Mon. 13th Apr. String Piecing with Scraps (Japanese Stars & Lanterns Quilt) (Carolyn Forster)

Description

String Piecing with Scraps (Japanese Stars & Lanterns Quilt) Workshop with Carolyn Forster

One-Day Workshop: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Skill Level: All Levels
Finished Size: As large or small as you wish, depending on how many blocks you make (pattern size: approx. 76″ square).

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Workshop Overview

Create a simple block that transforms into twinkling stars and glowing lanterns, utilising your leftover fabric scraps. The Japanese Stars & Lanterns pattern dates back to the early 1900s and is a wonderful way to turn bits of fabric from other projects into something truly beautiful.

You may wish to use one fabric for the star outlines and border to unify your quilt, or embrace a fully “scrappy” look by mixing and matching fabrics freely — both approaches work beautifully!

Join Carolyn Forster for a creative and inspiring workshop learning string piecing using scraps through the Japanese Stars & Lanterns quilt. Learn how to transform even the smallest pieces into stunning blocks that shimmer like stars, using pieces that might otherwise end up in the bin — often affectionately called Laundry Basket quilts.

This class focuses on the String Piecing patchwork technique, inspired by antique quilts made with leftover fabrics. The method is forgiving and beginner-friendly, as there’s no need for an accurate seam allowance. Whether hand-sewn or machine-sewn, this is a fun and flexible project that celebrates creativity and fabric variety.

Plastic templates and pattern are included in the course fee.

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Fabric Requirements (for the workshop)

Each block uses four 6½in units. Carolyn will demonstrate variations using both a fabric base and an interfacing base.

Please bring:

• 1m quilters calico (for the calico base)

• 1m Vlieseline L11 sew-in interfacing (for the interfacing base)

• Fabrics for the stars (include some for fussy cutting if desired)

• Fabrics for outlining the stars (fat quarters or larger pieces)

• A variety of scraps or pre-cut strips and strings — any cotton fabrics work well

• Wadding/batting: cotton or cotton blend recommended

💡 Tip: The more varied your scraps, the more eye-catching your quilt will be!

Total Fabric Requirements if you wish to make the full 76″ square quilt

• 2.9m Calico for the foundations

• 1.7m Print fabric to outline the stars

• 1.6m Border fabric, which can match the star outline fabric

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Equipment List

Please bring:

• Sewing machine, foot, cable, and manual

• ¼in piecing foot (optional)

• Rotary cutter, cutting mat, and rulers (6½” x 24″ and 6½” square are ideal)

• Rotating cutting mat (optional)

• Scissors for trimming fabric

• Fine pencil (mechanical/propelling) for marking

• Pins, needles, and basic sewing kit

• Neutral cotton sewing machine thread

• Purple Tip Sewing Machine Needles

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About Carolyn Forster

Carolyn Forster is a quilt designer, teacher, and author based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Since self-publishing her first book, Quilting on the Go (2007), she has written ten more quilting books with Search Press (UK) and Landauer Publishing (USA), including Big Stitch Quilting.

A regular contributor to magazines such as Today’s Quilter and international quilting publications, Carolyn’s work celebrates scrappy, eclectic design. Her quilts are deeply rooted in tradition, inspired by quilt makers of the past. Carolyn’s teaching philosophy is centred on accessibility, helping every quilter build confidence and develop their own creative voice.

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Additional Information

☕ Lunch Information

Please bring a packed lunch (a cool bag is recommended).
Nearby options include Subway, Bakery 79, and Tesco.
Tea and coffee will be provided throughout the day.

🛍️ Shopping Opportunity

Take time to browse our Warehouse Shop before, during breaks, or after the class — the perfect chance to stock up on fabrics, notions, and supplies!

🚗 Parking

Free parking is available at the warehouse.
Please park in the designated car park at the bottom of the building to ensure access for disabled visitors and delivery vehicles.

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📅 Cancellation Policy

If We Cancel:
In rare cases, a workshop may be cancelled. Should this happen, we will:

• Offer an alternative date (if available), or

• Provide a full refund.
  Cancellations will be made no later than 48 hours before the workshop.
  Please note we cannot reimburse travel, accommodation, or material costs.

If You Cancel:

• 14 days’ notice or more: refund available (minus 10% admin fee) or transfer to another class.

• Less than 14 days’ notice: refund or transfer not available.

We appreciate your understanding — early notice allows us to offer your place to another attendee.

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Location

Lady Sew and Sew
Farm Road
Henley on Thames
Oxfordshire
RG9 1EJ
UK

Tel: 01491 572 528

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Remember to share your completed projects on our Facebook and Instagram pages.