Cotton vintage sheets are bought in France, from flea markets and ‘open attic’ markets, held annually in every small village and town. Originally these were bedsheets, many dating back to before the first world war.  It is very fitting that they end up as modern bedcovers, or alternatively wall hangings.  Made from high quality cotton, they are especially suitable for my work, because they are strong and suitable for printing.

The sheets, as you would expect, are washed and then they go through three or four processes, before they are cut into shapes for sewing together.  Once the pattern is designed, the sheets are hand dyed, using Procion dye.  This dye stuff comes in a wonderful range of vibrant colours, not available in other commercial dyes. 

Next they are hand printed using my own lino cut blocks or found objects. Often I improvise from easily available supplies, like spaghetti!  For one of my blocks I even used my granddaughter’s hair bands!  I also print with fruit and vegetables, which can make wonderful patterns. 

Often I screen print another pattern on top adding depth and colour.  The printed pieces are cut and reassembled using a sewing machine. 

I choose to hand quilt my quilts with french embroidery thread, as I enjoy the stitching, despite any imperfections which are an inevitable part of this choice. 

The result is quilts that are one of kind durable, potential heirlooms. Using mostly natural fibres, these quilts are designed to be used as well as admired. They can all be used as wall hangings or on the bed.

The internal batting in most quilts is 100% cotton making them light and warm as a quilt and makes the quilts hang properly as an artwork.  The edges are always double edged to ensure durability. 

To summarise, these Quilts are completely made in the UK by

Lesley Holly Anderson

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