A Quilter's Life

I knew when Mel Beach shared that at a young age she had memorized who the artist was of each sculpture in the museum near her, that she was going to be sharing some brilliant information with us and I wasn’t disappointed.  We can easily see how her life experiences molded her into an inspiring quilt teacher.  I loved the quote from her coach that “If you had fun, you won.” This is Mel's Emerald Gardens quilt.  I still can't believe it's only 12" x 12".   Connect with Mel - Website: Mel Beach Quilts Facebook: Mel Beach Quilts Instagram: melbeachquilts Pinterest: Mel Beach YouTube: Mel Beach Quilts   Again my thanks to Carolina Moore for encouraging Mel to be interviewed. Here’s where you can find Carolina: Website:  Always Expect Moore.com YouTube: Carolina Moore Pinterest:  Carolina Moore Instagram:  craftmoore Facebook:  Always Expect Moore Podcast: I Love Notions  

Tonya Dunning started her business to get the word out about fidget quilts. Since then she has expanded her line with other fidget items. She learned how to write quilt patterns and realized that she loves editing and writing. So she not only writes her own patterns but is able to edit patterns for other quilt designers. Examples of Tonya's fidget quilts.  The last picture is the marble fidget. Connect with Tonya Website:  Memory Barn Studio Facebook: Memory Barn Studio Instagram: memorybarnstudio YouTube: Memory Barn Studio   I want to give a shout out to Danelle Howard for encouraging Tonya to share her story on A Quilter’s Life. If you missed Danelle's interview on A Quilter's Life - Danelle Howard Here’s Danelle's links: Website:  Cottage Path Quilting Instagram: cottagepathquilting YouTube: Danelle Howard – My Gathering Basket  

I’m excited to share the favorite quilting tools of my guests on A Quilter’s Life podcast from 2024.  I love how this list changes from year to year.  You’d think that they were sharing the new and improved tools that we all love to get our hands on.  But it seems we are all so thankful that we have some basic quilting tools that allow us to make our beautiful quilts.   Computer Software - Design quilts Seam Guide - Seams So Easy by Lori Holt   You don’t have to draw the lines for half square triangles or flying geese.  It makes it easy. Needle - Brand new sharp applique needle.  Hand needles get dull also and it stitches like butter when it’s brand new. Oliso Iron  Thimble - Handmade leather thimble Seam Ripper - Seam Ripper to correct our mistakes Quilting Hoop - A Norwood frame that sits on a pedestal with a ball joint swivel Design Wall - Fons and Porter has grommets to hang it Scissors Karen Kay Buckley little red handed scissors  Karen K Buckley scissors for collage  small scissors to get in small places Sewing Machine Juki to sew fast Quilting Machine Digital dual foot on sewing machine.  Has special censors and keeps everything neat Stiletto Stiletto it makes tricky piecing go so much better Stiletto helps grip fabric,  Been indispensable on art quilting. African porcupine quill stiletto  Not going to harm your machine like a metal or wood one might. Light box. Helps make pet portraits to get the colors and shapes right.   Also for paperpiecing.   When drawing patterns when making mosaics. Light desk to create nice applique patterns. Rulers Stripology Ruler -  Easy to make squares.  For instance you can lay it on the fabric and cut the size you want your square.  Then turn the fabric a quarter of a turn and lay the ruler on again and cut the same length again and you have perfect squares. Efficiency

Sharing a tip has always been a question for each of my guests on A Quilter’s Life podcast.  But this is the third year I have put them into an episode sharing just the tips from the year..  This year I’m going to add who gave the tip so if you want to look them up you can. We received so many great tips this year.  I wanted to have a top 10 list, but I ended up with 12.  These first eight are tips that just one person gave this year. 12-Andi Stanfield Wash batiks before cutting.  Those fabrics tend to bleed more because of the process used to create them. 11-Erin Grogan When making covered corners, also known as snowballed corners, instead of following the normal directions of sew, trim, press.  Change the order to sew, press, and trim.  The bias edge won’t stretch as it does with the first way. 10-Jan Lockhart Take a picture which helps, but also go the next step and change the picture to black and white and it helps with color placement.  I have been amazed when I’ve used Jan’s tip.  Certain blocks show that they’re out of place when using this process. 9-Holly Sprout  Make sure you read through the instructions completely before you start the project and measure things thoroughly before you cut them out.  We’ve all been there when we’re in a hurry and we’re so sure we understand and measured correctly.  But taking that extra step to double check is always worth it. 8-Lisa Shepard Stewart  Try a new fabric that you’ve never used before in quilting and mix it in with the fabric you have.  Repurpose a pillow or something simple where you can experiment.  I still haven’t reached a comfort level to try this.  Have you?  Maybe I just need to take that leap. 7-Robyn Capps Don’t over think.  Instead when you think about it just do it. Don’t be afraid.  Robyn’s tip could probably apply for me to try Lisa’s tip. 6-Mary Shepard Suggested the book Walk by Jacquie Gering because Jacquie’s explanation of how to get a good sandwich and how you get a good stitch is like nothing else Mary has ever seen.  5-Dora Cary Gave two tips.  First - Slow down.  Dora’s second tip is to make a template out of batting.  She also has a no baste quilting method. Don’t need to pin it because cotton sticks to cotton.   4 -Robyn Capps & Juanita Roby Robyn Capps Make sure you have a good ¼ foot on your sewing machine.  Makes a difference on your pattern and your seams.  It’s a personal preference if you want to press the seams open or to the side.  Juanita Roby Make sure you have your quarter inch seams good! 3-Teri Tope and Eva Saunders both had tips for working with thread Teri Tope When you pull your thread off of the spool.  Use the end that you started...

I don’t know how Ashli Montgomery keeps up with all the things she has going on!  I’m guessing that the support from her family helps with so many of the projects she’s doing. This is my second interview with Ashli.  I wanted to touch base with her as she has some new books available under her pen name, Virginia’dele Smith, that you might want for a Christmas gift.  She also is leading a book club and quilt alongs among other responsibilities she has going on.   Ashli’s nonprofit organization, Quilt 2 END ALZ, continues to be an excellent resource for those that want to contribute to the Alzheimer’s organization with their quilting. Find out more about Ashli Montgomery and Quilt 2 END ALZ through these links: Website: Quilt 2 END ALZ Facebook: Quilt 2 END ALZ Twitter: Quilt 2 END ALZ Pinterest: Quilt 2 END ALZ Instagram: quilt2endalz And here's Ashli's links for her books Website: Virginia'Dele Smith Facebook: Author Virginia'dele Smith Pinterest: Author Virginia"dele Smith

Guthrie and I share our thankfulness in this episode.  We are especially grateful for the opportunity to have this podcast and to meet all of the wonderful quilters.  Happy Thanksgiving!!

I hope you’ve enjoyed listening to these Thankful Notes from 2024.   I am so thankful for each and every guest that has been willing to be interviewed.   And I’m especially thankful for each of you that has taken time to listen to A Quilter’s Life podcast. Did you keep track of how many of the guests that you remembered from their episodes?  If you did, please let me know.  I think it was a fun game.   I found this quote from William Arthur Ward, “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” I’m sure as you listen to these quilters you’ll agree that this is what they’ve done. Here are the last 11 Thankful Notes for 2024.   Connect with Megan Fowler Modern Moon Quilt Studio Website: Modern Moon Quilt Studio Instagram: modernmoonquiltstudio Quilt Scouts Website: Quilt Scouts Instagram: quiltscoutsofamerica Megan's Episode   Connect with Dora Cary Website: Orange Dot Quilts Facebook: Orange Dot Quilts Instagram: orangedotquilts Etsy: OrangeDotQuilts YouTube: Orange Dot Quilts Dora's Episode   Connect with Eva Saunders Website: Gingerly Quilt Co. Facebook: gingerlyquiltco Instagram: gingerlyquiltco TikTok: gingerlyquiltco Etsy: GingerlyQuiltCo Eva's Episode   Connect with Patricia Moller Website: Dulce Quilts Trisha's Episode   Connect with Ellie Perez Website: Mojave Farms Quilting Co. Instagram: majavefarmsquiltco Pinterest: Mojave Farms Quilt Company TikTok: elliethequilter  Mojave Farms Quilting Company YouTube: Mojave Farms Quilt...

This is the second out of three weeks that we get to share these short and sweet Thankful notes of guests that were on A Quilter’s Life in 2024. “The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy” is a quote from Mother Teresa.  I have seen this gratitude and thankfulness in the wonderful quilters that I get to share here on A Quilter’s Life podcast. Did you play along in the last episode to try to remember each guest?  How many did you remember? On this episode we have 12 more guests sharing what they are thankful for.  I'm curious if you’ll remember them all?  You might just have to go back and listen to their episodes again.  I have loved hearing each one of their stories and it’s amazing how much of it comes back to me when I listen to their Thankful Notes. I don’t always remind you about looking on A Quilter’s Life website to see the quilts these precious guests have made.  What a wonderful craft we all share!   Jackie Perry Jackie's Episode   Jan Lockhart Jan's Episode   Holly Sprout Holly's Episode   Connect with Carrie Dell American Quilt Study Group website: AQSG Facebook: American Quilt Study Group Instagram: americanquiltstudygroup YouTube: American Quilt Study Group Carrie's Episode   Connect with Teri Tope Website:  Teri Tope Facebook:  Teri Tope Instagram:  teritope Teri's Episode   Connect with Lisa Shepard Stewart Website: Cultured Expressions Instagram: culturedexpressions Facebook: Cultured Expressions Lisa's Episode   Robyn Capps Robyn's Episode   Connect with Mary Shepherd Find out more about Mary’s book, Free Motion Murder on her website Mariners’ Compass Murders. Mary's Episode   Connect with Jody Leonardo Website: Purple Daisy Quilt Designs Instagram: purpledaisyquilt_designs

As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States I decided to again share the Thankful Notes that I gathered from guests on A Quilter’s Life this past year.  2023 was the first year I tried this and it was fun to gather these notes from each guest to be able to share such positive praises. It was surprising when I looked at the list of guests that some of these were recorded almost a year ago, because it seems like we just chatted yesterday. I think last year many of us enjoyed playing along as we listened to the Thankful Notes to see how many of the guests we remembered.  Let’s do it again.  If you’re following A Quilter’s Life on Social Media go ahead and type in the number of guests that you remembered.   Below I have the list of guests with links to contact them along with  a link to their episode if you missed their story. I want to thank each guest that shared what they were thankful for.  This was so much fun to include in the interview process. The Thankful Notes are broken down into four episodes.  Three of these episodes will be the guests and the fourth will be Guthrie and I sharing our Thanksgiving for 2024.  This first episode will have the first 10 guests.   Connect with Susan Smith Website:  Stitched By Susan Facebook:  StitchedBySusan Instagram:  stitchedbysusan Pinterest:  Sitched By Susan / Long arm quilter & teacher YouTube:  StitchedBySusan Susan's Episode   Connect with Sarah Fulks Website: SnuggleBugStitching Instagram: snugglebugstitching Facebook: Snugglebugstitching Etsy: SnuggleBugStitching Sarah's Episode   Connect with Audra Rasnake on her Etsy Shop In The Sanctuary Audra's Episode   Connect with Tori McElwain Website: The Quilt Patch by Tori FaceBook: Tori McElwain Instagram: quilt_patch And Tori’s YouTube – Coffee Chats with Quilters

It’s never too late to learn to quilt!  Juanita Roby is in her 80’s and learned to quilt not even 10 years ago.  I was so happy to have the opportunity to visit with Juanita and share our enjoyment of quilting. This is the quilt that Juanita said she named Nightmare. Her favorite type of quilt - Dutch Girl / Boy A few of Juanita's Christmas quilts

I first interviewed Kathryn LeBlanc in 2021.  It just doesn’t seem like three and a half years have passed since then.  This is our fourth visit and I’m thrilled to get to share with you what Kathryn has been up to.  She continues to write lighthearted, humorous cozy mysteries under the pen name Kathryn Mykel and has published so many fun books that include her passion for the craft of quilting.  I purposely am sharing her interview now so that you will have time to check them out for gifts this year.  It might be something you want to put on your own Christmas list or a gift for someone you know.  Kathryn is even offering a special bundle for the holiday season which you can find on her website authorkathrynmykel.com/store .  I do not have an affiliate with Kathryn, so I am not receiving any compensation for promoting her business.     Links for Kathryn: Website: Author Kathryn Mykel Facebook: Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio Instagram: Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio    

I am so glad that Jenifer Gaston listened to the Quilting on the Side podcast episode where Andi and Tori interviewed me.  Jeni and I didn’t know each other even though we only live about 15 minutes apart.  After our interview for this episode on A Quilter’s Life, we continued to chat and found out that she had known my husband’s grandmother and even had been in my house years ago.  How do you like that for coincidence! Jeni's favorite quilt.  A Life of Plenty. Here's a quilt that Jeni's mom made.  Jeni showed me the hand stitching and you could see how it changed over the years that her mom worked on it.  What a treasture. Jeni used her Mom's Featherweight and a toy sewing machine that she had when growing up as decorations in her studio. Primitive Quilts and Projects Magazine Some of the Rugs Jeni made that she had in her studio.  Then she showed me how she made them. Connect with Jeni Website: Woolen Willow Designs Instagram: jenifergaston Facebook: Jenifer Falcsik Gaston During the interview we talk about Jeni’s fabric line with Marcus Fabrics called Scrap Happy.  Somehow I forgot to mention the name of it in the interview and wanted to make sure I mentioned it here. Jeni's Fabric Line at Marcus Fabics:  Scrap Happy  

Emily Dodd’s roots run deep in the desert of West Texas and she believes there is nothing like a desert sunset to inspire creativity.  She lives there with her husband and babies, and it is where her heart feels at home. When Emily is not sewing, she’s probably chasing babies, drinking coffee, or working at the hospital where she practices the art of medicine. Quilting though is where she always returns to relax, recharge, and reset. I want to mention that I was able to try Emily’s tip on not using as many pins when piecing curves and it worked wonderfully. This is the Prairie Queen quilt that Emily made with her Mawmaw. Connect with Emily Website: Dreamland Quilting Instagram: dremlandquilting Facebook: Dreamland Quilting Don't forget to check out Emily's podcast Patchwork Revival.  You can find it through her Dreamland Quilting website or on your favorite podcast player!   And Thanks to Megan for her part in connecting me with Emily. Here's my episode with Megan:  Megan Fowler Modern Moon Quilt Studio Website: Modern Moon Quilt Studio Instagram: modernmoonquiltstudio Quilt Scouts Website: Quilt Scouts Instagram: quiltscoutsofamerica

We had to drive on back country roads in West Virginia to meet Reberta Hall.  Ginny Guthrie Caplinger had told me about Reberta a while back and I’m so glad it worked out for me to meet her.  Should I have been concerned when Ginny and her husband, Jim, climbed into the truck to take me and said to each other - Do you remember to get there?  And then at a fork in the road they again were - Which way? Oh well, we have all day to get there.  I just smiled and trusted them.  And I’m so thankful that we arrived, had a wonderful lunch, and of course the best part was getting to know Reberta! Throughout Reberta's story you’ll hear how she loved to sing and she loved poetry.  She shared several quilty poems, quilts, and pictures of her life which I'm sharing here below. This Flower Garden quilt was started for Reberta in 193o and finished for her daughter in 1951. Reberta loves Crazy Quilts.  Here she is with a special one that she keeps on her couch. Here are some other quilts that Reberta has made.  Her special cat, Sue Boy, used to enjoy them also. A couple of pictures of life.  Reberta and her cousin.  Then the second picture shows the car Rebeta learned to drive in.  Notice how deep the ruts in the road were.  This is the road that went past their front door.  You can see her house in the background.  It's now part of her driveway. Reberta painted this stool.  Doesn't the design look a bit like a quilt?  Isn't this collection of wooden spools amazing?

Jean Pickering Collins is one of my heroes.  Every time I have the opportunity to chat with her she’s been on a new adventure.  It astounds me that she accomplishes so much and she makes such beautiful quilts.  I don’t know how she has gotten it all done.  And then here locally whenever her name comes up people have such glowing remarks to share about her. If you didn’t listen to my first interview with Jean from July 12th of 2019, you’ll want to go back and listen to her story. It’s hard to believe that on July 12, 2019 I released my first three episodes of A Quilter’s Life.  I purposely chose Jean to do this second interview to celebrate 5 years of recording and sharing stories of quilters.  Life happens and I ended up in the hospital overnight with bad headaches and double vision.  I am still dealing with these symptoms, but as the doctors help me to figure out what’s going on I’m still able to share these stories with you even with a few delays. When I arrived at Jean’s for this interview it was a beautiful day, so we left the doors open.  While listening you’ll figure out why that became a problem. You’ve also probably noticed that the first interview her name was Jean Pickering and in this interview we’ve added Collins.  Again, this adventurous lady will explain all of that. This is the Trip Around the World Quilt Jean made for her husband, Bill Collins. This quilt Jean made for her college class reunion in 2005. After the interview Jean showed me several of her quilts.  This Dresden Plate covers her bed. We started talking about small piecing and she pulled out this tiny Clam Shell she had done. Here are the tableclothes that Jean picked up in France and Portugal. If you missed Jean's prior interview here's the link: Jean Pickering

If you not only love quilting, but also books and travel, you’re going to want to find out about this new community that Lynn Christiansen has put together.  It’s always mind blowing to see how all the pieces come together in our lives to be used in such a wonderful way. Lynn is a passionate quilt pattern designer whose creativity is fueled by the rich tapestry of her travels. With a wanderlust spirit and an eye for cultural nuances, she translates her global adventures into unique quilt patterns that capture the essence of diverse landscapes and traditions. Each of her quilts is a testament to the rich tapestry of the world, inviting you to embark on a quilting adventure that captures the essence of different places and traditions. Here's a sample of Lynn's quilts and wool applique. Join Lynn in her new adventure! Connect with Lynn Website:  Emerald Falls Quilts Facebook:  Emerald Falls Quilts Instagram:  emerald_falls_quilts Pinterest:  Emerald Falls Quilts

Ellie Perez, better known as "Ellie the Quilter," started social media channels to teach creative minded people how to quilt and ended up building a supportive crafting community. The mission of Mojave Farms Quilting Company is to provide an inclusive community for all makers, and to make quilting and crafting more accessible to everyone, no matter how well they sew or what their budget is. Ellie strongly believes that everyone is creative and that sewing, quilting, and crafting of any kind should be accessible to everyone. Here are two of Ellie's Quilts.  Confetti and Fall Petals Connect with Ellie. Website: Mojave Farms Quilting Co. Instagram: majavefarmsquiltco Pinterest: Mojave Farms Quilt Company TikTok: elliethequilter  Mojave Farms Quilting Company YouTube: Mojave Farms Quilt Company   And Thanks again to Carolina Moore for connecting me with Ellie! Here’s where you can find Carolina: Website:  Always Expect Moore.com YouTube: Carolina Moore Pinterest:  Carolina Moore Instagram:  craftmoore Facebook:  Always Expect Moore Podcast: I Love Notions Previous interviews with Carolina: Carolina Moore 02-01-21 Carolina Moore helping me celebrate the 200th episode of A Quilter's Life

How exciting for me for a quilter to sign up on my calendar without me contacting them first.  Thank you Mary Shepherd for sending Patricia Moller my way!  What a blessing to hear Trisha’s story.  She calls herself a fourth generation quilter, but the third generation was skipped.  I agree with her that time flies when you are involved in what you love.  Trisha hopes that you may find some inspiration from her work. Here are some of Patricia's quilts. Connect with Trisha Website: Dulce Quilts And Thanks Mary Shepard for connecting me with Patricia! Here's Mary's episode if you missed it. Find out more about Mary’s book, Free Motion Murder on her website Mariners’ Compass Murders.

Eva Saunders, also known as the “Gingerly” Quilter, has come a long way literally.  She was born and raised in Germany and found her way to Los Angeles, California, in the United States for school.  Later she moved to the eastern side of the United States where she is excited to have launched Gingerly Quilt Co.  If you’re looking at quilts on Instagram, you’ve probably already seen her cool Exploding Pizza Quilt pattern. Eva's Exploding Pizza Quilt Here's Eva with her cat Bobby and her Dainty Paws Quilt And she just introduced her new pattern Zen Blossoms Connect with Eva Website: Gingerly Quilt Co. Facebook: gingerlyquiltco Instagram: gingerlyquiltco TikTok: gingerlyquiltco Etsy: GingerlyQuiltCo

Dora Cary loves quilting for the creativity and freedom of expression it gives her, and she loves the quilting community for the amazing generosity and sense of camaraderie.  Her quilts have been displayed in many of the larger quilt shows. I am so thankful that Dora shared about becoming a citizen of the United States and how the freedoms that we tend to take for granted mean so much to her. Here's some of Dora's quilts that we talked about in the interview Beads on a String - her first quilt pattern. Arabesque - foundation paper pieced - the third quilt she ever made. Only One - one fabric - one shape - a simplified and modern one-block-wonder quilt. Here is Dora with Totally Spring - This was her first quilt accepted at QuiltCon in 2015. Patch Nine - her second quilt accepted at QuiltCon in 2016 Also in 2016 Dora was at her first Market in Houston. A few more of her quilts: City Girl - inspired by traditional block Farmer's Daughter, Llamarama quilt at the Paso house in the sun, and Boxing Play. It was fun to meet Dora in person at QuiltCon 2024 Connect with Dora: Website: Orange Dot Quilts Facebook: Orange Dot Quilts Instagram: orangedotquilts Etsy: OrangeDotQuilts YouTube: Orange Dot Quilts