Teacher Profile: Leesa Chandler

Leesa was introduced to sewing at an early age by her grandmother, with embroidery, knitting and hand sewing. She set up her own handcraft business at 14, selling to local gift shops and friends, and embarked on making her first quilt at 18, over 25 years ago.

After completing a University degree, working as a Food Scientist, marrying and having her two boys, her obsession with patchwork finally became her business!

Leesa has been teaching for over 10 years, and has taught at various shops, guilds and events throughout Australia, including the Australasian Quilt Convention.  When not on the road, Leesa is managing and teaching in her own boutique patchwork shop and studio in Melbourne in the state of Victoria, Australia.  Chandlers Cottage specializes in fabrics and giftware with a cultural influence.

She sources her inspiration for designing from different cultures such as Japanese, Middle Eastern, Chinese and Australian.  Leesa loves teaching and sharing her obsession with rich decadent prints, as well as three dimensional appliqué and handbag design.

Her patchwork philosophies include the fact that it really is all about the journey, and having fun with friends, preferably with cake and a cuppa close at hand.  The fact that you end up with something beautiful at the end of the journey, is your reward for making time for yourself.

As well as having projects published in magazines such as Quilters Companion, Australian Patchwork & Quilting and Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Magazine, Leesa has designed and published over 50 patterns for quilts, wall hangings, and bags.

Please check out Leesa’s Website: www.leesachandlerdesigns.com