Mysteries of England
Mysteries of England
Connecting the Threads of North Country Quilts
Piece the past together with textile historian Debs McGuire!
- Two-day virtual workshop
- Premieres live June 6-7, 2025
- Lifetime access to all recordings and materials
- Questions? Head over to our FAQ page
Join your adventure hosts, Jenni Smith and Kay Walsh, as they delve into their own quilting heritage for the first time and explore the storied past of England’s North Country quilts, sewn across the stunning counties of Durham, Northumberland, and Yorkshire. Guided by expert hand-quilter and textile historian Debs McGuire, this workshop blends heritage, hands-on quilting techniques, and age-old mysteries. From marking out patterns to setting up a frame, you’ll break the myths around hand quilting and discover new creative possibilities.
Learn how to machine piece the iconic Sanderson Star—no Y-seams required—and master the art of hand quilting with the legendary rocking stitch.
The workshop also journeys into the deeper history of the region’s quilting legacy. Celebrated US quilter Joe Cunningham visits England to help uncover the life and untimely demise of Joe the Quilter, whose unsolved murder in 1826 still echoes through these hills.
Mysteries of England: Connecting the Threads of North Country Quilts is your ticket to unlock decades of craft secrets and immerse yourself in local lore, quilt making—and murder. What a combination!
Two Ways to Register Today
Purchase a single-workshop pass for Mysteries of England. Upon registration, you will be able to access all resources and instructions for this event on our exclusive Attendee Hub.
Best value! Access all three of our annual Adventure Workshops at a 25% discount. Plus, between workshops, you’ll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks, and more.
About the Project
The Sanderson Star is a quilt pattern made famous by renowned expert quilt marker, or “stamper,” Elizabeth Sanderson. Its beauty is timeless and represents the spirit of female entrepreneurship in Allendale—a fascinating history which reveals itself throughout this adventure.
Jenni and Kay will guide you through machine piecing the beautiful quilt top using templates, in an easy-to-follow tutorial with no Y-seams.
Debs McGuire will show you how to design, plan, and mark out a quilting pattern characteristic of the North Country style, along with how to make it relevant for quilting today. Also, embrace learning how to create the batting of a quilt with combed wool—all from inside a beautiful, cozy North Country cottage!
Debs’ tips for discovering the “freedom of the frame” negate the misconception that hand quilting has to involve tiny stitches and be hugely time-consuming. As Debs would say, “There is a reason why quilters quilted in the frame for over 500 years.” She demonstrates a step-by-step guide to setting up a quilt frame. But don’t worry—you can complete your own quilt in a hoop or any other way you choose!
Finally, we’ll dive into the rocking stitch—what it involves and how hand shaping and posture impact your technique.
Workshop Highlights
North Country Quilts at The Bowes Museum
Visit The Bowes Museum in the market town of Barnard Castle to see inside the stunning Quilt Cube with Curator of Fashion and Textiles Rachel Whitworth.
Walking Tour of Allenheads Village
Step back in time to visit the home of Elizabeth Sanderson, and explore how her quilt business flourished amongst the lead mines and industry of this typical Northumberland Pennine village.
Original Joe the Quilter Wholecloth
There are only two known quilts made by the late Joe Hedley (aka Joe the Quilter), and Jenni and Kay worked some magic to gain access to one in The Bowes Museum archive.
North Country Road Trip
Join Jenni, Kay, and celebrated US quilter Joe Cunningham on a North Country road trip filled with discovery, stunning quilts, and insightful storytelling—all set to the sound of ballads played on Joe’s guitar. Also enjoy a show-and-tell of Joe’s original contemporary quilts.
A Local Treasure Saved
Local historian Valeria Dunn invites us into her beautiful home to share the story of rescuing an original Sanderson Star quilt and to show us a treasured family heirloom.
Bell Ringing
Jenni, Kay and Debs spend an evening in the bell tower with the ringers of St. Cuthbert’s Church, Allendale, but what happens when they give it a go themselves?
Two Ways to Register Today
Purchase a single-workshop pass for Mysteries of England. Upon registration, you will be able to access all resources and instructions for this event on our exclusive Attendee Hub.
Best value! Access all three of our annual Adventure Workshops at a 25% discount. Plus, between workshops, you’ll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks, and more.
