MEET THE NIGHT QUILTER
5. What are you most proud of from your quilting experience?
Wow, this is a tough question! I still feel like such an amateur quilter, but I think I’m most proud of the fact that I’m pretty entirely self-taught. Before attempting my first Halloween costumes, I went to a sewing shop to inquire about sewing lessons since I had never sewn with a machine before (other than that horribly failed grape skirt attempt a decade+ earlier). It was October 2nd and I told the kind women that I planned to make Halloween costumes for my almost-1 yr old daughter and my husband and I. They immediately told me to go buy costumes, and gave me a schedule of the “beginning sewing” classes offered. No one tells me to give up on a crafting idea–c’mon! I went home and pulled out the instruction manual for my hand-me-down sewing machine and went to work. I made three owl costumes, barely finishing them the night before Halloween, but I never went back to that sewing shop. Since then, I’ve taught myself how to quilt, sew and design foundation paper piecing patterns, and most recently, hand stitch EPP.
6. What’s the one piece of advice about quilting that all new quilters should know?
I think my biggest piece of advice is to just try. Sew. Cut the fabric, sew them together, and go. Yes, there will be things that may turn out less than perfect. You may even create things that you consider *gasp* ugly. But the best way to learn is to do, in my opinion. You’ll never get anywhere until you try.
7. Who’s the quilter(s) that inspire you at the moment?
With social media outlets like Instagram, Facebook, and even Twitter, SO many quilters inspire me every day. It’s hard to name names, but if I must, here are some of my latest top inspirations: Lee Heinrich at Freshly Pieced has such a crisp, wonderfully aesthetic appeal to her quilts. I especially love the Terrazzo Quilt she designed for the Modern Solids Challenge.
Cath Hall of Wombat Quilts is a constant inspiration, with her gorgeous quilting and fabulous and frequent paper pieced blocks. Hillary of Entropy Always Wins is another favorite and uber inspiring quilter. Her blog (and Instagram) is always full of tons of fabulous photos of her gorgeous work—from quilts to bags to coasters, just about everything she makes causes me to drool (and be inspired!).
Carolyn Friedlander is one of my favorite fabric designers and quilters; I swoon over her combination of architecture/science and natural features in such versatile fabric lines. I can’t WAIT for her new Doe fabric line! And honestly, you, Angie! I LOVE your style! Your photos are always scrumptious and your writing makes me relax, take a breath, and then laugh! Your blog is one of my favorites to actually READ (and not just take in eye candy). Thank YOU for the inspiration!
8. What quilting challenges would you like to conquer in the next 12 months?
Here is where I should take my own advice from #6, and just try. In the next 12 months, I would love to improve my free motion quilting skills and reduce the apprehension I have associated with it. I also REALLY want to get over my fear of zippers and make a Sew Together bag. I really REALLY want one, but have yet to sew a zipper! In terms of quilting, I’d like to expand to designing full-sized quilt patterns, since right now I have only designed (at least as far as published patterns) paper pieced block patterns. I think I will give myself 24 months for this next one, especially with another baby due at the end of May 2015 (shhh ;)), but in the next couple years I’d like to accomplish a “professional” milestone; something that kicks off a career in the quilting world, whether it’s publishing a book, getting blog sponsorship, designing a “hit” pattern, or maybe even designing fabric. Are those too many challenges/goals? Typical Kitty. Oh well, if you don’t dream it, you won’t achieve it, right?
Thank you so much, Angie! It was very fun to answer your questions and really think about my quilting roots. I kind of tend to fly by the seat of my pants (I think having two little ones running around does that to you), so it was great to sit back and reflect on different aspects of what I’m doing and why. I’m so grateful to have found your blog, since you are one of my constant streams of inspiration and support! Quilting is indeed a social habit, Kirsty, and the sharing part is so essential to the creative process! Happy quilting, all!
Late night quilting is the best!
Great idea to start a Facebook group- quilting is such a social habit, we all seem to like a natter whether in person or electronically. I seem to get a lot more done when I’m interacting with others, even though you’d think it would be the opposite. There’s something so motivating about sharing. Best of luck with whatever ‘big step’ you decide on next!