March Contributors 2010

Updated: Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Natalie Dunn

My apologies to Natalie for giving her a different surname in the March issue. In her reply to my email confessing what had happened, she graciously said, “Please don't fret about getting my name wrong.  We've had a very good laugh about it this morning. I actually found it quite funny. Mistakes happen, and no harm has been done.”
 
The photograph shows Natalie with her daughter, Hannah – a welcome sunny view on a grey dismal day when the rain turned to snow! 

“After 15 years of working in the same industry, I decided to quit late last year and purchase myself a big industrial quilting machine. With the support of my husband, I decided to go into business for myself - The Quilting Bug (www.thequilitingbug.com.au).  I have been extremely lucky and had great support from my quilting group (Seabreeze Quilters), so I haven't had to advertise yet.
 
In addition, I have been approached to work for a patchwork shop called Chandlers Cottage. Leesa Chandler is the owner and is currently in the midst of working with the Robert Kaufman group on a range of 'Australian’ fabrics. She has put an oriental spin on them, and they are truly amazing! They will be released later this year. I feel very lucky indeed to be hand-picked to work for such a talented person such as Leesa.
 
I am extremely passionate about patchwork and quilting - and am heavily involved in my group. Of course, all work on this group is purely volunteered!
 

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Marilyn Hornby

Around 1992 I became involved with adult education and, because of lack of material, I began designing projects in Appliqué and Hardanger embroidery for my students. In 1996 I ceased to be a school teacher and began trading as Patch Flora in Luton, Bedfordshire. My first task was to expand the range of my appliqué designs and Hardanger kits for sale and to get articles published in needlework magazines. I soon became a regular trader at needlework shows, about eight a year, at venues from Exeter to Edinburgh. After discerning a need for reliable tuition I started a programme of classes and workshops at home that has run ever since and to give visiting talks and workshops for patchwork groups. To sustain these activities it became necessary to have for sale appropriate fabrics, threads and equipment and to develop my website for mail order business and publicity. My range has expanded over the years to include mobiles, floral motifs, butterflies, angels, trapunto, redwork and fused work. In 2007, I and Patch Flora moved to Barnstaple, Devon. I do less shows now but all other activities continue.
         
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Marilyn Hornby
Patch Flora
Sunningdale House
Ashleigh Road
Barnstaple
Devon
EX32 8BS
Tel: 01271 342737
Email: Marilyn@patchfloradesigns.co.uk
Website: www.patchfloradesigns.co.uk