Elizabeth Duke

Sewing has always been a part of Liz’s life. Initially it was dressmaking and embroidering tablemats & cloths and even a little embellishment on the clothes.

Later with 3 sons, (who can sew on buttons & do simple repairs), Liz started to sew more for pleasure. Tapestry & cross-stitch were enjoyable leisure pastimes through the child rearing years.

She joined East Lothian Embroiderers’ Guild to further her growing interest in modern embroidery.

Through a church fund raising group, Liz discovered patchwork. This became her passion. On a friend’s advice, Liz became a member of Bonnyrigg Quilters, then a member of the Quilters’ Guild and was chairperson of Bonnyrigg Quilters for 3 years and she was the Quilters’ guild rep for East/Midlothian & the Borders.

Liz has taught many classes for Bonnyrigg Quilters, the Embroiderers' Guild, run day classes for other groups and has mastered a wide range of techniques for patchwork, quilting and embroidery. 

Her favourites are foundation piecing and straightforward piecing – perfect corners & joins are a must. Quilts with an optical illusion have a special appeal. Her favourite block is ‘Storm at sea’. She is also a ‘bag lady’ who just loves making bags.

Liz has recently achieved her City & Guilds Creative Embroidery Level 3 which has further widened her design skills and allowed her to explore new modern techniques.

Her 27 years of teaching experience (Physics & Science & Maths) mean that her lessons are well planned and structured. Students will feel well motivated, enthusiastic and confident about their work. Encouragement, advice and assistance and praise are always available in abundance from Liz.