cot, single or double quilt.
One person went for a single quilt, the others for cot quilts. One person opted to make a bed runner with 10 blocks.

We cut, sewed and re-arranged the blocks and by 4pm (last flight leaves at 4.45) three cot quilts tops were complete and the rest well on the way. It was a a lovely place to spend a sunny October Saturday.


Photos show Allissa, Mairead and Mary's quilts. 
Anne Marie Horan







No comments:

Post a Comment