Hello, my name is Rachel.

I have been quilting for a number of years, and attended numerous workshops in the UK learning as much as I could about patchwork and quilting. It wasn't until I moved here to Spain in 2005 though, that I was really able to spend the time I wanted to in this addictive art form. Since arriving here, I have realised part of my mission of completing some of the numerous UFOs (unfinished objects) that I have amassed over the years in my keenness to try every new technique I came across.  I have been inspired by the lovely sunshine and light quality here to experiment with much bolder colours and designs.

I was keen to find fellow quilters in this area of Andalucia who shared my passion, and who were interested in forming a group, and eventually met up with Jan who had several friends interested in crafts, and our group was born.  Jan provided the initial meeting place in her home in Periana, and I provided the patchwork and quilting skills and know-how, and from the first meeting the other members were keen to learn and soon became as addicted as I am to this wonderful fibre art form.

Before quilting I enjoyed several other crafts and still make the odd cross stitch and tapestry projects.  Jan has also introduced me to machine embroidery and together we explored this technique further, both of us trading our standard sewing machines for state-of-the-art embroidery models.

I've since been introduced to free-machine embroidery work by Irene Bradbury, a much respected and talented fibre artist who came and taught the group for a few weeks in 2008.  This whetted my appetite for mixed media and textural fibre art techniques and in July 2009 I participated in an internet run workshop, "Textured Surfaces", along with two other group members Maureen and Jan.  This "e-workshop" was run by Lynda Monk and Carol McFee.  I am also gaining inspiration from another group member Jenny Hart who is encouraging  me to  explore these exiting new techniques.  There are just not enough hours in the day to make all the wonderful things I would love to make, even though I am less busy than when I lived in England.  I hope you enjoy looking at my gallery of varied projects.