#100Days100Blocks2019 Community Superstar – Annika Lenschen
I can’t quite recall when I first became aware of Annika’s work… but I know that it was love at first sight. Annika has this way of mixing fabrics that I adore and secretly wish I could do. Her ability to pattern match when fussy cutting is sublime and her stash would be one I’d love to raid.
I loved finding out more about her and her approach to life and work. I love that despite being on opposite sides of the world some things are shared: love of fabric, love of fun, love of gaming and a love of fussy cutting.
The Questions
1. Tell us a little bit about you – where you live, what your family looks like, do you gave any pets, is there something unusual/special about where you live, etc.
I am 40 years old, married. 3 girls aged 10 and 7. Yes, twins! We live in the western part of Germany nearby the Netherlands. I used to work as a dentist before I became a SAHM for the last 10 years. I am not sure if there is something special about me…maybe I can be called geeky as I have a heart for sci fi such as Star Wars, Star Trek, Dr Who, additionally I am a passionate gamer. I played a MMORPG for 5 years but switched to PS4 some months ago. Favourite game right now: Diablo 3. 🙂
2. How did you come to be a quilter?
I started sewing when my twins were born – I didn’t like the “usual” baby clothes and wanted to create them on my own. I totally failed at sewing elastic fabrics and so I switched to patchwork. I had my first great experience with patchwork/quilting when I joined the Tula’s 100 SAL on Flickr some years ago. I liked it and so here we go!
3. What is it that you love about being a quilter?
It’s the freedom of taste. I can make whatever I want, the only person who needs to like it is ME. Patchwork offers so many opportunities regarding techniques and I love to learn new ways to get the result I already have formed in my head.
4. What are you most proud of from your quilting experience?
Not so simple question….the last time I were proud was when I managed to sew some y seams at first try. :)) A very good fussy cut also makes me proud…. it doesn’t need to be a big finish for me.
5. What’s the one piece of advice about quilting that all new quilters should know?
It is common advice I think: do not only invest in good quality fabrics, but in the best supplies you can afford. A bad thread can ruin a work. Also change the cutter blade regularly!
6. Who’s the quilter(s) that inspire you at the moment?
Tough question too! 🙂 There are some quilters on Instagram I really like to see works from: GeekyBobbin, SewLikeAFox, Tuedelue71 just to name a few.
7. What quilting challenges would you like to conquer in the next 12 months?
Finish my Bargello I started 2 months ago….. expectation and reality don’t match that well! I also started the Ice Cream Soda Quilt by TalesOfCloth. The LaPassacaglia needs some loving hands too….
8. What’s your 3 favourite quilts that you’ve made that reflect who you are as a quilter?
The first King Size Quilt I ever made: Wonky Stars with pink BG.
The 2017 Tulas 100 blocks. Already finished quilting….
The Meadowland Quilt which is currently in longarmer’s hands….
9. If you weren’t a quilter, what other creative endeavour would you like to master?
Aquarell painting. Felting big style. Making soap.
10. Do you listen to music, watch television or prefer the hum of the sewing machine when you sew?
90% of my sewing time i listen to “Die ???” 🙂 Not sure if it is in any way know in the rest of the world…. its about 3 young detectives who solve tricky riddles and originally made for teenagers. If it comes to chain piecing I prefer watching Netflix, same goes for EPP.
11. If you had to pick any designer to sit down and chat or work with for the day who would it be and why?
Definitely Libs Elliot! Regarding her appearance on instagram she seems to be a very interesting person.
12. What’s your favourite colour combination to work with and why?
I like a cold palette. Purple, turquoise, light blue, black. Why? It reminds me of old photo negatives, when you turn back the colours and I love high contrasts.
13. Do you prewash your quilting fabrics?
Never!
14. What’s the best quilting tip you’ve ever gotten?
How to get together the binding ends invisibly.
15. Do you have any favourite tools that you love to use?
A sharp seam ripper!
16. Do you participate in online community events, such as SAL, and if so, what do you love about them?
YES! I absolutely love the community revolving around the events. Its perfect to make new friends and to get to know about other design ideas regarding the same object.
17. What do you love about sharing your work on Instagram?
Its a bit like a online diary. I always plants some joy in my heart to scroll my own feed on days anything goes like I expect it to.
Just For Fun
If you could only have one or the other for the rest of eternity what would you choose? You can just choose a word, or choose to elaborate on your choice, it’s just a little bit of fun. Answers in bold.
1. Fabric: Solid or Pattern?
2. Quilt Styles: Pattern or Improv?
3. Seams: Open or to the Side?
4. Stitching: Hand or Machine?
5. Binding: Hand or Machine?
6. Food: Sweet or Savoury?
7. Entertainment: Books or Music?
8. Entertainment: Television or Movies?
9. Computer: Mac or Windows?
10. Social Media: Facebook or Instagram
You can find Mary in the following places: Instagram
Find Out More
I’d love for you to make your own version of the Kinship: 100 Block Fusion Sampler. You can purchase your pattern and supplies by clicking here.
Wanna play #100Days100Blocks? Find out the latest information about the event by clicking here.
Looking for fabrics and supplies? Then check out the latest deals from our event sponsors by clicking here.
