Getting to Know Tomomi of Slaney HandCraft

In an effort to show off the amazing talent and resources we have available here in Ireland, we have decided to post a few interviews/spotlights.  With any luck, you can find a new teacher, find a bit of inspiration or even someone new to collaborate.

To kick off the series, Fiona has interviewed the amazingly talented, award winning, Tomomi!  Take it away, ladies....

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi I am Tomomi originally from Japan and now living in Ireland over 15 years with my Irish hubby

and our beautiful daughter. Loving the life in countryside. I am making patchwork quilt for last 12

years and teaching locally for a few years. Now I have set up my own studio dedicated for quilt

making and teaching of the same. You can find about me slaneyhandcraft.wordpress.com

What inspired you to pick up patchwork/quilting?

I am actually not sure. I liked sewing and did some all the time. I started quilt making about 12

years ago when I had a bit more time and wanted to decorate the house. Hubby bought a hand

turning Singer for one pound! and I thought better use it. Local book shop had some magazines in

which colour and shapes of patchwork looked very interesting. Or maybe I just wanted to try

something I haven’t done.

Where did you learn to start quilting?

I am totally self taught through books and magazines. When I started, I didn’t know where to buy

fabric or tools in Ireland. I bought a craft rotary cutter and a mat from the office shop but no ruler

and then proceeded with hand turning Singer (this was only 12 years ago, believe me)! One day

quite accidentally I found Farmhouse Quilt in Carnew, Wicklow which is only 25 minutes away

then I started buying proper cotton, proper tools, proper everything. Oh and Hubby gave me a

electric sewing machine! That made sense for everything about quilt making on the magazines!

Do you remember your first completed project, and what was it?

Yes. I went a local curtain factory to get some remnants because I didn’t know any fabric shop as

I said. And with them made a lemonstar quilt without batting inside. That is not a good finish as

you can imagine but that was the start and I was so happy with it.


Which quilters inspire you the most?

I can’t point this to one or two quilter… I love the ones have secondary pattern, gradual change of

colour and Japanese quilters with intricate applique work and hand sewing. Bless them.

As for quilting, I love Angela Walters. She changes whole concept of fabric placement/patchwork

pattern by quilting. That is so clever.

What are your favourite styles of quilting?

A lot of decorative motif by free motion quilting.


What would you say is your no. 1 quilting tip?

Just enjoy the process.


Do you have any advice for beginner novice quilters?

Have a partner in crime!


Thank you so much, Tomomi!

-Fiona

Calling All Teachers!

Regularly we get emails from new Irish quilters asking for beginners classes.  Sadly we are not able to run these classes as a collective guild since we are scattered throughout the entire island of Ireland.  However, its an excellent opportunity to link up new MQI members with more experienced teachers in their local area.

If you are a teacher and you are not already listed on our Find A Teacher page, please email Cindy (fluffysheepquilting[at]gmail[dot]com) with a little description of yourself and what you offer as well as links to your blog or FB page.  We would be happy to add you to our growing list.  

Image from Just Jude's Ferry Floor class.

Many of you are also branching out and offering quilting services.  If you are one of these people, please also get in touch with me (above) and describe your small business.  I would be happy to create a new tab on the blog so folks can get in touch with you as they finish their projects.

Image from Husqvarna.

Thanks so much!

Cindy

Learning to Quilt in Ireland

Calling Irish Quilters!  Calling Irish Quilters!

Where did you learn to quilt?  Do you have a teacher or shop that is close to your heart?  Or maybe you teach classes yourself?  If so, would you please email us at mqgireland (at) gmail (dot) com with your recommendation.   Please include the name of the teacher, their contact information and even photos of what you made as well as a little 3-5 sentence review of why you think they are great.  We can then make a new directory on our blog to help those new to quilting find a place nearby to learn. 

Thank you!