General info
I am stitched textile artist specialising in patchwork and quilting
I taught from 1988 to 2022, including City and Guilds qualifications.
I no longer teach, having retired recently.
Email: Janice Gunner
After Boro
Boro is the Japanese word for rags! These much sought after recycled garments and bed covers were repaired and reused out of necessity.
If you would like to have a go at this technique you can purchase one of my After Boro Kits from my shop.
Japanese Sashiko Quilting
The gentle art of Japanese quilting has fascinated me for many years. I learnt the technique from my friend Rosemary Muntus in 1988. In 1991 I was awarded two first prizes at The Great British Quilt Festival for a piece I made called Kamon I.
If you would like to have a go a Sashiko at home I can offer made to order kits for a delightful purse/pouch. Email me for details until I add it to my shop!
Shibori Dyeing with Indigo
Shibori refers to a variety of resist dyeing techniques to produce amazing patterns or textures on fabric.
Japanese Inspirations
Sensational Shibori
Inspired by Indigo
Indigo is such a magical colour. There is no other quite like it.
Liberating Log Cabin I: Log Cabin with Attitude
I devised this technique in 1997, after many years of teaching it I finally published a book an the technique in 2010. I still enjoy making this style of Log Cabin, it was one of my most popular workshops.
If you want to have a go at this versatile and easy technique I still have copies of the book on sale in my website shop and now I have added kits which include a copy of the book!
Liberating Log Cabin II: Curves in the Cabin
This was my second most popular patchwork workshop: fun, fast and a few more rules. A wonderful wobbly version of a traditional favourite block brought up to date: modern and contemporary and a great talking point.
Using free cut curves and machine piecing, it is also featured in my book Liberating Log Cabin.
Strips and Sets
this is a great technique to use up precious strips of silk, hand-dyed fabrics or vintage Japanese kimono fabrics.
Freeform Improv Patchwork
Improv patchwork, I was one of the first quilters to start using these techniques in my work back in 1997. There are now similar ways of working which are very popular in Art, Contemporary and Modern Quilts today.
Poppies on Parade
Who can resist poppies, my favourite flower?
This quilt, designed and made in 2012.
In a departure from my usual style, it is a whole cloth with the poppies applied to the fabric using fabric paint.
Fearless Machine Quilting
I have been machine quilting my work for too many years to count and love the effects I can achieve.
I now do my free machine quilting on a Bernina Q20, which speeds up time to quilt my work and allow me extra time in my garden!
To Boldly Go: African Odyssey
Well for a start, it's not a trip on the Star Ship Enterprise!
A smaller version of this technique has been named Little Pieces of Africa. Kits and ready made pieces are available from my shop.
It is my way of working with big, bold prints, in particular African Fabrics which I sourced from my great friend Magie at The African Fabric Shop
Magie (and Bob too) retired this year, their very successful business is now in the hands of Jenny & Wally.
More info
After 35 years of teaching patchwork and quilting in the UK and worldwide, I am now retired and busy working on my own quilts so I am no longer taking bookings for classes.