This is a little about the partners in Patchwork Pals and how they came together through their love of Patchworking and Quilting...

Kate

I discovered patchwork and quilting in February 2002 when I joined my local patchwork group, The Peacock Patchworkers. A great group of Lady's who were very supportive. I very quickly became hooked on this fascinating hobby and within a year I had signed up for the patchwork and quilting City & Guilds course.  Patchwork has now taken over big time. I am now teaching patchwork and offering advice to many others who have also become hooked. As patchwork has taken over my life (and my house) I am able to offer a wider range of services to you, I can quilt and finish your projects, so no need for unfinished items to remain scrunched up behind your sofa. I can make you the finishing touches you need to your interiors, or If you are after that something different for a special somebody I can make the gift that will never be forgotten.

Christine

I have been a member of the Peacock Patchworkers since 2001 and enjoy most forms of needle work, Like Kate I am studying for my City and Guilds in Patchworking.

I was introduced to sewing at an early age learning to make my own clothes then items for the home and children. I was never interested in Patchwork, even though my mother was hooked long ago, as I had the classic arguments "I can't work out how the colours go together." and "Why cut up material to sew it together again?".   Honestly, when you have made your first item you suddenly realise what all the passion is about. It's difficult to explain, but Patchwork has its own form and says different thing to different people. With the wide variety of techniques there is always something for you to choose to do.

Diane

I first found Peacock Patchworkers early in 2000, so you could say I have been at it the longest. It is such an addictive hobby.... I have surprised myself with the items I have been able to make. I have become one of the groups leaders in appliqué and enjoy adding those finishing touches which truly make an item unique.

I like to think of myself as the determining instigator of opening our shop as none of us were really doing anything with our finished items. Chris & Kate were attending craft fairs but were not happy with the amount of work and time they devoted for what was basically a day out.
  
  

The 3 of us put our heads together and decided that, of all the options available, a shop unit was the only sensible way to go forward. Investigation showed there is little or no competition locally so our home town looked like the ideal place to open up a specialist shop for Patchwork Supplies. Kate was allowed out on the odd occasion and found our unit at the Garden Centre, and once Chris & Diane had seen it we were able to convince the land lord he should let us have it. The unit was then refurbished, and on 1 September 2005, we were given the keys. Two weeks later we opened the doors to customers.

 

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