All the latest from Linda and Laura

Hello, Laura here - welcome to our weekly newsletter!

Each week it feels harder to write an uplifting newsletter in light of the news, but let's try...It was lovely to welcome some new and old faces to the Wooden House for the 'Drawing without a Pencil' workshop. I always try to plan a fun and interesting day, and we even had a fly past by the Swiss PC-7 team rehearsing for their display at Cosford Air Show, although I don't suppose I can take the credit for that!

The students produced some lovely work. The aim of the day was to explore methods for 'drawing' without using a conventional pencil. We traced, made line and shape rubbings and monoprinted. These alium drawings are just fabulous don't you think?

There are more photos on my blog from the day, and you'll also find some recent pages from my own sketchbook. After a workshop the studio always seems to feel full of energy, even though the students have gone home. I can never resist picking up where I leave off with the demonstrations and just carry on!

Like the students did, I've been exploring ideas combining drawing techniques. The page above uses monoprint to draw the face, then I've added more detail with fine pen and a little bit of wash for some subtle colour.

Laura's blog

Fine Art Quilt Masters

I'm delighted to let you know that my quilt has been selected for this year's Fine Art Quilt Masters at Festival of Quilts. A jury has chosen 20 quilts from around the world so I'm really pleased to be included.

You can take a look at all the finalists quilts on the Festival website. I think the jurors have a very tough job to choose just one from such a varied selection.

I do hope you'll put the show dates in your diary. I will be at the event, on the Through Our Hands exhibition stand each day, and I'd love for you to come and say hello.

Festival of Quilts website

New video workshop on DesignMatters TV

Strippy Scrappy: Quilting the Spaces

We've recently featured some quick piecing techniques on DMTV. That's great, but of course, it does mean you end up with quilt tops that need quilting! Fear not, in Linda's workshop today she'll share some ideas for quilting the patchwork and filling those more empty spaces with something interesting.

The video workshop is for members only but if you haven't signed up already we'd love to have you join us now. Just choose 'Membership Videos' from the menu and you'll see 30+ titles in the current playlist. We hope there's something to tempt you there!

If you're already a Member you can login to watch the new video:

Watch Now!

Linda's painting

Linda's been recording a whole variety of plantlife in her new concertina sketchbook. I just love how it's looking don't you? You can see more photos on her blog, and if you'd like to give something similar a go yourself, look out for some step-by-step video workshops coming soon to DMTV.

Visit Linda's blog

Marble-icious box bags from Max & Rosie

We're feeling very summery around here and don't these new Marble prints by Max & Rosie fit the bill perfectly? As you might already know, Max & Rosie is run by my sister and she makes a range of beautifully handmade things. These gorgeous marble print fabrics were designed by her partner Matt and are all digitally drawn and printed. We hope you'll enjoy looking at the items she has available in her online store right now, including some fab retro cushions, one of which is featured in the current GQ magazine!