About

What is English Paper Piecing?

English Paper Piecing is a traditional method of quilt making dating back to the 18th Century. It is a method by which fabric shapes are cut & tacked over a paper template. The shapes are then hand sewn together to form an array of patterns & shapes. This method of quilt making is thought to have arisen out of a need to make economical bedding and is believed to be of English origin. It developed as a way to use leftover scraps from other sewing projects or to reuse second-hand fabrics.

Why this Craft?

I believe that Slow Stitching Soothes the Soul. English Paper Piecing allows us to escape to a place where time almost stands still. The methodological nature of using hand stitches to connect fabric shapes together goes deeper than just creating a finished item. As we stitch we sew in our memories, each stitch represents a feeling or a thought in time. I invite you to join a community of Makers who embrace and enjoy this gentle craft. At The Maker’s Stash, I hope to pass on and share the tradition of English Paper piecing through the sharing of knowledge and joy.

Creating Joy & Living Mindfully

I have been doing English Paper Piecing for over 20 years, creating quilts, wall hangings and decor. My creative practice has grown to include slow stitching and embroidery and I have recently been experimenting with combining these three elements of stitching together.

Over the past few years I have been on a journey towards living a slower, more mindful and joyful life. Slow stitching feeds directly into this lifestyle, as well as my other passions for tea, books & reading, gardening & flowers. I enjoy sharing these passions with others through my blog, slow stitching journals, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube channels.

Who is Miss Leela

I am a dreamer, maker and mother living in the Blue Mountains with my husband and two children. I have two wonderfully creative parents, and a network of friends and family surrounding me with love and support. To them I am so grateful.

When not stitching and working on all things The Maker’s Stash, I spend my time pottering around my house and garden, creating a cozy sanctuary for my family. I enjoy lazy afternoons and nights curled up with a good book, and enjoy drinking endless cups of tea and indulging in sweet treats. Other than stitching I also enjoy doing crafts and colouring with my kids, as well as crochet and knitting.

I worked as an Interior Designer for fifteen years, co-owned Blue Mountains Makers, an artisan and handmade shop, for three and a half years, and have been running my business The Maker’s Stash for the past five years.

Finding My Tribe

I am so thankful to have found my stitchy tribe and to be a part of such a wonderfully creative, inspiring and encouraging community of stitchers and quilt makers. I love that our stitching connects us in the present times and to the past. When I sit and stitch I often think of my friends that I have met through the world wide web and I think about our stitching forebears, women gathering together to stitch and chat.

At The Maker’s Stash one of my main goals is to contribute in a thoughtful and inspiring way to this community. It’s my desire to create a place where we can come together to share our love for this craft and the joy it brings us, encourage and help each other when needed, and help carry on these traditions to future generations.

The Maker’s Stash Shop

From my home studio in the Blue Mountains, I run The Maker’s Stash, designing English Paper Pieced patterns, cutting & packaging my own range of paper templates, curating beautiful fabrics and threads, and stocking all the necessary notions and tools required to make stitching enjoyable.

Connect With Me

Please do contact me with any questions or queries you might have, or if you’d simply like to have a chat!

Email me at themakersstash@gmail.com

Head over to my blog where I share stories on my projects, tutorials, free patterns and projects, interviews with other creatives, inspiration and more!

Sign up for my Slow Stitching Journal sent straight to you inbox. In my journals I share what I’ve been doing and creating, up coming events, inspiration, tips and tricks, new products, pattern releases and more.

Follow along my creative journey in these places: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest.