Sourcing and using recycled fabric in my quilts is what I love to do, there’s the thrill of the hunt, helping out good causes and creating unique and beautiful quilts, what’s not to love?
I mainly use simple improv blocks for my quilts but you can use all of the fabrics I’ve talked about for any type of quilt. Scrappy quilts in particular look great with a mix of recycled, vintage and new fabrics. The best thing to do is experiment with a sample block and see how they look. The broader the mix of fabrics in these types of quilts the better they look in my opinion.
Chris is a quilt maker based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire UK. He makes modern improv quilts from primarily recycled fabric and loves nothing more than rummaging around at flea markets and charity shops looking for exciting fabric to add to his quilts.
Chris studied textile design in college and has always loved art, design, pattern, and print, his work is influenced by art, fashion, street art, and travel. Chris is a regular exhibitor and teacher at the Festival of Quilts in the UK and his work has appeared in multiple books and magazines. Chris has also just released his first thread collection with Aurifil based on his love of Street Art.
All photos by either Chris English or Bailey English
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