My special interests are in appliqué and machine embroidery, techniques which I use extensively and creatively in my work, and I am also fond of colour. I make quilts, wallhangings and embroidered pieces, and I exhibit my work regularly.  I have a particular interest in folk textiles, especially contemporary pieces from South America, and I write for magazines.

TEACHING
Adult Education classes run from September to May in the Derby area.

PATCHWORK & QUILTING
at Lees Brook Community Sports College
Morley Road, Chaddesden, Derby DE21 4QX  Tel. 01332 662661
A class for beginners and returning students.
Tuesday evenings 7.00 to 8.45 pm
This class won an award in May 2007, click here for details.

GARMENT MAKING & CREATIVE TEXTILES,
at Alfreton Adult Education Centre
Church Street, Alfreton DE55 7BD  Tel: 01773 832201
Garment making: Monday evenings 7.00 to 9.00pm.
Creative Textiles: Wednesday afternoons 1.00 to 3.00pm.

KICKSTART
Organised by the East Midlands Region of the Embroiderers Guild.
Two Inspiration days were held at Snibston Discovery Park, Leicestershire, LE67 3LN on 29 & 30 September 2007, followed by workshops at Market Harborough on 24 November 2007 and 16 March 2008; Ollerton on 25 November 2007 and 15 March 2008.

An exhibition of work from this project will be held at Snibston Discovery Park during Summer 2008.

LIVING THREADS
Classes at Risley, Derbyshire,
Classes are held in Risley Village Hall. I teach in the Summer School held during July/August, and for the winter programme at weekends between October and March. Please contact me for details.

TALKS
All talks are supported with a display of appropriate work, and slides are not used.

FIRE & WATER  is the inspiration for a series of pieces which use a variety of techniques and materials, all in some way associated with either fire or water. Includes subjects such as Venice, Volcanoes, and pieces that will hang outdoors and withstand the British weather.

FROM SPANISH TILES TO BEACH HUTS shows sources of inspiration for, and examples of my wallhangings and quilts. Patchwork, quilting and embellished surfaces used in innovative ways, and combined with exciting colour combinations.  My quilts have been included in major British quilt shows where they have won prizes, hung in public spaces, and featured in books and magazines, including “The Quilter”, “Popular Patchwork” and “Fabrications”.

INSPIRED BY COLOUR shows how colour has inspired my work with design ideas from many sources. These include the summer flower garden, fishing boats, the city of Barcelona, travels to North Africa, and South American textiles. There are some quilts, but also embroidered wall hangings and three dimensional pieces.

DAYSCHOOLS
At dayschools all techniques are demonstrated with easy to follow samples, and templates are provided. Examples of finished pieces are shown. A materials list will be provided so that students can bring their own materials, and they will also need a sewing machine.

TEXTILE TEXTURES. Create textured surfaces on fabric by hand printing patterns with heat sensitive media, and paint.  Embellish further with machine embroidery. Surfaces reminiscent of old tiles and crumbling plaster, as well as the finish of old and sumptuous silks can be created. These textures and fabrics can form part of an embroidery, be cut for appliqué and patchwork, or more texture added with quilting.

PATTERN ON PATTERN, drawing inspiration from the wealth of pattern found in traditional designs from Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey. Endless combination of patterns and colour produce visually interesting results. Techniques will include layered appliqué, encouraging torn and frayed edges, combined with free machine embroidery. A wide variety of fabrics will be used.

EMBELLISHED APPLIQUÉ. Create a new fabric by applying scraps of fabric to a ground fabric. Embellish further by adding paper, fleece and machine  embroidery. The resulting unique surface can be cut for appliqué and patchwork, combined with embroidery, wired into 3D shapes, or made up into clothing

THE SUMMER FLOWER GARDEN
A close up on flowers, exploring shapes and using vibrant colour. Machine embroidery and appliqué techniques using a good variety of materials, are used to create ideas suitable for pictures, wall hangings and quilts.

NEW TOPICS
There are new subjects being added to the list. Please ask for details.

JUDGING
Having completed the Quilters Guild Judges Course, I am now a qualified quilt judge.

AVAILABILITY
Weekday evenings, subject to evening class commitments:
Talks, maximum travelling distance within 30 mile radius of Derby.
Weekends and full days:
Talks and dayschools. Maximum distance within 150 miles of Derby preferred, other venues on UK mainland can be visited by arrangement.

FEE SCALE
Please e-mail me at greta@heatherleadesign.com for details giving your name, location and telephone number.