Featuring Nicoletta -- A Blogger's Quilt Festival Quilter!

Hi Friends!  I'm feeling rather accomplished - I spent yesterday basting and quilting my quilt!  Of course, it was between errands and meals, and afternoon pool time.  The how question (How do you do it all!?) comes up now and then in the comments - I stay up late, and get up early!  I've never been one to need 8-9 hours of sleep, 6-7 is good, 5 if I'm in a pinch :)  Anyway, let me get a binding on it, wash it, and finish up the pattern and I'll show it to you next week!  Do you have a favorite size quilt to make?  I put a poll up, to gauge your quilt commitment level - let me know!
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Our featured quilter today is Nichi (Nicoletta) she's from Italy and I love her use of color.  I hope you enjoy getting to know Nichi better and seeing her quilts -

1. When did you begin quilting?

I took my first quilting class in 2003 (after some years in collecting books and magazines) and I fell in love with it immediately…I was ready to fall in love!

2. Why do you quilt?

I have always love colors above all and quilting gives me the possibility to play with better as every other kind of crafting. I like all the quilting techniques, traditional, appliqué and improvisational that I feel as the new way of expression but that, as the modern art, can't set aside from the perfect knowledge of the basic rules and the tradition.

3. What is your favorite quilting tip?

My favourite quilting tip is to use all the fabric I choose for a project to finish that project ( for the border or the binding or the backing) so as to have the least scraps possible.

4. What was your inspiration for your Quilt Festival quilt?

The inspiration for my Festival quilts came from the red fabrics in my stash …I would find a way to use them all together and the big hexagon pattern seemed perfect.

5. Do you sew other things?

I love the quilts, I have quilts on my bed and on my sofa and I like to stay under them… so I like to make quilts!


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Thank you so much for sharing your quilts with us Nichi!  I love how far reaching this quilt/blog community is :)
Have a great weekend everyone~
Amy
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Featuring Wendy -- A Blogger's Quilt Festival Quilter!

Hi there!  Today our featured quilter is Wendy of Ivory Spring - I hope you enjoy getting to know Wendy a bit more --

1. When did you begin quilting?

I began quilting in October 2005 with no prior sewing experience or whatsoever.  My quilting mentor and friend Barbara had been talking to me about giving quilting a try.  Right about that time, my husband had a new nephew - so, that was just the reason I needed to start my first quilt. 

2. Why do you quilt?

I have always been fascinated by quilts, but never did venture into the world of quilting because I didn't know how to sew.  I love Baltimore quilts, and want to actually reproduce one some day.  I quilt because I want to share in the experience of quilters in the past that had produced the many treasured quilts.

3. What is your favorite quilting tip?

Do not be intimidated by the difficulty level of a quilt pattern - if you like it, jump right into it.  You will learn a lot in the process and build your confidence level.  And the sense of gratification is enormous when the project is completed.  For my first quilt, I chose a pieced and applique pattern.  It was not exactly easy, but I felt really good after I complete the project.  

4. What was your inspiration for your Quilt Festival quilt?

I was inspired by my love of spring, and the fabrics I was given with which to work.  Tulips were the perfect subject for spring! I wanted it to be a sweet quilt - so, adding the ribbon bows made the vase of tulips look like they are meant to be gifted to someone to make their day special.

5. Do you sew other things?

Yes, I dabble in heirloom sewing for my 17 month old daughter.  I love to do hand smocking, and thus does a bit of heirloom garment construction. 

6. Anything else you would like us to know about you?

I am originally from Southeast Asia.  I came to the States when I was 19 to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering.  I ended up with two degrees in Chemical Engineering.  I worked for 7 years in a research wind tunnel at the University of Arkansas.  I am now a work-at-home quilt designer and mom and wife.  My work has been featured in The Quilter, Quilter's World, UK's Popular Patchwork, Quiltmaker, Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Quilting & Embroidery, Bernina's Through the Needle, and Creative Machine Embroidery.  I am very excited about my upcoming features in Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting and Easy Quilts!  My passion is free-motion quilting on my home machine.  Wholecloth is the keyword to melt my heart!

Wow!  Your quilts are beautiful - thanks for sharing Wendy!
Have a great weekend~
Amy
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Featuring Jackie -- A Blogger's Quilt Festival Quilter!

Today's featured quilter is Jackie!  Many of you probably know her from her sweet comments and helpful insights - I hope you enjoy getting to know her more and seeing her beautiful quilts here!

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Hello Everyone, my name is Jackie and I am so glad to meet you!  

1. When did you begin quilting?

Technically, I first started quilting in my 6th grade Home Economics class when I made a patchwork pillow.  I actually still have it too!!  But I am not going to tell you how many years ago that was. So, I guess I became serious about quilting about 17 years ago. That is the short answer. There is a much longer one, but I won't bore you.

2. Why do you quilt?  

That is an easy one, because I absolutely love it. I love every aspect from picking fabrics, to designing, piecing, quilting, binding, all of it. It is also a big stress reliever for me too. Whenever I just need to "get away" this is my favorite outlet.

3.  What is your favorite quilting tip?

My favorite quilting tip is to never stop learning. Try new techniques even if you think it may be too difficult.  I take classes whenever I can.  Sometimes it may be just a quilt that I have wanted to do for a long time and I already know the technique. But all teachers teach differently and offer up their own tips. I think this is one of the best things that you can walk away with, just one new thing you didn't know before.

4.  What was your inspiration for your Quilt Festival quilt?

My inspiration for Quilt Festival was my favorite quilt that I made in 2009. It is a paper pieced pattern, which I love to do and it a special gift for my mother's birthday later this year. The fabric colors were inspired by my Mom's favorite candy Chocolate Raspberry Truffles. That is what I decided to name the quilt.

5.  Do you sew other things?

On occasion, I sew totes/bags. I also make pillowcases for charity.  And of course, I quilt my customers quilts on my long arm.

6.  Anything else you would like us to know about you?

Because quilting is such a passion of mine, I turned it into a business in 2000 and it is called Canton Village Quilt Works. I have been a Professional Long Arm quilter since then and own a Gammill Statler Stitcher.  The majority of my customers are local, but I have quite a few that mail to me from all over the country.  One of my dreams, since I began quilting, was to open a quilt shop someday. Well, timing has never been right and with the internet really taking off, it has enabled me to recently open my own online quilt shop!! I opened it's virtual doors in November of 2009 and am seeing a steady growth. Choosing fabrics for the shop is always inspiring. Come check the shop out here:  http://www.cvquiltworks.com/shop.  The shop recently underwent a facelift and I really love it, much more user friendly.

I would love to hear from you!! Come visit me at my blog (which is constantly being updated with lots of creative quilty things) or my website. Send me an e-mail, I would love it if you would say Hi!!  Thank you so much Amy for this wonderful opportunity to meet your readers.

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Thanks so much for sharing Jackie!  I love your quilts, and use of color in them - always striking and beautiful!

Have a great weekend everyone,
Amy
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Featuring Debbie -- A Blogger's Quilt Festival Quilter!

Hi Friends!  I hope you are doing well, I've had a busy week with the kids and hope that the weekend is relaxing!  We'll see how much sewing I can squeeze in!

Today's featured quilter is Debbie!  Debbie blogs at Esch House Quilts and has an amazing aesthetic to her quilts.  Enjoy --

1. When did you begin quilting? 
I began quilting in 2002 after sewing pretty much my whole life.

2. Why do you quilt? 
Because I can’t stop! Seriously, the colors and the graphic design are such a wonderful creative outlet. It is so satisfying to create something from your own mind with your own hands. And better yet if that something keeps you warm, warms the heart of a friend or the décor of your home.

3. What is your favorite quilting tip? 

I’m not very good at free motion quilting, so when I want to quilt a curvy motif on a quilt, I draw it on freezer paper, iron it to the quilt top and quilt around the freezer paper. 

4. What was your inspiration for your Quilt Festival quilt? 

When I was designing “A New View” there were several ideas going around in my head. I was interested in making an asymmetrical quilt and in the graphic possibilities of very simple blocks. I was fascinated with windows in buildings around town and I wanted to make a scrap quilt that was not multicolored. These ideas all merged together to become “A New View”. 

5. Do you sew other things? 
I do sew other things. These days my non-quilt projects are most likely to be home dec projects such as roman shades, curtains or pillow covers. I used to make a lot of clothes and have made quite a few Halloween costumes! 

6. Anything else you would like us to know about you? 
I am so inspired by all the amazing (mostly) women I see on the Internet finding time to fit creativity into their busy lives.

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Thanks for sharing Debbie!  I love your FMQ tip, that is a great tip for anyone wanting to move into more free motion quilting.  

:)  Amy
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Featuring Thearica -- A Blogger's Quilt Festival Quilter!

I'm curious to know how many of you have made it through all the links in the festival!  I added a quick poll to the sidebar just to see :)  Today's quilter is Thearica of Pigtales and Quilts - I hope you enjoy getting to know her better!
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1. When did you begin quilting? 
I made my first quilt blocks at the age of 8 under the guidance of my paternal grandmother. At the age of 19 she called me and asked me to come to her house because she had sashed those blocks together after so many years and that we were going to quilt the top. My sister rode along with me and she and I, along with grandmother, granddaddy, my aunt and uncle, we quilted the entire quilt that day. It isn't the prettiest quilt in the world but to me it is Priceless!

Shortly after that, I made my first quilt from scratch and put it into a consignment shop where it sold the following day. It was from the pattern, Little Farmer Boy. The customer ordered another quilt as well so I made that one as my 2nd quilt. My 3rd quilt was an appliqued Strawberry which was traded for a handmade wooden jelly cupboard. And the rest is history! I have no idea how many quilts I have made over the past 30 years! I do know that between my 2 grandchildren, they have 15 quilts. And that number does not even begin to cover the bottom of the bucket!

2. Why do you quilt? 

I am happiest when I am quilting! It is also my sanctuary! Whenever I am feeling blue all I have do is go into the studio, turn on my classical music, turn on the machine and quilt and forget about my troubles! 

I love creating art on fabric! I love every part of the quilting process but the greatest joy is turning the quilt to the back once I am finished with the quilting! I have always done this...I have no idea why...but there is nothing any sweeter than the satisfaction one feels, when they see the beauty that emerges!

3. What is your favorite quilting tip? 

If you cannot see it from a galloping horse, then noone is going to notice! (from a fellow longarmer)

4. What was your inspiration for your Quilt Festival quilt? 

My mother was my inspiration for the Quilt Festival. She was diagnosed with cancer in November 2007 and passed away on September 1, 2009. My friends from the HGTV Quilting and Needlework Forum all made heart blocks and sent them to a friend in Massachusetts. She enlisted the help of another friend there and they put the blocks together into a quilt. They shipped it to Texas, where another friend quilted it. She then mailed it to Virginia to another friend and she hand delivered it to me. Of course, I cried when it was presented to me! There is nothing like the love of friends when you go through a death. I use the quilt every evening when my husband and I lie on the couch watching television. It is like getting a huge group hug every single day!

5. Do you sew other things? 

Over the past couple of years I have began to do a lot of Crazy Quilting. The largest project to date was a block that I made for my mother in law for her birthday in April. I had it framed and presented it to her a few days before her birthday. I couldn't wait to give it to her. She loved it!  I also do a little bit of knitting, cross stitching (small projects), and make a few art and craft items.


6. Anything else you would like us to know about you? 

I love charity work and believe we all should use the talents that God has given us to help others. I head a yearly charitable event along with the help of the quilters from the HGTV Quilting and Needlework Forum. At the moment I am hosting our 7th annual raffle which will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities. This is our 3rd year to work for this wonderful organization! The RMH will be presented 100% of the funds from the raffle in September of this year. We have 36 quilts up for grabs in the raffle, all of which were made by the quilters of the HGTV forum. They also sent along 10.00 each for postage to get the quilts to the winners. Last year was our biggest year to date, raising a whopping 4,000.00!!! We would love to pass that amount this year and with everyone's help, we can do just that! We invite everyone to purchase tickets for the raffle and in turn help this great charitable organization! The Ronald McDonald House Charities help so many people each and every day! You can find the pertinent information on my blog.

I have been self employed for the past 23 years, running a custodial business for the first 18 years of that time period. I retired from that line of work in 2004 and now run a professional longarm business here in Henderson, NC. I am married to a wonderful man who is by trade a tobacco farmer. I have 2 wonderful daughters and a beautiful granddaughter and charming grandson. I am originally from Alabama and moved to NC in 2003. There are 650 miles that separate me from family but we go home every chance we get. Life is good!
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Thank you Thearica for sharing, and many blessings in your RMH efforts!

Have a great weekend~
Amy
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Featuring Barb & Mary -- Blogger's Quilt Festival Quilters!

You read that right!  Today I am featuring a pair of bloggers - Barb and Mary.   They are the last of the fall Festival features, thanks so much to all of you that have nominated bloggers in the last week!

Mary--

1. When did you begin quilting?

I made my first quilt in 1978.  It was a graduation gift for my college boyfriend, a huge brown puff quilt that was more like a lead blanket than a quilt.  I had stuffed each puff with heavy cotton batting. (Who knew?) Luckily there are no pictures of this regrettable work. :)

2. Why do you quilt?
Like Barb, I've always enjoyed all types of needlework, knitting, sewing, cross stitch, needlepoint, rug hooking - you name it I've done it.  When I tried quilting it just stuck with me.  I could be creative and make something beautiful, and be practical and make something useful at the same time.  And, more importantly, quilting has brought me many great friendships through the years.

3. What is your favorite quilting tip?
I don't have a favorite tip but I like Barb's very much.  I'm going to try that.  (Read below!)

4. What was your inspiration for your Quilt Festival quilt?
I was one of the three friends in this group project.  I remember being captivated by the picture of the original quilt in Kaffe's book.  It was neat to find out that my friends felt the same way so we decided it would be a fun project

5. Do you sew other things?

I'm a big sewer - I mostly sew quilts but I also like to make jackets.  In addition to the quilt blogs, I love reading the sewing blogs - those ladies are making incredible garments.  I've also made a fair number of drapes and curtains in my day.

6. Anything else you would like us to know about you?

My family has recently relocated to the Midwest (Zionsville, IN) and it's my quilting and knitting that are helping me feel connected in this new community.  

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Barb--
1. When did you begin quilting?
I started quilting when my son was born in 1989.  My first quilt was a pattern of sailboats for him.  I made that quilt, and then I took a class to learn how.

2. Why do you quilt?
I have always enjoyed needlework starting with embroidery and cross stitch.  I was always drawn to quilts in Country Living Magazine in the 1970s and 1980s.  When I started a family, I finally felt I had the time to pursue it.

3. What is your favorite quilting tip?
Make time to do a little everyday.  Even 15 minutes of quilting or appliqueing can make a difference in finishing a project.  And never leave home with a little project. 

4. What was your inspiration for your Quilt Festival quilt?
The quilt in Kaffe Fassett's Museum Quilts from the Victoria and Albert museum.  It was a group project with 3 of my quilt friends.  We used his patterns and made many of our own.  We modified it quite a bit from Kaffe's version, using the original as inspiration.

5. Do you sew other things?
I enjoy making purses, jackets and the occasional Halloween costume.  I also like to do needle punch and red work. 

6. Anything else you would like us to know about you?

One of the things I enjoy most about being a quilter is all the wonderful and fun women I have met over the years.  I have had the pleasure of being in many guilds and sewing groups where I feel supported and encouraged and where we have fun!

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Thanks to Barb and Mary!  I hope you all enjoyed getting to know these ladies better :)
Amy
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Featuring Sarah - A Blogger's Quilt Festival Quilter!

One week from today the Blogger's Quilt Festival begins!  One week!  Grab a button from my sidebar or this post if you haven't already and help spread the word - thanks :)

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Today's featured quilter is Sarah from Sew Joy.  I love the line in her header - "Sew Joy! - Reap Quilts!" So true Sarah!  I hope you enjoy getting to know Sarah better --

1. When did you start quilting? 
I began quilting in 1997 as a homebound newlywed and new University graduate. I was dealing with endometriosis and not able to do much and in very low spirits. I found a quilting magazine – or it found me! – and I fell in love with the stories behind the quilts and the women who made them. I spent hours researching the names of quilt blocks. I then decided to make a baby quilt. I was dealing with infertility issues and felt that making the quilt would give me a positive way to pass the time. I used scraps my mother had saved from clothes she had made for me and my dolls. My first quilt became a UFO as I found other quilts to try. I was nervous about finishing it with handquilting and put it aside. It took me several years to finish that quilt – just in time for my baby!

2.  Why do you quilt?
I quilt because I have to – and I love it! It is an outlet for my creativity. It combines my love of colour with my love of learning. It brings me joy as I conquer fears of trying new techniques and discover some of my own along the way. It gives me a sense of connectedness to a long tradition of women making items out of necessity and love – and a chance to keep that tradition alive.

3.  What is your favorite quilting tip?

My favourite quilting tip would be to Follow Your Bliss! Make what you want to make. Do it now. Quilting can bring you joy on so many levels. Conquer your fear of colour, machine quilting, designing, applique, embellishing – you can do it! The quilting community is full of people to help and blogs are a great place to find them.

4.  What was your inspiration for your Quilt Festival quilt?

The inspiration for my Quilt Festival quilt started with my desire to make a BIG quilt for my brother’s third daughter. I found a bright kid print in my stash and then designed the quilt using a bunch of block ideas from quilters whose blogs I follow. The result was a big, bright picnic quilt for my nieces to enjoy.

5.  Do you sew other things?

I love to sew unique gifts. I have made wedding wallhanging quilts - with my sister- for my cousins, baby quilts, anniversary quilts, and especially for my daughter’s friends – bags as birthday gifts. Making bags is my second obsession. It’s a great excuse for collecting big print fabrics! I ‘bookmark’ tutorials from blogs to try out new projects for gifts. I have made zippered pouches, coasters, doll diapers, tissue keepers, journal covers, softies, aprons, AND I’m mulling over starting to sew figure skating outfits for my daughter.
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Thank you for sharing your story and your quilts with us Sarah!

Blessings,
Amy
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Featuring Allie -- A Blogger's Quilt Festival Quilter!

Happy Friday!  Thanks to all of you that took the time to take the survey - I really appreciate it!  A couple of you asked "what is Blogger's Quilt Festival?"  **gasp**  just kidding - I have a whole page of info about the up coming BQF - check it out!  If you have questions still, feel free to email me directly.  One thing you all should know is that this festival is for everyone!  The beginner, with a first quilt, or the veteran quilter working on who knows what number!  Don't be shy :)
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That said - today's featured quilter is Allie, of Allie-oops sweet happy life!  Allie is super sweet and such an encouragement to me - someone you want to be friends with :)  I hope you enjoy getting to know more about her and her quilting journey---

1.  When did you start quilting?  
I started my first quilt 30 years ago.  I had never made one, didn't know anyone who quilted, just saw a picture in a magazine and decided to try it.  I made it all by hand, and made every mistake you can make on a quilt - I even used ink on my seam lines, so I would be sure to sew a straight line.  Needless to say, the ink didn't come out, and I ended up hand-stitching ribbon down all the seams.  It's still one of my favorite quilts.  I'll never forget the magical moment when it came out of the dryer, and I pulled it over me.....bliss.  A quilter was born.

2.  Why do you quilt?
I don't know.  It's a madness.  Don't cure me, ever.  I love to make quilts for others, especially friends that are going through tough times, especially if they live far away - it's like sending a hug.

3.  What is your favorite quilting tip?
Not really a tip, more of an attitude - don't let anyone tell you that you can't.  If you want to try a technique, do it.  You don't have to wait for a class, or get it just right, half the fun is in the trying.  And mistakes often lead to great designs!

4.  What was your inspiration for your Quilt Festival quilt?
Two things - I needed a quilt for a wedding, and I had some really fabulous machine embroidery designs that I was dying to try.  Purple was the bride's favorite color, definitely not one of mine - but I love the way it turned out, purple or not.

5.  Do you sew other things?
Not if I can help it.  I have a love/hate relationship with purses - I love carrying a unique purse, but am not fond of the process.  I'm genetically incapable of making garments.  The only thing I'll try is pajamas, because nobody will see them but me.

6.  Anything else you would like us to know about you?
Yes - I am eternally grateful for all the bloggers out there who have inspired, challenged and befriended me.  I'll never forget reading my first blog - Posie Gets Cosy by Alicia Paulson - I was hooked.  A whole new world of people who thought like I did - I was amazed and delighted.  I only started my own blog so I could leave comments on other blogs, to say thank you for tutorials and such fabulous pictures.  My blog has become so much more than I thought it would, and I'm thrilled to get to know so many wonderful people!

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Thank you for so much for sharing Allie!

Have a great weekend everyone :)
Amy
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Featuring Rita -- A Blogger's Quilt Festival Quilter!

Odds are you know today's featured quilter - it's Rita from Red Pepper Quilts!  I hope you enjoy getting to know Rita a little more --

1. When did you begin quilting?

Rita's First Quilt

I began quilting about 10 years ago.   Both my mother and sister are quilters, and it is their passion for quilting which appealed to me, and with their encouragement I began my own quilting journey. My first quilt is dated 2001 and was made using a magazine pattern.  When I look at my first quilt I can see that I have made so much progress, and that my eye for color and design has changed direction.  This quilt even represents all those elements of quilting that I currently try to avoid - applique, hand stitching, hand quilting and hand stitched binding!

2. Why do you quilt?

I quilt because I absolutely love it.  I love my fabric stash, enjoy fabric and color play and enjoy the freedom of piecing without a pattern.  

3. What is your favourite quilting tip?

My favorite quilting tip: - Break all the rules, and do what works well for you.   I do not have a sewing background, no training in design or color, but have found my own way to work towards making quilts that appeal to me. 

4. What was your inspiration behind your Quilt Festival quilt?

My inspiration for the Quilt Festival quilt was to exhibit a quilt that was made early in my quilting journey - at time where I was still reliant on others to choose fabrics, and as such this quilt was made from a complete fabric kit.  I did not dare to alter the layout of this quilt in any way.  My fabric and color skills have since progressed - at first by taking calculated risks in fabric selections - and feel that I am now at a point where I am confident with my own fabric choices.

5. Do you sew other things?

I don't sew other things ... at all.  

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Rita - Thank you so much for sharing your quilts and your journey with us!    I love your use of color :)

Happy Weekend Everyone!
Amy
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Featuring Isa -- A Blogger's Quilt Festival Quilter!

Hi there!  The featured quilter today is Isa!  I hope you enjoy getting to know her more --

1. When did you begin quilting?

I started quilting in the summer of 2008, while being pregnant with my youngest daughter Marie, I wanted to make her a baby blanket under which she could be kept warm and safe. In my last trimester I had a hard time sleeping, and so I spend my nights sewing and surfing the internet learning about patchwork, quilting and such. And that first quilt really got me hooked (some may say obsessed…)

2. Why do you quilt?

I quilt because I simply can’t stop… And because I really enjoy the process in which small pieces of fabric create a new whole.

It’s also a great stress relief for me, and I would probably be a much grumpier person if I didn’t quilt.

3. What is your favourite quilting tip?

My favourite quilting tip or advice is the importance of accurate seam allowance, and to not save money on a seam ripper… but get the best there is.

4. What was your inspiration behind your Quilt Festival quilt?

My entry to the quilt festival was a quilt I made as part of Crazymomquilt’s one a day minepatch quilt along. (…and breath…) I really like the ninepatch block because it’s so simple and yet so versatile. I wanted to make a scrap quilt using scraps from other quilts I’ve made, so that the quilt in this way would be a walk down memory lane. The rainbow or colorway layout is an absolute favourite of mine, and it seemed like a good and easy way to arrange the scrappy blocks.

5. Do you sew other things?

Yes I sew other things as well, both personally and professionally. I’m in the midst of taking a bachelor degree in textile education and handicraft… A sort of handicraft teacher for adults. So I sew a lot in school, primarily clothes and garments.  In my spare time I also enjoy sewing softies, bags and home décor in general.

6. Anything else you would like us to know about you?

Hmm.. What’s there more to tell?

I’m beginning to be more interested in designing fabric, we have had a couple of courses in screen printed fabric, and I really love doing it. My eyes also been opened to the world of digital textile print, and I hope to become better at using illustrator and photoshop during this year.

Thank you for listening to me talk about myself J

And thank you Amy for being such an inspiration and for having such a lovely blog.

Isa

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Thanks so much for sharing Isa!  I'm envious and curious to know more about your degree - sounds amazing!
Have a great weekend everyone :)
Amy
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Featuring Lynz -- A Blogger's Quilt Festival Quilter!

I met the featured quilter last summer in Dana's quilt-along.  Lynz is a fun gal who blogs her quilting life in Scotland at Domestic Light and Magic....enjoy!
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1. When did you begin quilting?
I've been quiting since May 2009 - so not a year yet! I was looking for a pattern for a beanbag doorstop since my wee sister-in-law was jamming her conservatory door open with one of her husband's trainers (a sneaker if you're not a Brit!). I stumbled upon Tall Grass Prairie Studio and Oh, Frannson! and had never seen quilts like them! I had 2 close friends about to give birth and decided to make them pram quilts which were made (the black and red "Yummy Mummy" was officially my first quilt), happily received and THEN I found the Old Red Barn Co quilt-along. I haven't stopped cutting fabric since!

2. Why do you quilt?
I'm not sure. I've always loved making things out of other things. Creating in general has always been my "thing" whether it was drawing, gardening or baking. I think piecing fabric can be quite zen-like when you get in the zone but you could say that for a lot of hobbies. I don't ever analyse my joys - I just do it coz I love it. Cosy throws and family heirlooms are just a lovely side effect!

3. What is your favourite quilting tip?
If you are tired? Stop. Nothing good EVER comes from sleepy sewing - this would be the voice of experience talking! And I mean fed-up sewing here, too!

4. What was your inspiration behind your Quilt Festival quilt?
The Weller zig-zag was largely inspired by YOU, Amy, since you taught me how to make it! And it is green since that is my favourite colour and it was my first quilt for ME! It's still a favourite and although I could do it better now? I rather like it's imperfections.

5. Do you sew other things?
I've been sewing since childhood when my beloved Wee Granny let me use her auld Singer - I have very happy memories of making sock bunnies for my wee brother and doctoring teenage clothes - but through my adulthood I've only sewn for necessity. Curtains and hemming and nothing else. It is safe to say my machine has had more use in the last 10 months than in the last 10 years put together. Maybe the last 15! I did make a couple aprons last year and have been eyeing up a few clothing patterns - it's fun having unique homemade clothes!!

6. Anything else you would like us to know about you?
Er. I am Scottish and sometimes my dialect shows in my typing. I work, I love my family more than anything and am a rock chick. And thank you Mum and Daddy for buying me my wee Janome when I was 16 - you were right. It IS a better gift than a motorbike and look what it's making 20 years later!

And to whoever nominated me? Thanks - but I think you're nut. Have you SEEN the talent about?!?!?

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Thanks for sharing Lynz!  I hope you all have a great weekend :)
Amy
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Featuring Margaret -- A Blogger's Quilt Festival Quilter!

Hi there!  The weeks keep flying by, thankfully next week is our spring break - finally!  The local schedule was delayed in the fall for the new high school, it wasn't a big deal at the time, but parents, students and teachers are feeling it now.  We are all looking forward to a week off!

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Our featured quilter today is Margaret!  Her Quilt Festival entry is impressive, and I hope you enjoy getting to know Margaret better.  

1. When did you begin quilting? 

I made my first "quilt" in 1987 when I was still in college.  My mother taught me to sew and embroider when I was a young girl though.  Throughout highschool, I made many of my outfits including shorts, suits and even swimsuits.  The need to quilt came when I needed to have something new on my bed!  Over the years, my skills improved.  I made many quilts for Christmas, birthday, graduation gifts.  I've made so many quilts that I can't begin to count.  The number is in the hundreds though.

2. Why do you quilt?  

It's fair to say that I quilt because I have an insatiable need to create and to express myself through this craft.  I love to see pretty things on beds and walls too!  I love learning and testing new techniques, and working with the never-ending supply of gorgeous fabrics available.  I am a romantic and am old-fashioned at heart, so I always think that a handmade gift is ten times that of something from a store. 

3. What is your favorite quilting tip? 

I don't have a specific "tip".  My best suggestion is that practice will bring perfection (or if not perfection, then satisfaction!).  Love what you do.  Try new things.  Don't be afraid.

4. What was your inspiration for your Quilt Festival quilt?  

I didn't have an inspiration per se, like some other quilters did.  My entry for the festival was a collage of pictures taken from a "quilt show" of sorts.  I had donated 53 quilts to Project Linus the previous month, and had displayed them all over my back yard for a photo shoot.  One blogger coined it the "Sea of Love".  

In January of 2007, in an effort to thin down some of my stash (which in retrospect was miniscule!), I made a few flannel blankets for Project Linus.  I had not sewn too much in recent years except for making draperies and a couple baby quilts.  I was suddenly hooked again.  I asked all my friends and family that may have scraps if they were willing to donate them to me to make more Linus quilts.  I had SO much fabric I hardly knew what to do with it.  It was fun to quilt and create and not need to worry who I was going to give that quilt to!  Since 2007, I have donated over 100 quilts to this charity. 

5. Do you sew other things?  

Yes, definitely, but buttons and hemming are not in that repertoire!  I have made draperies for my house, those dreaded Halloween costumes each year, and many heirloom smocked dresses for my daughter and my two nieces.

6. Anything else you would like us to know about you?  

I have hosted several successful swaps in the last 3 years including the Four Seasons Quilt Swap and Spring Fling Round Robin, each of which had many sessions.  Both included fantastically talented quilters which motivated me and challenged my quilting abilities.  The swaps were a great avenue to test new techniques and to grow as a quilter.  

In the fall of 2009, I started a longarm quilting business.  The internet clientele has been instrumental in my success, with nearly 90% of the quilts I have quilted to date coming from fellow bloggers all over the US.  I currently participate in three quilting bees (blocks only), but my swapping days are in the past due to the time constraints of a business.

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Margaret, thank you so much for sharing your quilts and your story with us!  I love seeing the "Sea of Love" and your suggestion to keep trying and doing new things, is brilliant.  :)  I wish you much success with your long arm business!

You can find more information about Project Linus, and local chapters on their site.

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