Hello!
I’m Helen,
The creative behind “AND SEW I…”
Sewing is a vital part of my life, as essential as coffee, cuddles, and a comfy hoodie. It contributes to my mental well-being in ways both expected and surprising. Stick around for the rollercoaster that is AND SEW I… – there will be Foundation Paper Piecing, curves, and the occasional odd run. Yes, my run is definitely odd.
The name “AND SEW I…” originated from my desire to start captions to my photos with “AND SEW I…” instead of “BUT” to foster a more positive mindset, I’m always striving for positivity. Plus, I couldn’t resist the pun. I have a passion for designing Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) patterns that are pictorial, three-dimensional, and bold. I love tackling complex and challenging projects, always pushing myself to improve. Sometimes I push myself too hard, but sharing the journey is what makes it all worthwhile.
I’m honoured to have won multiple awards at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham in 2023 & 2024.
Want to stay up-to-dated on my latest projects, get a peek behind the scenes and maybe the odd discount code?
STANDING DEFIANT
Continuing to explore my feminist feelings, this piece draws from a small photograph taken by an unknown male in 1967. It shows my mother in the Lake District, during her civil engineering degree, learning to survey. The only woman on her course, challenging expectations of both profession and presentation.
Barefoot on a hillside, midriff exposed, she leans into a theodolite, her stance quietly defiant. She claims space in a field, physically and metaphorically, resisting the limitations placed on women. Raised in the shadow of that defiance, I was taught that no path is closed to me because of my sex. Her belief in equality and possibility continues to shape my perspective and practice.
The landscape is improv pieced, constructed from naturally dyed reclaimed fabrics left over from my earlier work Reclaimed Resistance, in places overdyed using modern pigments. The figure & instruments were created with raw-edge appliqué, using modern dyed and woven fabric, reflecting her modern place in the landscape with Inktense used to add detail and build depth.
Exhibiting at International Quilt Festival, Houston, TX, USA – Nov 2026, Road to California, CAL, Jan 2027, Nadelwelt, Germany May 2027, Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, CO, April-July 2028
RECLAIMED RESISTANCE
Boudicca, the legendary & unforeseen warrior heroine of ancient Britain, who brought together opposing tribes in a fight against oppression and to secure better the future for her wronged daughters. As I confront the uncertain and often alarming future of our society and planet, I draw strength from her legacy. This quilt is both a reflection and a call to resilience; a personal battle cry for the world my daughters will inherit.
Crafted from repurposed fabrics, harvested from our worn clothing and bedding, this piece embraces sustainability, with many materials naturally dyed using traditional techniques. The quilt comes to life through a fusion of appliqué, improvisational piecing, free-motion quilting, and thread painting, each stitch carrying the echoes of history and the weight of hope.
Exhibited/ing at Internatiional Quilt Festival, Houston, TX, USA – Oct 2025, New England Quilt Museum, MA, USA – April – July 2026 & Festival of Quilts, Birmingham, England – July – August 2026
BLOOMING MANDALA
A self-imposed challenge. Drafting my own graphic symbol of self-improvement with signature use of bold colours & progression. The pieced compound & reverse curves, plus precise repetition, pushed me to develop my skills. FMQ referencing blooms and the shaped periphery adds interest and complexity.
Double Award Winning Quilt in 2024.
REACHING – The Mermaid Quilt
“A mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers so much more.” wrote Hans Christian Andersen
A mythological creature of beauty and temptation. Pushing my design and quilting skills to try and reach a dream.
Award Winning.
Unique-orn Quilt
Unique
adjective – being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else
A pattern which can be made as a horse or a unicorn. Inspired by horses being my first love, especially the French Percheron, and to indulge my daughter’s passion for unicorns. I wanted the pattern to be easily customizable to suit each potential recipient without losing its realism.
Fractured Skull Quilt
A much requested supersize version of the 2nd FPP block I designed, with a fractured background in an 8 shade gradient. A foray into designing large scale FPP patterns.
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