Get To Know Homespun Quilters: Jemima Flendt & Claire Turpin
Jemima Flendt (below left) and Claire Turpin (below right) need no introduction to the quilt fraternity – and to Homespun readers generally – since they are regular (and most successful) contributors to the magazine.
Their names are synonymous with fun, adventurous design with just enough rule-breaking to keep things interesting and progressive. Both being Western Australians, they have often worked together and respond to each other’s techniques, ideas and style. They clearly get a lot out of their design union, since they hit the mark every time.
Hence Homespun going straight to them for this year’s Block of the Month idea. We wanted to ring the changes and use two designers. Plus we thought it was time for a children’s project – but we wanted something completely different. Jemima and Claire took the brief and sprinted with it, creating our wondrous octagonal multipurpose kid’s quilt/playmat/toy-storage bag.
CLAIRE TURPIN – THE HISTORY OF MY CRAFTING
My journey into sewing started when I was quite little. I was taught to sew at primary school and I can clearly remember the gingham mop hat and red gingham apron I made with hand-embroidered stitches along the bottom. It must have ignited something in me, as from then on, I was busy at the machine. I got a bit lazy as I entered my teens – I used to make trousers but never finish the top.
Claire Turpin’s Cotton Candy Carousel cushions are the perfect addition to a little girl’s bedroom!
I would safety pin a belt to the top – but it was the ’80s and big, baggy jumpers covered up the sinful sewing! I studied spatial design at uni and worked in London for 10 years before moving to Perth, where I fell back into sewing when my brother and his wife had a baby, and I made my first quilt. Since then, I’ve made a mountain of quilts and spent years teaching other people how to do the same – which is my favourite part of quiltmaking.
JEMIMA FLENDT – THE HISTORY OF MY CRAFTING
Ever since I was a young girl, sewing and crafting have been a part of my life. I developed a love of sewing early from my nanna, who encouraged me to sew with her leftover scraps. She and I used to spend hours crafting together, with her teaching me to sew and crochet.
I remember when I was 16 bundling up all the leftover fabric that my mum had been sewing clothes with and feeling inspired to make a quilt. She took me to lessons to learn how to quilt, and I have not stopped since. Hubby bought me my first sewing machine when I was 21 – it was a Pfaff, and I still have it. While it’s not my main machine any more, it still sews like a dream. My love of quilting and sewing has continued to grow and now has become not only my hobby, but also my full-time passion.
JEMIMA FLENDT – MY HOME AND FAMILY
At home are hubby and my two girls. A lot of what I create is for them, along with our families and friends. My girls also love to craft and sew and are now very much involved with my quilting and designing. I’m lucky enough to have a sewing room.
Add a twist to the traditional Spool Block quilt with this quilt pattern from Jemima Flendt
Originally, when we built our house, we had a guest room but as my sewing machines, equipment and fabric stash grew, they took over that space for my sewing studio. I have quilts hanging on the walls and art prints that inspire me and help create a bright and cheery place in which to work.
CLAIRE TURPIN – MY HOME AND FAMILY
I am a transplanted Pom living in Perth. I’m married to an Aussie, and we have three daughters, none of whom shows any interest in sewing! My eldest daughter is in year 12, so this is going to be a big year in our house – she is on track to study nursing and midwifery next year, so hoorah for her, as it is the one job I couldn’t do in a million years!
My 14 year old is a book nerd, and my nine year old is just a nutcase! We are a fairly chaotic family, but easygoing. I miss my UK family hugely, but hopefully they will be in Perth this year to spend Christmas with us.
