I was at the Quilt exhibition at the V & A last week and was awed to see the works, particularly the early 18th century pieces. It's difficult to explain the impact of these works without seeing them but their power and grace is remarkable, particularly when you consider they were created by 'amateur' women, re-using textiles from their homes.

What struck me most however, was the conversations going on around me. As I leaned in to observe the fine needlework on a 1830's silk quilt from Devon, the two women beside me discussed the quilts and techniques that they had lived with and learnt from their past. I felt the past hanging heavy in that room - there is something about women and our relationship to textiles and memory that is so hard to capture or explain but is ever present. Maybe that is what made those quilts feel so powerful to me.

I also overheard a few mentions of unfinished quilt projects, tinged with a sadness and regret for things or skills that one had wanted to achieve or learn but that time has not allowed. So, in the spirit of unfinished work, and the loss of that 'ideal' craft creation, I have decided to celebrate the unfinished.

I was lucky to have a mini design tutorial with the lovely Mel Bowles yesterday, who suggested I do a large 'sampler', with all my different experiments in print and stitch layered together. I have always loved embroidery samplers, with all those different experiments in techniques. I may even get some help and input from friends who are keen to try out some new stitch ideas.....any volunteers welcome!