Behind the Stitches: Judith Barker

Join us weekly for "Behind the Stitches," our blog series where we interview quilters with 14 insightful questions. Discover their quilting journeys, inspirations, favourite techniques, and more. Explore what makes each quilter unique and find common threads in our shared passion.

Let’s start with your name, and without revealing too much about your age, could you share how long you’ve been a member of The Quilters’ Guild?

Hello, my name is Judith Barker and I joined the Guild just after the first AGM. To give you a hint of how long, my membership number is in the low 100s.

What inspired you to join our Guild? We'd love to hear what you enjoy most about your membership.

The prospect of meeting people from all over the country who shared similar interests to me was so exciting and this is still true!

What region are you a member of? In your eyes, what makes your region so unique?

I’m a member of Region 5, which covers Bath, Bristol, Somerset and Gloucester. While Region 5 has fewer members now than a few years ago, they are enthusiastic and talented, and we have interesting events and an excellent magazine.

How and when did you start quilting? Was there an individual or specific event that stands out as the catalyst?

After the American Bicentennial (1976) an exhibition of American quilts toured UK museums. I saw it in Bristol with my mother and my mind exploded. I had never seen such designs and colours. Even badly sewn pieces had a real zing. It was the first time I'd seen block patchwork, although both my mother and I had made hexagons.

What was your first sewing machine?

A cheap electric, I can't remember the name. So fast it was scary. Then I had a small legacy and bought a Bernina. I've only used Bernina since. (Though, like many people, I learned to sew on a hand Singer).

Are there any artists (quilters or otherwise) that you particularly admire?

My inspiration and admiration covers a number of disciplines; for painters, I most admire Mark Rothko and Paula Rego. Mary Lloyd Jones is my favourite textile artist, and Gwenfai Rees Griffiths is a particularly admirable quilter. 

Where do you find your inspiration?

I often find my inspiration in archaeology programmes and books, sometimes from folk arts, and sometimes just from my imagination.

What are your favourite techniques and materials?

I tend to do applique often on collage-style backgrounds. I quilt very densely, machine and hand, and I like the quilting to add an extra layer of interest to the work. My favourite materials are Cotton, linen and silk. I often use recycled materials, and I am making a conscious effort to try to do that more and more.

What's your favourite quilt/alt. piece you've made and why? (We know this might be like choosing a favourite child!)

The quilt I love most is Stories in Stone; it is based on Welsh mythology and looks like a standing stone.  The quilting includes designs from ancient objects and stone carvings. My second favourite quilt has many architectural elements, celebrating the excitement of living in a city. 

What is one thing you can't live without in your quilting room/space?

Radio 4

What is your proudest quilting moment?

My proudest quilting moments have to be being invited to make a piece for the QG 90s Collection, winning an award at an exhibition in France (I didn't even know it was judged and squeaked Ooh, c'est moi!) and proposing the toast to the Guild at the Ruby Anniversary dinner, I was so thrilled to be asked!

Have you ever had a project that made you want to give up quilting altogether or, at the very least, not finish it?

Oh yes. It was a fabric concertina book that wouldn't stand up. I undid it 3 times and, in the end, re-bound all the edges and inserted wooden coffee stirrers.

Do you have any upcoming projects, exhibitions, or talks you'd like to share with everyone?

I exhibit with CQW and our next exhibition is at Sou Sou West Gallery, Symondsbury, Dorset, in September.

Please share any social media handles or a personal website you would like to promote

I still give talks but have retired from teaching, so I deleted my website last year.