An evening of creativity, history and inspiration
At our latest patchwork monthly meeting, we had the immense pleasure of hosting Jenny Bear as our guest speaker. Jenny is off overseas for a series of workshops, teaching some very keen participants in the Netherlands, so we were lucky to have her at our meeting. Renowned for her exceptional talent and creativity in the world of quilting, Jenny graciously shared her journey and expertise with us, leaving everyone inspired and motivated.
Jenny started quilting in 1978 and made her first quilt made up of half square triangles using the English paper piecing method. Jenny enjoys learning techniques and over the years, she has honed her skills and developed a unique style that blends traditional techniques with her designs. Her quilts are a testament to her dedication and love for the craft, each piece telling a story through its intricate patterns and colors.
During the meeting, Jenny brought along several of her remarkable quilts to share with us. Each quilt was a masterpiece, showcasing her exceptional skill and creative vision.
Jenny’s presentation was not only visually captivating but also deeply educational. She shared valuable tips and techniques, from selecting fabrics to mastering complex quilting patterns. Her enthusiasm and love for quilting were infectious, and she encouraged everyone to embrace their creativity and take their quilting projects to new heights.
Throughout the evening, Jenny’s warmth and generosity shone through. She took the time to answer questions, and it was evident that she genuinely cared about helping others grow and succeed in their quilting endeavors.
One of Jenny’s friends is Charlie Thompson from America and she keeps sending ‘stuff’ to Jenny. The pieces are usually very old and not in good condition. Jenny transforms them into beautiful mini quilts and quilts. Charlie would have loved to have been at our meeting and sent her regards to the members.
The star quilt above came together from an old quilt that Jenny had purchased while in America. Jenny washed the original quilt as it was quite dirty, on a gentle cycle, but it still fell apart in the wash. So Jenny made a new quilt using the old star blocks and new squares. The quilt next to the star quilt was made up of feed sacks.
The patchwork monthly meeting with Jenny Bear was an unforgettable experience. Jenny’s book was the second last book to be published by Quiltmania and sad to know that Quiltmania now does not exist. Her beautiful quilts, wealth of knowledge, and inspiring words left a lasting impression on everyone present. We are incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such a talented and passionate quilter. Jenny’s visit has undoubtedly sparked a renewed sense of creativity and excitement within our quilting community.
As we wrap up this article, we look forward to seeing the wonderful projects that will emerge from the inspiration and guidance Jenny provided. Her visit was a true testament to the power of sharing and supporting one another in the pursuit of our creative passions.
Thank you Jenny, for speaking at our meeting. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
