Inspired to Cut-Loose

These letters originally arrived in stamped envelopes with glossy, printed photos (remember those days!). To protect our writers' privacy, we've typed up their notes with minor details changed. We also scanned and brightened the original photos so you can see the quilts in their best light.

Maureen from Western Australia shares her "cut-loose" workshop quilts and decides to start teaching the techniques to her local quilting group.

Dear Jan,

We met at the workshop at Federation Fling. I really enjoyed those two days - thanks again. I am the crazy woman who was elated to do curves! (Along with everything else!)

Two reasons for writing. Firstly, I enclose some pictures of the completed sampler from the workshop and some other quilts I've cut-loose on since - having lots of fun!

The second reason is to ask your permission to do some workshops locally based on your book. The girls in my quilting group keep asking, as do some others. I hadn't imagined myself getting into running workshops, but I want to encourage quilters.

Once again, thanks for the brilliant workshop, great book, and heaps of engaging fun.

A photograph of a busy, fun, wonkily designed quilt with a black border.

A dark photo with a quilt hanging in from of a wall. The quilt is black with gold, red and white triangles and wonky blocks

Maureen first learnt about Jan's "ish" factor at one of her workshops. The relaxed approach to cutting and piecing is explored further in Cut-Loose Quilts, a collection of 18 projects based on Jan's interpretation of traditional quilt blocks.

The beauty of Stargazey patterns is that you can make every block differently, experiment with sizes, and create a quilt that is completely your own. This freedom allows you to create a one-of-a-kind piece in the size that works best for how you plan to use it.