#100Days100Blocks2019 Community Superstar – Nicole Buckley

When I was thinking about who I’d like to see make blocks from Kinship: 100 Block Fusion Sampler, @Saphre1964 (Nicole Buckley) was top of the list. I’ve been blessed to follow Nicole on Instagram for a few years now and I’ve so loved watching her go from strength-to-strength and grow in confidence.

Nicole has a happiness that shines through her work and is completely infectious. On days when I’m not feeling right with the world I know I can go to her Instagram feed and look at her pictures, read her words, and be inspired to get on with life – because life is in the living.

The Blocks

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

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 live in Sarasota County, Florida, USA. I am a mom of two wonderful adult women. I have one granddaughter and one on the way. I have a very complicated life story, yet try to live in the present. I use quilting to explore my creative needs. I swim almost daily in the sea. I created a welcoming open water swim group for all levels of swimmers called “meet me at blue”. That’s because our lifeguard stand is Blue. Swimming in the salty sea has healed me. I believe I am part mermaid. I live very simply without a TV. I am quite talkative around people, yet live in utter silence with my two therapy kitties.

2. How did you come to be a quilter?

I was asked to create 12 blocks for a Wounded Warrior Project over 5 years ago. I had always sewn, since the age of 8, but had NEVER quilted. I’m afraid to even think about my squashed points to that simple star block.

3. What is it that you love about being a quilter? 

I feel I am making art. I feel I am stitching love right into each piece I create.  

4. What are you most proud of from your quilting experience? 

That I quilt with intention. I use quilting to express my love of people. I use it to calm my anxieties. I use it as a healing art. I am proud that I support others. I am proud that I am willing to share my gifts of quilting.

5. What’s the one piece of advice about quilting that all new quilters should know? 

There are NO mistakes, just opportunities to grow.

6. Who’s the quilter(s) that inspire you at the moment? 

Sarah Elizabeth Sharp and Giuseppe Ribaudo

7. What quilting challenges would you like to conquer in the next 12 months?

I’d like to see my quilt “Girl Power” shown locally and eventually nationally. I’d like to have several quilts completed in time to enter into quilt shows.

8. What’s your 3 favourite quilts that you’ve made that reflect who you are as a quilter? 

“Girl Power”, “All You Need is Love”, and “loVe trinKet”.

9. If you weren’t a quilter, what other creative endeavour would you like to master? 

Because I started quilting so late in life, I’ve actually worked in many mediums. Yarn, weaving baskets, painting, cross stitch, embroidery, etc. What I’ve never learned is how to throw pots. I think working in clay would be the perfect way to feel the earth. Molding something in my hands would prove soothing.

10. Do you listen to music, watch television or prefer the hum of the sewing machine when you sew? 

Hum only. Remember no TV in my home. I also only listen to music, quite loudly when I am driving in the car.

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?

Carrie Bloomston. Carrie is really the only fabric designer who reached out to me when I contacted her through Instagram. I find her to be authentic, kind, and so very creative. I love that she paints, loves children, loves teaching, loves loving people.

12. What’s your favourite colour combination to work with and why?

Saturated jewel tones and low volume. This year I am concentrating on saturated color with black and white. I try to pick a “theme” of color each year.

13. Do you prewash your quilting fabrics?

NEVER

14. What’s the best quilting tip you’ve ever gotten?

Starch your fabrics and scant 1/4 ” seams.

15. Do you have any favourite tools that you love to use?

I am addicted to foundation paper piecing. So, my computer, EQ8, and sharp rotary blades.

16. Do you participate in online community events, such as SAL, and if so, what do you love about them?

Yes, yes, yes. SAL keep me motivated and allow me to find new quilty friends.

17. What do you love about sharing your work on Instagram? 

The positive affirmation. I feel like not only am I creating for the person who receives my quilts, blocks, or projects, but for the community itself.

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? Solids only

2. Quilt Styles: Pattern or Improv?

3. Seams: Open or to the Side? Side, the dark side.

4. Stitching: Hand or Machine?

5. Binding: Hand or Machine?

6. Food: Sweet or Savoury? Sweet, sweet, and sweeter

7. Entertainment: Books or Music? Sewing and swimming

8. Entertainment: Television or Movies? Movies at the theatre only

9. Computer: Mac or Windows?

10. Social Media: Facebook or Instagram

You can find Nicole in the following places: Instagram | Pinterest

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.