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Meet the Maker: Liz Coleman – Why the Little Details Matter
Annual Online Retreat, Behind the Stitches - 15th October 2026
From cathedral floors to quilt exhibitions, Liz Coleman finds inspiration in unexpected places. Ahead of our January Online Retreat, we find out more about her quilting journey and why she's passionate about sharing her knowledge with others.
Finding a Community Through Quilting
Liz Coleman's quilting journey began as a teenager, sewing small squares together by hand. That first quilt remains unfinished, but it marked the beginning of a lifelong interest in patchwork and quilting.
In 1987, Liz joined The Quilters' Guild, looking for a community of people who shared her interests. After moving to Kent, she found exactly that: a supportive network of fellow quilters.
Since then, quilting has remained an important part of her life, offering what she describes as "that area of calm and creativity in a hectic life."
Over the years, Liz has become increasingly involved in supporting the quilting community through teaching, working with groups and contributing to the Guild. She is particularly proud of her association with the Master Quilter course and is also a quilt judge.
For Liz, giving something back to the community that has given her so much is an important part of her quilting life.
Inspiration Beneath Our Feet
One of Liz's current interests is translating the designs found on cathedral floors into patchwork quilts.
It's an interest that has taken her and her husband on what she describes as little "Cathedral-hopping holidays" around the UK and France, often with their noses to the ground in search of interesting patterns.
Perhaps surprisingly, Liz also has a background in cartography, having worked for many years in the NHS.
She sees similarities between mapmaking and quilting. Both require patience, accuracy, careful design and an appreciation of colour. Skills that certainly lend themselves to patchwork.
Hanging Sleeves and Quilt Labels - And Why They REALLY Matter
At our January Online Retreat, Liz will share her knowledge of two details often overlooked when finishing a quilt: hanging sleeves and labels.
Drawing on her experience as a quilt judge, Liz will show why a well-made hanging sleeve matters in presenting a quilt at an exhibition.
She'll also explore the value of quilt labels and the many different forms they can take.
Whether you're preparing a quilt for exhibition or simply finishing a project at home, it's an opportunity to consider those final details and why they deserve attention.
Join Liz at Our Annual Online Retreat
Liz is one of the guest speakers joining us for The Quilters' Guild's two-day Annual Online Retreat this January,, bringing together makers and quilting enthusiasts for a programme of talks, demonstrations and workshops.
We look forward to welcoming Liz and learning more about the finishing details that help our quilts look their best.
Join Us for People & Places – January 2027
People & Places is The Quilters' Guild's two-day annual online retreat, taking place in January 2027. Exclusive to Guild members, the retreat brings together guest speakers for a varied programme of talks, demonstrations, and workshops.
Tickets are £55, with recordings available for 28 days after the event, so you can enjoy the sessions at your own pace.
Book your place here and join us for two days of quilting inspiration, creativity and learning. Bookings open in November 2026.
More From Annual Online Retreat
Meet the Maker: Liz Coleman – Why the Little Details Matter
Meet quilter and quilt judge Liz Coleman, and discover why hanging sleeves and quilt labels matter ahead of The Quilters' Guild January Online Retreat.
Meet Jan Bevan: A Life in Textiles and a Workshop Called Florence
Meet textile designer and quilter Jan Bevan, discover her creative journey and explore Florence, her travelling sewing caddy workshop for Guild members.
Meet Matt Wilding: Pushing the Boundaries of Quilting
Discover textile artist Matt Wilding's extraordinary 3D quilting, from giant quilted sculptures to wearable art, and his creative journey into quilting.
