About Sarah

Sarah Ashford is a British quilt designer, author, sewing teacher and patchwork expert, with a particular interest in stitching in confinement.

 

I've been making quilts for over 18 years and sewing all my life.  From the very baby first quilt I made for my daughter all those years ago, to now writing two books, Jump into Patchwork and Quilting  and Rotary Cutting Basics for C and T publishing, as well as contributing to many publications and writing beginner sewing and quilting patterns, I really am living my best creative life. 

I also work part time as a Mental Health and Wellbeing Officer at a sixth form college, and I love to promote sewing and quilting to support the students wellbeing! 

 

 My Mission: 

To educate and inspire everyone to sew, quilt and create.  I strive to reach as many people as possible with authenticity and connection at the centre of all I do.  

My Vision: 

I believe that everyone is creative and that with a little guidance and encouragement everyone can unleash their creativity.  I want to everyone to pick up a needle and thread and give it a try, and see the joy and benefits of sewing for themselves. 

My Values: 

My values are at the heart of everything I do: 

* Positivity 

* Connection 

* Community

* Kindness

* Personal growth and development 

* Education 

* Creativity and Exploration 

* Mental Health and Wellness 

My Work:

 

As well as writing beginner sewing and quilting patterns, I've written for many magazines and publications including Prima, Take a Break Makes Magazine, Make Modern Magazine, Today's Quilter, Simply Sewing, The Modern Quilt Guild, Hantex, The Quilter's Planner, Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine, The Quilters' Guild of the British Isles, to name a few.  

 

Workshops and Talks:

I love to teach, and have travelled the length and breadth of the UK and New York, teaching sewing and quilting classes.  Thanks to the power of Zoom I've also been able to reach an international audience through my teaching.  

My special interest is stitching in confinement, and you can learn more about this through my talk 'The True Story of the Rajah Quilt' where I also talk about my work supporting the charity Fine Cell Work. Do get in touch to find out more about my up to date teaching and talk offering. I can offer classes and my talk both in person and online.  

Podcast:

I'm also the founder of the Great British Quilter Podcast, something I'm very proud of, and you can listen to it here. 

When I'm not quilting...

In my spare time I'm passionate about fitness and I like to attend the gym as often as I can, and have even been known to take part in the occasional fitness competition - just for fun.  Hyrox competitions are my current favourite!  I love spending time with my friends, kids and cuddling my gorgeous little white dog Leo, who's my constant companion. 

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for lots of sewing and quilting chat, tips and news.  Oh, and I'm now on Tik Tok too! 

Happy quilting,

 

Sarah x