MEET FAMILY EVER AFTER

Last year I did this crazy little thing called Sewvivor, you might have heard of it. Without a doubt it was one of the best things I did in 2014. Not only did it challenge me in ways I didn’t think possible it introduced me to some amazing people who have made my life better by being in it. One of these people is Rachel (of Family Ever After) who is the creator of Sewvivor.

Rachel and I bonded over our shared love of reality television competitions and quilting (a match made in heaven). Rachel is one of those people that I wish I lived closer to so that we could just catch up for a bunch of caramels every so often and talk about everything and anything and not have to rely on either of us finding time to sit down and write an email.

I really loved reading about Rachel’s journey and I’m so looking forward to the next season of Sewvivor. I hope you enjoy getting a bit of a peak at her kind of wonderful today too.

How did you come to be a quilter?

When I first learned how to sew, I was making apparel, which was a great place to start learning. But after a while, I wasn’t getting the same satisfaction out of sewing clothing for my family that I used to have. I had a hard time justifying the cost of handmade clothing when I could buy things on sale so much cheaper. And I didn’t love that the outfits I made for my kids would only last for a few months before they would either outgrow them or stain them. I still enjoy making an occasional apparel item, but once I discovered quilting, my to do list grew like crazy, and I haven’t had much time to think about sewing anything else!

I’m still not sure I consider myself an experienced quilter, considering my “want to make list” is far longer than the actual number of quilts I’ve actually sewn. But I dream about quilting almost every night, so I guess that makes me a quilter? Haha. My favorite things to make aren’t necessarily big quilts. I love quilting bags, pillows, pouches, and mini quilts, just as much as I love the idea of making full size quilts.

What is it that you love about being a quilter?

Once I found quilting, I had a renewed sense of sewing altogether. I really love making things for other people. I love the challenge I face when I sit down at my machine. There are so many things I want to try. There are so many exciting patterns and so much amazing fabric to work with. And the quilting community that I’ve found via blogs and instagram really, really makes it fun and exciting.

What made you start Sewvivor?

It was a few years back when there were a few crafting competitions going on in blogland. The thought of a sewing competition sounded so fun. Once the idea of Sewvivor came to me, I couldn’t quit thinking about it. It took a lot of guts to get it going, but it was an idea that I couldn’t just sit on. I had to bring it to action. It has really brought me out of my comfort zone. I know that the contestants put so much work and time into participating, and sometimes it freaks me out that this thing that I created can impact other’s lives so intensely! But I think people have a lot of fun participating and following, and that’s what keeps me going with it!

What gives you the most joy from running this amazing online competition?

Two things: the amazing people I have met, and the caliber of projects that have been created! Every season, I’ve been so blown away by things people have sewn. When I came up with the idea of having Season 3 become a Quilter’s Edition, I knew it was going to be awesome. Quilters are so creative. The 16 contestants on Season 3 were so dedicated, so creative, and so awesome behind the scenes. It was such an incredible journey.

What are you most proud of from your quilting experience?

Sewing at my machine is my reward to myself after a day of successful work and parenting. In a sense, it’s a reflection of other areas in my life. I can remember the projects I’ve made in relation to the phase of life I was in at the time– how old the kids were, the place we lived, the time of year. Life with 4 kids is so busy, and I try hard to seek a healthy balance of managing it all. But when I am able to take time out to sew, I really appreciate it because I’ve had to work hard to make it possible. When I finish a project, it is an ultimate feeling of accomplishment– something I made that I can physically hold, and its not gonna come undone (unlike most things I do in a day… cooking, laundry, homework with the kids).

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

For me, I love that quilting inspires me, and I feel like I have my whole life to grow, improve, and challenge myself at it. Don’t expect to know everything all at once. Allow yourself to be taught, to be amazed, to discover new things. New goals keeps it exciting.

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

Mary Dugan will always be one of the quilter’s who inspires me the most! I learn about so many new blocks from her feed (like the recent January block), and her fabric choices are so unique. I’m also inspired by a bunch of ladies working on the La Passacaglia quilt. I’m also very keen on Camille Roskelley and her fabrics and patterns at the moment.

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

Get caught up on my WIPs, attempt a few challenging foundation paper piecing projects, and keep practicing free-motion quilting!

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

My very first quilt; its made of large patchwork squares in several Americana prints. I had no idea what I was doing, I didn’t read any books on how to make a quilt, and it was back before blogs were around. I just made it up as I went. It has a very high loft batting, a binding that’s 9 inches wide, and I tied it with thread! Haha! It is still in one piece and my son uses it on his bed. It’s a good reminder of where I began my quilting journey.

My other two favorites are two mini quilts that I recently made. I tried new skills on both quilts- sewing curves, free motion quilting. They are just small quilts, but a good representation on my life at the moment. I love quick finishes!

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

Calligraphy!

Is there anything else that you would like to share with my readers?

Yes! I just want to say how much I’ve loved getting to know you Angie! You are one of the smartest, most genuine, crazy talented, and entertaining bloggers/quilters that I’ve ever met. It’s been a real treat to get to know you through Sewvivor and after ward. Thanks so much for the interview!

A Bit of 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.

1. Fabric: Solid or Pattern? Patterns.

2. Quilt Styles: Pattern or Improv? Usually pattern.

3. Seams: Open or to the Side? Open, almost always. I feel that the front of my quilts looks much more precise.

4. Stitching: Hand or Machine? Both! I love it all. it just depends on what look and feel I’m going for. I love the process hand quilting. I adore straight line machine quilting. And I’ve recently tried my hand at free motion quilting.

5. Binding: Hand or Machine? Hand- always hand. I’ve never even tried machine sewn binding. I love the process and outcome of hand binding way too much.

6. Food: Sweet or Savoury? Sweet.

7. Entertainment: Books or Music? Music. And books on Audible.

8. Entertainment: Television or Movies? I love both, but watch shows more often. I love to follow certain series while I sew at night. (Favorites: Chuck, Parks and Rec, Nashville, Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, Veronica Mars)

9. Computer: Mac or Windows? Mac.

10. Drink: Coke or Pepsi? Water!

You can find Rachel in the following places: Blog | Etsy |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Google+ | Twitter | Flickr

You can find out more about Sewvivor here: Instagram |  Facebook