Cambridge Quilters is one of the oldest British groups, having been founded in 1978 or 1979. It seems that Deirdre Amsden and Joanna Powell struck up a conversation when one found the other stitching on a train up from London. (Deirdre has since gained an international reputation, and is the originator of the much-imitated colourwash technique.)
Monthly morning meetings were held in private houses, with coffee and cake. Ursula, who is our longest-serving member, recalls that members tried to recapture the old-fashioned look, at a time when it was virtually impossible to buy patchwork fabrics. Dress fabrics were often used and small prints in shades of brown were favoured. Templates were made to cut individual patches and patchwork, rather than dyeing and embellishment, was the focus.
Cambridge Quilters have collaborated to make several special quilts -
the Cambridge Quilt, with scenes of Cambridge, is now in the collection of the Quilters' Guild of the British Isles
the Saffron Walden quilt hung for many years in Saffron Walden public library, and is now on display in the community hospital there.
the first Garden Quilt was designed by Deirdre Amsden and raised £750 in a raffle to benefit the Soweto Sisters
a second Garden Quilt was made for the benefit of the members, and is available for members to borrow
the third Garden Quilt was donated by Jean Amsden (Deirdre's mother and a founder-member) and sold for charity
Our archive is kept by the secretaries.