The Patchwork Studio was established in Melbourne in 1993 by Linda Akehurst as a home-based business, aimed at bringing people together to participate in four mutually exclusive activities: to sew, chat, laugh and drink coffee.
As Linda’s skills developed both in patchwork and teaching, she was invited to teach in numerous shops, Community Centers and schools, and was frequently asked to conduct workshops with local churches and community groups. During this time, Linda also undertook a number of large-scale commissioned works, and won numerous awards. She also authored her first book, “Angles Without Anguish”, which has been sold both in Australia and world-wide.
In 2005, Linda re-built the home-based studio (both physically and metaphorically) and once again The Patchwork Studio placed its emphasis on bringing people together, sewing, chatting, laughing, and (due to age) drinking a little less coffee than before.
During the past four years, The Patchwork Studio facilitated an average of 9 classes per week, with anywhere between 2 to 8 students per class. Understandably, there was an enormous outcry in April of 2009 when Linda announced to her clients that she was packing up and moving to New South Wales with husband Trevor, to be closer to their daughter and her family. By August of 2009, the classroom had closed its doors, and Linda and Trevor had moved to the Southern Highlands.
Due to the alteration in location and lifestyle, The Patchwork Studio has since undertaken a change in direction. The Patchwork Studio still aims to bring people together for community, creativity and fun, and is seeking to do this by encouraging others to use their skills to encourage family and friends to be involved in patchwork. Linda also desires to bring enjoyment to many households with her exquisite custom quilts.
Currently, the studio operates both out of Narre Warren (Victoria) and Colo Vale (New South Wales).
