A Quilter's Life - TopPodcast.com

2024 Thankful Notes Week 3 Nov 18, 2024

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 Company Ellie's Episode Connect with Lynn Christiansen Website: Emerald Falls Quilts Facebook: Emerald Falls Quilts Instagram: emerald_falls_quilts Pinterest: Emerald Falls Quilts Lynn's Episode Reberta Hall Reberta's Episode Connect with Emily Dodd Website: Dreamland Quilting Instagram: dremlandquilting Facebook: Dreamland Quilting Emily's Episode Connect with Jenifer Gaston Website: Woolen Willow Designs Instagram: jenifergaston Facebook: Jenifer Falcsik Gaston Jeni's Episode Connect with Kathrine LeBlanc Website: Author Kathryn Mykel Facebook: Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio Instagram: Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio Kathrine's Latest Episode Connect with Ashli Montgomery | Author Virginia'dele Smith Website: Quilt 2 END ALZ Facebook: Quilt 2 END ALZ Instagram: quilt2endalz Website: Author Virginia'dele Smith Ashli's original episode from 2021 Her 2024 update episode will be published soon!

2024 Thankful Notes Week 2 Nov 11, 2024

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 Facebook: Purple Daisy Quilt Designs Jody's Episode Connect with Rochelle Rice Instagram: doughnutwarrior And listen to her podcast: Inappropriate Quilters Podcast Rochelle's Episode Connect with Ellen Happe Phillips Instagram: ellenhappe Facebook: Ellen Happe Phillips Ellen's Episode Connect with Melissa Struttmann Website: Osage Hills Retreat Facebook: Osage Hills Retreat Instagram: osagehillsretreat Pinterest: Osage Hills Retreat TikTok: osagehillsretreat Yelp: Osage Hills Retreat And here’s her links for Osage Hills Quilting Website: Osage Hills Quilting Facebook: Osage Hills Quilting Instagram: osagehillsquilting Etsy: OsageHillsQuilting Melissa's Episode

th (1) — **2024 Thankful Notes Week 1** Nov 04, 2024
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 Tori's Episode Connect with Andi Stanfield Website: True Blue Quilts Facebook: True Blue Quilts Instagram: truebluequilts Pinterest: True Blue Quilts YouTube: True Blue Quilts Andi's Episode And check out Quilting on the Side with Andi and Tori!

Connect with Sheila Squires Facebook: Sew ‘n Bee Cozy Short video of Sew ‘n Bee Cozy on A Quilter’s Life YouTube Channel Sheila's Episode Connect with Jen Frost Website: Faith and Fabric Facebook: Faith and Fabric Instagram: Faith and Fabric Pinterest: Jen Frost / Faith and Fabric YouTube: Faith and Fabric Also check out Jen’s 2024 Scripture Quilts Awards! Jen's Episode Elsie Coleman Elsie's Episode Connect with Erin Grogan Website: Love Sew Modern Instagram: lovesewmodern Facebook: Love Sew Modern Pinterest: Erin Grogan – Love Sew Modern Erin's Episode Connect with Karlee Porter Website: Karlee Porter Instagram: karleeporterdesign Facebook: Karlee Porter Design Pinterest: Karlee Porter YouTube: Karlee Porter Karlee's Episode

**2024 Thankful Notes Week 1** Nov 04, 2024
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 Tori's Episode Connect with Andi Stanfield Website: True Blue Quilts Facebook: True Blue Quilts Instagram: truebluequilts Pinterest: True Blue Quilts YouTube: True Blue Quilts Andi's Episode And check out Quilting on the Side with Andi and Tori!

Connect with Sheila Squires Facebook: Sew ‘n Bee Cozy Short video of Sew ‘n Bee Cozy on A Quilter’s Life YouTube Channel Sheila's Episode Connect with Jen Frost Website: Faith and Fabric Facebook: Faith and Fabric Instagram: Faith and Fabric Pinterest: Jen Frost / Faith and Fabric YouTube: Faith and Fabric Also check out Jen’s 2024 Scripture Quilts Awards! Jen's Episode Elsie Coleman Elsie's Episode Connect with Erin Grogan Website: Love Sew Modern Instagram: lovesewmodern Facebook: Love Sew Modern Pinterest: Erin Grogan – Love Sew Modern Erin's Episode Connect with Karlee Porter Website: Karlee Porter Instagram: karleeporterdesign Facebook: Karlee Porter Design Pinterest: Karlee Porter YouTube: Karlee Porter Karlee's Episode

**Juanita Roby** Oct 28, 2024
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

Kathryn Mykel 2024 Update Oct 21, 2024

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

**Jenifer Gaston** Oct 07, 2024
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 Sep 02, 2024

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

**Reberta Hall** Aug 19, 2024
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? When Reberta and her Aunt Pauline made these cushion covers it started her on her quilting journey. Here is a picture of Margaret Ott Somerville. Reberta exclaimed over Margaret's hands and how wonderful it was to be able to see them in this picture. The hands that made so many beautiful things for their family! The second picture is a needle book that Margaret made. The third and fourth pictures are the remnants of a bed coverlet. The work on this coverlet is so good that you can't tell the front from the back. According to oral family history, Margaret Ott Somerville sheared the sheep, combed and spun the wool which she used to weave this bed coverlet. Reberta has been collecting poems and shared these. Thank you Ginny for taking this picture of Reberta and me! Again, Thanks to Ginny Guthrie Caplinger! Check out Ginny's Facebook page: Log Cabin Country Quilts And if you missed her episode: Ginny Guthrie Caplinger

**Jean Pickering Collins** Aug 05, 2024
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

**Lynn Christiansen** Jul 29, 2024
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

**Ellen Perez - 'Ellie the Quilter'** Jul 15, 2024
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

**Patricia Moller** Jul 01, 2024
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** Jun 23, 2024
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** Jun 17, 2024
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

**Megan Fowler** Jun 10, 2024
When Megan Fowler is not behind a sewing machine or chasing a toddler, you can find her enjoying the Colorado outdoors. Yet if that wasn’t enough she is running not only one quilty business, but two! Megan’s dream for Modern Moon Quilt Studio is to marry her special love for vintage design and her fondness for modern quilting to be able share her version of modern nostalgia with the quilting world. Then not long ago she created Quilt Scouts to bring quilting adventures to quilters. She hopes to encourage us to step out of our comfort zone and try something new in a fun way. Here's a couple of Megan's patterns Happy Camper Hey Scout Some of the badges available at Quilt Scouts Connect with Megan Modern Moon Quilt Studio Website: Modern Moon Quilt Studio Instagram: modernmoonquiltstudio Quilt Scouts Website: Quilt Scouts Instagram: quiltscoutsofamerica

Melissa Struttmann Jun 03, 2024

It was fun to realize that this episode would be released during the week of Melissa Struttmann’s open house celebrating Osage Hills Retreat’s 2-year anniversary. Melissa has put so much thought, work, and love into creating a wonderful place for crafters to gather. She has learned through her life with the excellent work she has accomplished to bring all her expertise together. You can easily see this in the events that she offers at Osage Hills Retreat. Please take a moment to look at her episode page on A Quilter’s Life website to see her quilt that four generations worked on. Notice in the picture of the quilt there’s the little black sewing machine that she used on that project. Here's Melissa's favorite quilt that four generations worked on Connect with Melissa about Osage Hills Retreat Website: Osage Hills Retreat Facebook: Osage Hills Retreat Instagram: osagehillsretreat Pinterest: Osage Hills Retreat TikTok: osagehillsretreat Yelp: Osage Hills Retreat And here's her links for Osage Hills Quilting Website: Osage Hills Quilting Facebook: Osage Hills Quilting Instagram: osagehillsquilting Etsy: OsageHillsQuilting

**Ellen Happe Phillips** May 27, 2024
Imagine living in Houston and not knowing about the International Quilt Festival, then a friend takes you to see all the wonderful quilts. What an incredible introduction to quilts for Ellen Happe Phillips. Ellen fell in love with this craft and never looked back. With each step she improved her skills and now uses her long arm quilting to help others make beautiful quilts. Here's Ellen's quilt A Study in Lonestars And we talked about how the quilting on It's All About the Quilting quilt Ellen made and ended up recieving a blue ribbon! It was fun to meet Ellen at QuiltCon 2024 Connect with Ellen Instagram: ellenhappe Facebook: Ellen Happe Phillips

Rochelle Rice May 20, 2024

When Jody Leonardo suggested that I interview Rochelle Rice, I was thrilled. I’d been wanting to connect with Rochelle and her co-host, Leslie Bercher, for awhile, but hadn’t done it yet. Rochelle and Leslie are the co-hosts of the Inappropriate Quilters Podcast and I guess I had them up on a bit of a pedestal. So when Rochelle told me that she’s been listening to A Quilter’s Life I was in shock. It was so much fun to chat and realize we have such respect for each other. Rochelle teases me at the end that we chatted for many hours. I’m sure we could have, but my interviews don’t last that long. Here's a Mosaic Quilt that Rochelle made Connect with Rochelle Instagram: doughnutwarrior And listen to her podcast: Inappropriate Quilters Podcast

Jody Leonardo May 13, 2024

Purple Daisy Quilt Designs is the culmination of Jody Leonardo’s experiences of participating in sewing groups, working in quilt shops and selling handmade quilts. Now she has expanded to offering quilt patterns to allow individuals to make their own quilts. This is a dream come true for Jody and she’s so excited to share a little piece of her creative world with us. This is Jody's quilt called Kenzie Connect with Jody Website: Purple Daisy Quilt Designs Instagram: purpledaisyquilt_designs Facebook: Purple Daisy Quilt Designs

**Mary Shepherd** May 06, 2024
Mary Shepherd and I met at QuiltCon2024 in Raleigh, NC. She is an avid quilter and the president of the Delaware Modern Quilt Guild. Since Mary’s retirement from being a mathematician and computer scientist she has become an author with her first quilting cozy mystery, Free Motion Murder. Here's some of Mary's quilts. Mid Century Energy Nemish Flimsy Volcano Find out more about Mary's book, Free Motion Murder on her website Mariners' Compass Murders.

**Robyn Capps** Apr 29, 2024
It was so fun to get to know Robyn Capps. Her daughter had posted a picture of one of Robyn’s quilts on her Facebook page and my sister happened to see it. I’m so glad this led to an interview. So, thanks Sadie and Ruth for helping this connection to happen. Here's pictures from Robyn's Chicken Quilt We also talked about Jerriann Massey and the Christian Quilt Guild. Listen to Jerriann's episode: Jerriann Massey Connect with Jerriann: Website: Annie McHugs Instagram: anniemchugs Facebook: Annie Mc Hugs Website: Christian Quilt Guild Facebook: Christian Quilt Guild Facebook: We are called to PRAY

**Lisa Shepard Stewart** Apr 22, 2024
Lisa Shepard Stewart encourages others to express themselves creatively through culturally relevant techniques and materials. Although she loves African fabrics with every fiber of her being, she also loves to learn and share about other cultures from around the world. The intro on this episode is going to be a bit longer than normal because during the interview Lisa experienced an earthquake. I didn’t want to leave that part in the middle of her interview, but I do want to share it. I’ve edited it so you aren’t hearing Lisa repeat, “Paula hold on.” and time between statements as she was figuring it out. Then after she called back we had a little conversation about it. Also, I wanted Lisa to have this recording of a major event in her life. So glad that she was safe during this! When you listen to the interview you will hear a soft hum when I ask the question What message would you want to leave with them? I believe that hum was the beginning of the earthquake. Here are some of Lisa's quilts: Korhogo Antelope and Citron Moon Corded Cabin and Makola On My Mind wall hangings I'm so glad I had the priviledge of meeting Lisa at QuiltCon 24 Connect with Lisa Website: Cultured Expressions Instagram: culturedexpressions Facebook: Cultured Expressions

**Teri Tope** Apr 15, 2024
Teri Henderson Tope is an internationally recognized teacher and lecturer who loves all types of applique. She is creative and full of life which shows up as she’s up early and gets more done before noon than most others accomplish all day. I meant to ask Teri about her motto “Well behaved women seldom make history, so let’s make a little history”. But I think a bit of that shows through in this interview. I love that she always finds something good about each day. I found the following paragraph on Teri's website. She has accomplished so much! Her quilts have been exhibited in shows across the United States and in Japan, winning an award or two. Her quilts and patterns have been published in Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine, Quilter’s Quarterly, The American Quilter, Keepsake Quilting and Clotilde. Teri is the Author of “Applique in Reverse” published by the American Quilter’s Society. And has designed over 35 patterns for her company, Material Girl Designs. She has been a member of the Applique Society since 1998 and served 6 years on the TAS board as Marketing Chair. She is a member of The National Quilter’s Society and its Columbus Ohio chapter, The Quintessential Quilting of which she served as Vice President and President, and the American Quilters Society. Teri loves to travel, teach, lecture and share her joy of applique. We talked about these two quilts during the interview. He Loves Me This is the way Teri appliques feathers Connect with Teri. Website: Teri Tope Facebook: Teri Tope Instagram: teritope

**Carrie Dell** Apr 08, 2024
I had such a wonderful time at QuiltCon 2024 in Raleigh, NC, this past February. While there I had the opportunity to meet several people that I have interviewed on A Quilter’s Life and also many others became new friends. Carrie Dell, the executive director of American Quilt Study Group,was in their booth when I walked in and introduced myself. I was so excited that she logged onto my website and signed up to be interviewed while I stood there chatting with her. Although Carrie hasn’t made a quilt, she is surrounded by quilters and loves quilts. She is doing a great job keeping quilting stories alive. Thanks Carrie and everyone involved with the American Quilt Study Group for working so hard. Here's Carrie and the other volunteers that were at QuiltCon 24. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to meet Carrie at QuiltCon also. Find out more about American Quilt Study Group on their website: AQSG Also check them out on these links: Facebook: American Quilt Study Group Instagram: americanquiltstudygroup YouTube: American Quilt Study Group

Holly Sprout Apr 01, 2024

At my eye doctor appointment I was able to ask about getting glasses so that I could see the TV and also see the close work when working on a binding. It is so wonderful that my eye doctor, Holly Sprout, is a quilter and knew exactly what I was wanting. She even named the new combination Quilting in her software. The day that I returned to interview Holly, those new glasses were ready and they are wonderful. And I wanted to mention again that it’s so enjoyable to walk into Holly’s business and see a quilt on the wall. She does such a wonderful job on her quilts! Here's the quilt that was hanging by the reception desk when I was there.

Jan Lockhart Mar 25, 2024

Jan Lockhart hasn’t been quilting all that long, but she has fallen in love with our craft! I am awestruck by the stunning Feathers quilt she made using a pattern from Alison Glass. Jan sent a picture of this quilt to be used as the feature picture for this episode. You may also find it on her episode page on A Quilter’s Life website. Here's the Alison Glass Feathers pattern that Jan made.

**Jackie Perry** Mar 18, 2024
Jackie Perry started quilting as a hand quilter and loved teaching hand piecing and hand quilting. As she continued to learn more techniques, she added to her classes. She recently retired from teaching, but she loves the fellowship with other quilters. Jackie also enjoys designing original work and participating in challenges. Many of her quilts have been in major quilt shows. You may have seen her quilts as she is a multiple International Quilt Show award-winning quilter, including many Best of Show. We talk about several quilts that are shown below. Look at the detail of this whole cloth quilt. The colors are from the thread where Jackie quilted. Except the mouse in the center which she painted first. This is Mouse Pad. Diamonds Galore Amish Country Circ Touché Feline la Fleur Joy of Spring Slash and Curve

Karlee Porter Mar 11, 2024

I’ve always been amazed by whole cloth quilting, but Karlee Porter has taken it to a whole new level! She has developed graffiti quilting which is a very unique technique that encompasses a copious amount of quilting designs. Ten years ago Karlee wrote a book to share this technique with others and quilters fell in love with it. Graffiti Quilting has grown so much that Karlee updated her bookand her class to offer her students to not only to make quilts be more beautiful with each traditional rule that is broken, but with each new design combination they learn skills that will sky-rocket as they build the muscle memory to execute all the free-motion quilting visions. Here's an example of Graffiti Quilting that Karlee made. Here's the links Karlee talked about in her episode: The royal huntress video: https://youtu.be/Wqd5dHahfDk The Ira Glass Creative Process Video: https://youtu.be/PbC4gqZGPSY If you're interested in Karlee's class she has given me an affiliate link so that you can save $25. Use AQL25 when you sign up at https://www.karleeporter.com/product-category/education/ Connect with Karlee Website: Karlee Porter Instagram: karleeporterdesign Facebook: Karlee Porter Design Pinterest: Karlee Porter YouTube: Karlee Porter

**Erin Grogan** Mar 04, 2024
Erin Grogan was able to leave a job that she didn’t care for to start her own quilting businessLove Sew Modern. Her goal with the patterns she designs is to create the beauty she wishes to see in the world and to help others find their creative voices too. Erin has a unique style that everyone is falling in love with. Erin and I recorded this episode before QuiltCon 2024 in Raleigh, NC, so we talked about attending. But by the time this is released QuiltCon will have come and gone. Erin and I did get to connect at QuiltCon. I'm posting the picture of us together down below. Here's Erin's Apparotlly It's a Party Quilt that she taught on the Caribbean Cruise. Connect with Erin - Website: Love Sew Modern Instagram: lovesewmodern Facebook: Love Sew Modern Pinterest: Erin Grogan - Love Sew Modern Here's Erin and me at QuiltCon2024 Also, Thanks again to Carolina Moore for the connection with Erin Grogan. 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

**Elsie Coleman** Feb 26, 2024
“I’m just an old fashioned lady. Been around a long time.” That’s how Elsie Coleman introduced herself to me. I had the privilege of going to Elsie’s home to interview this centenarian and seeing her beautiful quilts. She continues to make amazing quilts. Newspaper articles about Elsie in 1995 and 1999 Quilt that was raffled in 2012 and info on it Some of her quilts Quilt that her Aunt Ella made. Elsie is pointing out the flower that was made from her childhood clothing. Cross Stitch that she needs to quilt yet The first quilt she used fabric paint and then quilted around. The second quilt shows her amazing hand quilting. The tag is on her quilt with nine patches. Elsie embroidered the angles and then put them in a quilt. I was amazed that this quilt was pieced! This Cross Stitched and Hand Quilted quilt Elsie made for her sister. Elsie just loved this little elephant. She found the circle material at Side Stitchin’ Quilt Shop. Baby Quilt Dresden Plate Chrstmas Log Cabin Elsie and her daughter-in-law used the same fabric and made different quilts. Here's Elsie's. She loves the bright colors in her quilts. Thanks again to Shirley Cox, Loretta Farley, and Sally Maddox for connecting me with Elsie. Website: Side Stitchin’ Facebook: Side Stitchin’ Quilt Shop Instagram: mysidestitchin

**Jen Frost** Feb 19, 2024
Jen Frost of Faith and Fabric finds inspiration from the everyday things around us. Her faith is central to her family’s life, and is often reflected in her full Scripture Quilts™ patterns and the smaller Scripture Quilts™ blocks. She also values the skill of sewing, and thinks it’s one that we need to continue to teach each generation. If you’re new to sewing, Jen invites you to try out some of her beginner-friendly sewing projects. Here's a couple of Jen's quilts. Connect with Jen Website: Faith and Fabric Facebook: Faith and Fabric Instagram: Faith and Fabric Pinterest: Jen Frost / Faith and Fabric YouTube: Faith and Fabric Also check out Jen's 2024 Scripture Quilts Awards!

**Sheila Squires** Feb 12, 2024
So many of the quilt shop owners I’ve talked to share that they don’t get to make the quilts themselves much anymore, but I am so impressed with Sheila Squires that she makes it a priority to take time to quilt. She is very involved with the community and you’ll be amazed how many quilts these quilters in Seward, Alaska, are making! Connect with Sheila on Facebook: Sew 'n Bee Cozy Short video of Sew 'n Bee Cozy on A Quilter's Life YouTube Channel

**Andi Stanfield 2024 Update** Feb 05, 2024
Andi Sanfield realized that her style of quilting and teaching can encourage others to express their creativity in a tangible way. She decided to create fabulous designs with easy-to-follow patterns for the adventurous quilt makers in the world. People are excited about the designs and eager to enroll in her online quilting classes. As I mentioned last week, Andi and Tori McElwain have come together to bring us another wonderful quilting podcast calledQuilting on the Side. So I reached out to them to bring you these updates of what’s been happening in their lives since we last spoke. It was fun to be updated on what they’ve been up to and this episode is my chat with Andi. Andi and I talked about her A Little Bit Different quilt. And here's Andi with her 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" ruler to help make the A Little Bit Different blocks. Connect with Andi – Website: True Blue Quilts Facebook: True Blue Quilts Instagram: truebluequilts Pinterest: True Blue Quilts YouTube: True Blue Quilts And check out Quilting on the Side with Andi and Tori!

**Tori McElwain 2024 Update** Jan 29, 2024
Back in May of 2021 I had the privilege of sharing Tori McElwain’s story. Tori and Andi Stanfield have come together to bring us another wonderful quilting podcast called Quilting on the Side. So I reached out to them to bring you these updates of what’s been happening in their lives since we last spoke, you’ll get to hear Andi’s next week. Tori has a passion for helping others develop their skills and knowledge. As a coach, author, and teacher she is dedicated to helping Quilters and Crafters design and promote engaging and impactful workshops and courses. Here's Tori's pattern Target the Stars Connect with Tori Website: The Quilt Patch by Tori FaceBook: Tori McElwain Instagram: quilt_patch And Tori’s YouTube – Coffee Chats with Quilters And check out Quilting on the Side with Tori and Andi!

th (1) — **Tori McElwain 2024 Update** Jan 29, 2024
Back in May of 2021 I had the privilege of sharing Tori McElwain’s story. Tori and Andi Stanfield have come together to bring us another wonderful quilting podcast called Quilting on the Side. So I reached out to them to bring you these updates of what’s been happening in their lives since we last spoke, you’ll get to hear Andi’s next week. Tori has a passion for helping others develop their skills and knowledge. As a coach, author, and teacher she is dedicated to helping Quilters and Crafters design and promote engaging and impactful workshops and courses. Here's Tori's pattern Target the Stars Connect with Tori Website: The Quilt Patch by Tori FaceBook: Tori McElwain Instagram: quilt_patch And Tori’s YouTube – Coffee Chats with Quilters And check out Quilting on the Side with Tori and Andi!

**Ashelyn Downs** Jan 15, 2024
A millennial and serial entrepreneur with a million ideas floating around, Ashelyn Downs began her quilting journey while running yet another business and realized her love for design and married the two passions to bring more fun and modern quilts to the ever-expanding quilting world. Her mission is to create a community for other modern quilters to find the confidence and inspiration to make beautiful quilts that fit their lifestyle. I love how Ashelyn jumps in with both feet to reach her ideals. Even as a young girl she made a unique way to sell lemonade. Imagine a little girl coming up to your door to offer you to buy her lemonade instead of just having a lemonade stand in front of her house. Here's Ashelyn's first quilt pattern that she talked about. And here's her 9th&9th quilt Connect with Ashelyn Website: Urban Dwell Studio

Also find Ashelyn and Lacie on The Grateful Thread Podcast **A podcast and community where cool quilting newbies and experienced quilters unite!** **You Can Sit With Us!** I’m so glad that Amanda Oros suggested I meet Lacie and Ashelyn! Connect with Amanda Website: Sweet Pea Design Co. Instagram: sweetpeadesigncompany Facebook: Sweet Pea Design Company Instagram: notyourgrannysquiltshow YouTube: Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show

**Ashelyn Downs** Jan 15, 2024
A millennial and serial entrepreneur with a million ideas floating around, Ashelyn Downs began her quilting journey while running yet another business and realized her love for design and married the two passions to bring more fun and modern quilts to the ever-expanding quilting world. Her mission is to create a community for other modern quilters to find the confidence and inspiration to make beautiful quilts that fit their lifestyle. I love how Ashelyn jumps in with both feet to reach her ideals. Even as a young girl she made a unique way to sell lemonade. Imagine a little girl coming up to your door to offer you to buy her lemonade instead of just having a lemonade stand in front of her house. Here's Ashelyn's first quilt pattern that she talked about. And here's her 9th&9th quilt Connect with Ashelyn Website: Urban Dwell Studio

Also find Ashelyn and Lacie on The Grateful Thread Podcast **A podcast and community where cool quilting newbies and experienced quilters unite!** **You Can Sit With Us!** I’m so glad that Amanda Oros suggested I meet Lacie and Ashelyn! Connect with Amanda Website: Sweet Pea Design Co. Instagram: sweetpeadesigncompany Facebook: Sweet Pea Design Company Instagram: notyourgrannysquiltshow YouTube: Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show

**Lacie Messerly** Jan 08, 2024
It’s been exciting to see the quilting community grow so much in the last few years. Along with that we are seeing more quilting podcasts being made. A few weeks ago I had the privilege of interviewing Amanda Oros of Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show. And while chatting with her she told me about Lacie and Ashelyn of The Grateful Thread Podcast. Of course, I’m thrilled to get to share these quilting podcasts with you. On this episode I get to chat with Lacy Messerly, one of the co-hosts of The Grateful Thread Podcast and owner of Messy Quilts. She strives to have open and honest communication with her clients to create a quilt to be loved forever. Lacie mentions sending me pictures of the wonderful quilts we talked about and here they are: Connect with Lacie Website: Messy Quilts
Follow Lacie's Quilty Adventures on All The Socials
Also find Lacie and Ashelyn on The Grateful Thread Podcast **A podcast and community where cool quilting newbies and experienced quilters unite!** **You Can Sit With Us!** I'm so glad that Amanda Oros suggested I meet Lacie and Ashelyn! Connect with Amanda Website: Sweet Pea Design Co. Instagram: sweetpeadesigncompany Facebook: Sweet Pea Design Company Instagram: notyourgrannysquiltshow YouTube: Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show

2023 Favorite Quilting Tools Jan 01, 2024

Hard to believe that I’m publishing this episode of A Quilter’s Life on the first day of 2024. I had a wonderful 2023 and I hope you did also. Of course, one of the blessings I had over the past year was getting to visit with so many of you wonderful quilters. And I’m heading into 2024 with great expectations of visiting with more of you. In each episode of A Quilter’s Life I always ask, “What is your favorite quilting tool?” Sometimes I phrase it like, “What quilting tool are you so happy that you have or couldn’t do without?” Many of us love our tools so much that it’s hard to choose just one. So here’s the top 23 tools that quilters have listed on A Quilter’s Life in 2023. Do you remember hearing some of these tools? The first 16 items were mentioned once during the year. Then I’ll move on to the items that more people mentioned until I get to tell you the tool that was the most favorite in 2023.

Needle and thread
Diagnaly seam tape
Software to design quilt
#2 mechanical pencil - doesn't get wider
Custom thimble
Freezer Paper
Sandpaper work board - YouTube videos
Iron
Quilting Frame
1/4 inch foot
Glue
Needle Nose Pliers - especially when changing blades on rotary cutter
Seam roller - can use at machine so don’t have to get up to the ironing board with each seam
Lint roller to clean around sewing space
Accuquilt - saves so much time and is more accurate
Measuring Tape
Marking tools
1. Hera marker
2. Bohin Retractable chalk marker
Stiletto
1. ByAnnie Stiletto - the tip is a little rough to keep your place, but not too rough to hurt the material
2. Purple Thang
Scissors
1. Kai Scissors
2. Karen Kay Buckley Scissors
3. Fiskar Spring Action Scissors
4. Snippers
Sewing machines
1. Best machine you can (sewing machine)
2. *Gammill longarm machine
3. Embroidery machine
4. Vintage sewing machine
5. Straight stitch only machine
Rulers
1. 2.5 inch ruler
2. Stripology Ruler
3. Quarter inch ruler
4. Square ruler
5. Angle Play Templates
6. Susan Cleveland’s Piping hot binding
7. Simple Folded Corner Ruler by Doug Leko of Antler Quilt Design - found a YouTube video put out by the Fat Quarter Shop
8. Ruler handle
*Rotary cutters
1. Martelli Cutter
*Seam Ripper

2023 Quilting Tips Dec 25, 2023

Merry Christmas! This episode of A Quilter's Life is being published on Christmas Day, 2023! I hope you’ve enjoyed the stories of the wonderful people behind the beautiful quilts in 2023. I’ve gathered their tips for this episode of A Quilter’s Life. This year we’ve heard some great tips that will help us along the way in our quilting journeys. We start with

Just make it. There’s never an ugly quilt.

This was a great tip for me as I tend to dream about what I want to make instead of getting in my sewing room and just getting to it.

Just try it. No matter what it is, know it won't be perfect, but try it.

Have you wanted to try a pattern or technique, but didn’t think you would be able to make it look right? Well, it really can’t hurt to try and more than likely we realize we can do it and we enjoy it.

Never pass up an opportunity to learn something new.

I’m also finding that when we learn something new it’s not always learning something more difficult, but many times we learn a new way that is actually simpler. Why wouldn’t we want to make our lives simpler?

When you get frustrated with a step in your quilting project, keep failing. Because it helps you to figure it out, get better and learn. Your quilts don’t need to be perfect. And don’t compare. Remember finished is better than perfect.

If it works for you don't worry about what others say. Enjoy the process!

Yes, enjoy the process that you’ve figured out works for you. There’s always going to be the person that has found what works for them and they think that is the way it should be done. It never hurts to listen to what they have to say because we can pick up tidbits of information that may work for us. But we can just thank them and enjoy the process that works for us.

Which leads us into the next tip of

Don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt. Try a technique if you don't like it there's usually another way to achieve the same outcome. Do what works for you.

Also, don’t be afraid to make a mistake. You’re in charge of that. You get to decide if you’re going to rip it out or leave it in.

Don't take shortcuts.

This is especially true when we’re working on a project and we’re tired. We know ourselves and we know when we need to do that extra step, but we just want to get it done. Before you know it we have a date with Jack. Taking out all the stitches with the seam ripper because we just took a shortcut and it ends up not being a short cut at all.

Don't give up. You can start on something else and come back. Or maybe just get one block out at a time and before you know it you have the quilt done. You will feel so accomplished when it’s finished.

But if you do need to put a project away for awhile

Use cardboard tubes from foil, plastic wrap, or gift wrap to roll unfinished projects on instead of folding them. This will keep them from getting those fold lines.

Starch fabric. If blocks are wonky or not coming out the correct size - use starch.

I think most of the quilters that are extremely accurate use starch.

Stay with the same brand of rules for accuracy.

I was just comparing a couple of my rulers the other day and sure enough they were slightly off. It’s always good to double check when you’re using rulers in a project.

Buy the best and cry once.

She was talking about buying the best that you can afford. I thought this was a cute take on the saying Measure Twice, Cut Once, which was also another tip that was given. It’s such a basic tip, but always worth repeating.

Don't start a new project until you have the other one done.

This is probably a controversial one. Some quilters need to bounce between projects to keep them going. For me if I get several going at the same time I don’t seem to handle it and I’ll avoid going into the sewing room. So this was actually a good tip for me.

Organization: Keep your desk clean, keep everything for a project in a bin

This is a hard one for me to do. It’s a goal, but not reached very often.

Work in an assembly line.

If you’re able to work this way it helps to get several blocks done in a shorter amount of time.

Wash fabric before use.

This is another controversial tip. I’m not telling you what I do. Haha We’ll just pretend I do whatever you do.

Press seams

I grew up with this being very important in my sewing, but I think it makes the quilt look so much better when it’s pressed.

Pin, Pin, Pin

Pinning will always help those points come out beautiful or the borders to fit just right.

Work at your 1/4 inch seam

Whether it’s the full ¼ inch or the scant ¼ inch, continue to work at being consistent with them.

Don't compare yourself to other quilters. Make the kind of quilt you like.

Comparison steals your joy. There are no quilt police. Make the quilt that you want.

When doing applique you tend to get goobers on your iron. You can use Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean. You can even clean your iron while it’s hot. She said not to use the substitutes because they will just goober your iron also, but if you do try that you can use the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to clean that off too.

Use a toilet brush to pick up threads on the floor.

This is one that I had never heard of before. Evidently you can find cheap toilet brushes at the dollar store and they do an amazing job in getting all those pesky threads off the floor.

Take time to admire your work and enjoy it. Great quilts can’t be rushed. Also admire other people’s work. You don’t have to make the same kind of quilt, but you can admire and appreciate their work.

Slow down for better results. Also change your needles and rotary blades. Will make life easier. And when you change your blade in your rotary cutter, it helps to get those nice clean cuts.

When you start a project, figure out what your ultimate goal is. It impacts how you want to quilt it. It can also impact the piecing of your quilt.

Square your blocks. This will help improve the outcome of your final quilt.

Learn the basics. Then sew what you love. Not what you think others want.

A longarmer said if they don’t need to block the quilt they can trim it right on the back of the longarm machine. They have the cutting mat on the back of their longarm. It makes for a quick trim.

Have fun with it. If it feels like a job to get it done it discourages you from going into your sewing room.

If you’re trying to adjust your tension on your sewing machine, start by sewing a diagonal line across a square of fabric. If you stretch it along the bias and the thread breaks on the top, that means your top thread is too tight and you need to reduce your tension. If the thread breaks on the bottom, that means your top thread is too loose and you need to increase your tension. If neither thread breaks or they both break, you have balanced tension.

Trust the process, trust yourself

Quilting does have its process. We have so many wonderful steps to make our beautiful quilts. We started with Just Make It and it comes back to trusting that we can make it and have these beautiful quilts to share and enjoy. And the top tip is:

Just have fun with it!

For most of us this is our hobby, our therapy. We love our quilts and we need to have fun with the process. I hope you heard a tip that will help you along your quilting journey. You might even want to go back and listen to past episodes of A Quilter’s Life to hear more of why the quilters gave these tips. They did such a better job explaining their tips, but I wanted to just give you a short compilation.

Sarah Fulks 2023 Update Dec 18, 2023

I interviewed Sarah Fulks almost two years ago and I wanted to chat with her again to update us on what she’s been doing. She has gone from having SnuggleBugStitching as a side business to having it as her main business. Sarah keeps busy with making quilts, quilt patterns, providing quilt alongs, and becoming a 2024 Benartex Ambassador besides being a busy mother of two. Connect with Sarah: Website: SnuggleBugStitching Instagram: snugglebugstitching Facebook: Snugglebugstitching Etsy: SnuggleBugStitching

**Susan Smith 2023 Update** Dec 11, 2023
Susan Smith and I had a wonderful conversation catching up on how Stitched by Susan continues to grow. She is so busy helping longarm quilters to create with confidence, freedom, and joy. I was so occupied asking her about her classes that I failed to ask about her monthly membership, Advance. Susan knows that machine quilting can be very solitary, especially on a longarm. It’s just not that easy to pack up your machine and head to a friend’s house for the day, right? But she also knows it’s important to have that community to share ideas and tips, encouragement and motivation. So she has created Advance which is a membership for quilters who want to learn, grow, and advance their skill and confidence. If you’re a longarm quilter looking for that community, check out Susan’s website to find out more. Look at the detail of the quilting on these quilts! Connect with Susan Website: Stitched By Susan Facebook: StitchedBySusan Instagram: stitchedbysusan Pinterest: Sitched By Susan / Long arm quilter & teacher YouTube: StitchedBySusan

Brandy Maslowski 2023 Update Dec 04, 2023

I invited Brandy Maslowski back onto A Quilter’s Life to share an update as to what she has been doing the last couple of years. If you missed her previous episode you’ll want to go back and listen. Brandy is not only a leader and teacher in the quilt industry, but also is the podcast host on The Quilter on Fire podcast where she and her guests go from having insightful discussions about quilting and fibre art to finding out their stories and what brings them joy. Connect with Brandy: Website: Quilter on Fire Facebook: Quilter on Fire Twitter: Quilter on Fire Pinterest: Quilter on Fire Instagram: quilteronfire YouTube: Quilter on Fire

2023 Thanksgiving with Guthrie & Paula Nov 27, 2023

Like so many of the guests sharing Thankful Notes this year mentioned the blessing of family, I am also very thankful for the family I have. People that are close to us tell us that they can’t imagine me without Guthrie or Guthrie without me. Maybe that’s why when one of our oldest nephews was little he called us GuPa. Just one word to describe us. So it’s just natural for Guthrie and I to have this conversation to share our blessings of 2023. If you’ve been listening to A Quilter’s Life, would you be so kind as to write a review on your favorite podcast player? I’d love to hear what you think and it helps others to find the podcast. Thank You so much!

2023 Thankful Notes Week 2 Nov 13, 2023

We continue listening to Thankful Notes of guests that were on A Quilter’s Life in 2023. I think many of us are thankful for many of the same things, but every once in a while we realize there is no way to relate. Yet, we too can be thankful for them that they have reached a place to be thankful. Did you play along in the last episode to try to remember each guest? How many did you remember? On this episode we have 14 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. Connect with Pola Quilting - Website: Pola Quilting YouTube: Pola Quilting Instagram: polaquilting Facebook: Pola Photo If you’re interested in her private Facebook group: Pola Quilting With Friends Pola Quilting - Malgorzata Banjo's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Sonia - Website: Fabric and Flowers Instagram: fabricandflowers Pinterest: fabric & flowers Facebook: Fabric & Flowers Facebook Group: Fabric & Flowers Quilty Chat Sonia Spence's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Amber - Website: Alderwood Studio Instagram: alderwoodstudio Amber Elliot's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Claudia - Website: Create with Claudia Facebook: Create with Claudia Twitter: Create with Claudia Instagram: createwithclaudia Pinterest: Create with Claudia YouTube: Create with Claudia Claudia Porter's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Jess - Website: Cottage Laine Instagram: cottage.laine Jess Cottrell's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Carina - Website: Carina Gardner Instagram: carinagardner YouTube: Carina Gardner Carina Gardner's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Alycia on Instagram: amaurer65 Alycia Maurer's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Manon - Website: Mom & Me Quilting Co. Facebook: Mom and Me Quilting Co. Instagram: momandmequiltingco Pinterest: Mom and Me Quilting Co. Manon Hunt's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Kathryn - Facebook: Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio Instagram: Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio Kathryn LeBlanc's first episode on A Quilter's Life Kathryn LeBlanc's second episode on A Quilter's Life Kathryn LeBlanc's third episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Bridget - Website: Bridget O’Flaherty Facebook: Bridget O’Flaherty Textile Artist Instagram: thesustainablequilter YouTube: The Sustainable Quilter Biridget O'Flaherty's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Teresa - Website & Blog: Teresa Coates YouTube: ShannonFabrics Facebook: MAKE with Teresa Coates Instagram: teresacoates Etsy: CrinkleDreams Website: Shannon Fabrics Teresa Coates' episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Diane - Website: Diane L Murtha Instagram: dianelmurtha Email: DLMurtha2018@gmail.com Diane L Murtha's episode on A Quilter's Life Mavis Holt's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Nancy Website: Nancy Bordine, Author Facebook: Nancy Bissonnette Bordine Instagram: nancybordine.author Nancy Bordine's episode on A Quilter's Life

2023 Thankful Notes Week 1 Nov 06, 2023

In the United States the months of November and December are very busy with holiday celebrations. So I decided to try something new this year. Almost all of 2023 I asked the guests that were interviewed on A Quilter’s Life to share something they were thankful for. Since this was also new for me, I did forget to ask a few of the guests and for that I’m sorry. I do realize that some other countries have celebrated Thanksgiving already, but I decided to share these Thankful Notes throughout the month of November. I thought it would be fun if you wanted to play along as you listen and see if you remember each guest. I have so enjoyed listening to what they are Thankful for. I have the list of guests along with links to contact them on the episode page (also known as show notes) for this episode if you want more information about them. Along with their links there is also a link to their episode if you missed their story. The first couple guests I asked them what they were thankful for, but after that I had them introduce themselves. So the first Thankful Note is from Tânia Mogari of Tânia Mogari Quilter. The second Thankful Note is from Lori DeJarnatt of Humble Quilts. I want to thank each of you that shared what you are thankful for. This was so much fun to include in the interview process. Connect with Tânia - Website: Tânia Mogari Quilter Instagram: taniamogariquilter YouTube: Tania Mogari Quilter @taniamogariquilter4406 Facebook: Tania H T Mogari Tânia Mogari's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Lori – Website: Humble Quilts Facebook: Humble Quilts Instagram: humblequilts Pinterest: Lori Dejarnatt Lori Dejarnatt's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Sarah - Website: Meaning of Life Designs Facebook: Meaning of Life Designs by Sarah Vedeler Instagram: meaningoflifedesigns YouTube: Sara Vedeler Designs Sarah Vedeler's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Amanda - Website: Quilt It List Pinterest: Quilt It List / ALeeB Creative Instagram: quilt_it_list Facebook: Quilt It List: Adventures from a Quilters Bucket List Website: ALeeB Creative Facebook: ALeeB Creative Amanda Bauer's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Beth - Instagram: gudegoods Facebook: GudeGoods Beth Gude's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Staci - Website: Crafty Staci Facebook: Crafty Staci Instagram: craftystaci Pinterest: Crafty Staci Etsy: CraftyStaci Staci Wendland's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Marlene - Website: Kissed Quilts Twitter: Marlene Oddie @KISSedQuilts Pinterest: Marlene Baerg Oddie @marleneoddie Instagram: marlene.kissedquilts YouTube: Marlene Oddie @marleneoddie4384

Marlene (Baerg) Oddie's episode on A Quilter's Life

Connect with Jo - Website: The Crafty Nomad Online Sewing School Instagram: thecraftynomadfleet Facebook: The Crafty Nomad Jo Westfoot's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Sandy - Website: Thai Charm Instagram: thaicharmllc Pinterest: ThaiCharmLLC Facebook: Thai Charm LLC Sandy Saengsuk's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Karen - Website: Karen Bolan Designs Instagram: karen.bolan Karen Bolen's episode on A Quilter's Life Connect with Roni - Website: Clear Creek Quilts Facebook: Clear Creek Quilts Instagram: clearcreekquilts Pinterest: Roni Neer @clearcreakquilts Roni Neer's episode on A Quilter's Life

**Sheila Drevna** Oct 23, 2023
It was so much fun to realize that Sheila Drevna lives in the town where several of my children went to college. So I can easily picture the places she talked about. And since my mom was born and raised near there it was also fun hearing some of the names of places that my mom had talked about. After a serious illness, Sheila was so determined to get better that even her doctor told her she was different. Her tenacity was amazing and quilting became a way for her to push her limits. Now she has a longarm business, teaches and lectures for quilt shops and quilt guilds, and then last year she began creating patterns. Connect with Sheila Longarm Love

Karin Soderholm Oct 16, 2023

Karin Soderholm is a teacher and artist whose love of education and textiles has led her on a wild adventure around the world. Her love of textiles is rooted in family tradition and the joy found in materials and process. Her artwork has been displayed in university and private galleries in the U.S., Korea, and China. A special thank you to my friend and fellow podcaster, Sue Donaldson the host of Welcome Heart: Living a Legacy Life podcast, for connecting me with Karin. Here's Karin's website: Karin Soderholm And find out more about my friend Sue Donaldson. Sue is not only a podcaster, but also a speaker, author, and a hospitality & lonelimess expert. Here's Sue's website: Sue Donaldson

**Elizabeth Chappell** Oct 09, 2023
If you had told Elizabeth Chappell back when she was 13 years old that she would become a quilter, she would have laughed in disbelief. Yet, a few years ago she discovered the world of quilting and fell in love. Elizabeth is a quilterpreneur, educator, and creator. She serves quilters who own or want to start a business in the quilting industry. She doesn’t seem to have down time as she also is busy designing quilt patterns, designs fabric, and is a fellow podcaster. Connect with Elizabeth

**Shirley Cox** Oct 02, 2023
I had the opportunity to interview Shirley Cox in her shop, Side Stitchin’, which is on the main street in Belpre, Ohio. Shirley said she was fine with the traffic and customers shopping in the background while we had the interview. After this interview I had the opportunity to shop at Side Stitchin’ and each time Shirley was so helpful so that I could find just what I needed. Although we’ve both been in this area for about the same amount of time, we just met. I’m so thankful to get to know Shirley. I was excited to meet Shirley Contact Shirley Website: Side Stitchin' Facebook: Side Stitchin' Quilt Shop Instagram: mysidestitchin

Beth Upstill Sep 25, 2023

Beth Upstill is the owner of West Coast Wool. Who knew that dyed wool could be made with so many beautiful colors? She focuses on a brighter color palette which she offers on her website along with patterns, unique notions, and many other wonderful items. Besides dyeing wool, Beth teaches wool applique workshops at local shops. Thanks to Linda Williams for sending Beth to share with us on A Quilter’s Life. Connect with Beth Website: West Coast Wool Instagram: west_coast_wool Facebook: West Coast Wool YouTube: West Coast Wool TikTok: 1creativebeth

Jennifer Lopez Sep 18, 2023

I bet if you’ve been around quilting for the last few years you’ve probably seen the quilting themed comic By the Yard created by Jennifer Lopez. I know they always bring a smile to my face. Jennifer brings the silliness of our quilting lives out in her comics in a way that we can relate. And her humor is always good hearted and kind. She doesn’t just draw comics, but is also a quilter and a quilt pattern designer. Connect with Jennifer Website: By the Yard Etsy: ByTheYardComics Facebook: By the Yard Instagram: bytheyardcomics Instagram: sewfunpatterns

Dawn Krier Sep 11, 2023

Dawn Krier is the owner of the quilt shop, Chestnut Ridge Sewing, in Millersburg, Ohio. You can tell as we visit that Dawn loves her Chestnut Ridge family and enjoys seeing her customers’ creativity. I sew enjoyed taking a 3-day workshop with Krista Moser at Dawn’s shop and getting to experience first hand the warmth that Dawn and her staff shower on everyone. Here is Dawn's Bargello Find out more about Dawn and Chestnut Ridge Sewing Website: Chestnut Ridge Sewing Instagram: chestnutridgesewing_ Facebook: Chestnut Ridge Sewing Facebook: Friends Of Chestnut Ridge Sewing

**Carolina Moore helping me celebrate the 200th episode of A Quilter's Life** Sep 04, 2023
This interview with Carolina Moore is extra special because it’s A Quilter’s Life 200th episode! Although I have interviewed Carolina in the past I chose her specifically to be interviewed again for this special occasion. This episode is a little different since we have already talked about Carolina’s background in her previous interview. So our chat on this episode gives more insight on having a quilting business and helps us realize she is more than her business. I don’t know how many of my guests over the last four years have stated that Carolina has helped them to get started and they don’t know where they’d be without her help. Also, she is one of the people that has supported me and helped to make A Quilter’s Life successful. And I want to thank you too for listening over these past four years. The encouragement of seeing people around the world enjoying the stories of quilters along with me has meant so much! 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

**Star Goodhand** Aug 28, 2023
When Star Goodhand first saw a longarm quilting machine at a quilt shop she knew she had to have one. It didn’t take long for her to find Stella. How interesting it was to find out the connection between Star and Stella! I loved finding out that Star also has been a listener of A Quilter’s Life! Here is the front and back of the One Two Tree quilt. Here's Star's Puff Quilt And the Sampler that Star made You can find out more about Star and Stella Quilts on her Instagram: Stella Quilts

**Amanda Oros** Aug 21, 2023
Amanda Oros is the daughter of the mother and daughter duo which is Sweet Pea Design Co. Their love of all things fabric and sewing has fueled their passion for creating beautiful quilts for their clients. Amanda is also a fellow quilting podcaster, so you’ll want to check out the Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show. Here's the Travaya quilt that we talked about. Connect with Amanda Website: Sweet Pea Design Co. Instagram: sweetpeadesigncompany Facebook: Sweet Pea Design Company Instagram: notyourgrannysquiltshow YouTube: Not Your Granny's Quilt Show

**Joan Zackey Hornberger** Aug 14, 2023
I have the best sisters who encourage me in my podcasting and quilting. My sister saw a Facebook post that her friend Nancy had an aunt that was a quilter. I’m so happy that we all connected and I had the privilege to interview Joan Zackey Hornberger. Here's Joan working on a quilt and the self portrait she did. We talked about this quilt that she made as a teenager from scraps. Aren't these baby quilts adorable! Joan has made such wonderful projects! Here's the article written by Pamela Lamp: Joan Hornberger - Change is Good

**Steven Cook** Aug 07, 2023
It was fun to talk to Steven Cook just before Guthrie and I took a trip to Alaska since that is where Steven lives. I love the quilting tip that Steven shares. It’s one that I hadn’t heard before and can be so useful. Here are some of Steven's quilts and other projects that we talked about

Nancy Bordine Jul 31, 2023

Nancy Bordine brings together two of her creative outlets in her book What Do You See? Developing New Perspectives with Quilt Patterns. It’s a children’s book that features diverse children interacting with inspirations for traditional quilt patterns. Connect with Nancy Website: Nancy Bordine, Author Facebook: Nancy Bissonnette Bordine Instagram: nancybordine.author

**Mavis Holt** Jul 24, 2023
I wish you could see the twinkle in Mavis Holt’s eyes and her beautiful smile as she chatted with me about her life and her quilting. She was a pioneer in her field of work. Life wasn’t easy, but she found satisfaction in what she accomplished. Here are some of Mavis' quilts we talked about. We also talked about her paintings. It was wonderful to interview Mavis in person Thank you so much Mark Tenney of Mountain State Quilting for the introduction to Mavis. You can find out more about Mark and Mountain State Quilting on his FaceBook page: Mountain State Quilting

**Diane L Murtha** Jul 17, 2023
Like many of us, Diane L Murtha started with mostly traditional quilting. Gradually she modified patterns more and more, making her quilts unique, as well as creating her own original designs. Over the last 8 years she has been participating in art quilt challenges. Diane has found the challenges are an excellent opportunity to get out of her comfort zone. She hopes to encourage you to do the same and experience the joy and personal satisfaction of challenges! Connect with Diane Website: Diane L Murtha Instagram: dianelmurtha Email: DLMurtha2018@gmail.com

**Mary Mackenson Zesiger** Jul 10, 2023
I had the opportunity to hear Mary Mackenson Zesiger speak locally at The Blennerhassett Museum. We were able to meet in person to record her story. If you have the opportunity to check out her episode page, also known as show notes, on A Quilter’s Life website, you’ll want to take a look at her quilts that she talked about during the interview. Mary's quilt called "Lunch" made for the Hoffman Challenge Here's Mary's doll and first dress Here's more of Mary's quilts that we chatted about Connect with Mary Website: Mary Zesiger Facebook: Mary M Zesiger

**Teresa Coates** Jul 03, 2023
Teresa Coates is nationally known sewing educator for Shannon Fabrics, also an accomplished quilt maker, travel writer, pattern designer and a relentless adventurer. She wants you to fall in love with sewing. As the national educator for Shannon Fabrics, Teresa created “Sew Together Tuesday™” in 2020. She plans, produces, and hosts every episode, inviting the audience in for a fun, encouraging and interactive experience. Teresa and I recorded this episode back in April, so it will make more sense when you hear that she has only been in Kansas City since February. Here is the quilt Teresa made for Hawke The Mirth quilt pattern is available on her etsy shop Teresa in her beautiful Elemental Coat. You can tell how much fun she is to be around. Connect with Teresa Website & Blog: Teresa Coates YouTube: ShannonFabrics Facebook: MAKE with Teresa Coates Instagram: teresacoates Etsy: CrinkleDreams Website: Shannon Fabrics

**Bridget O’Flaherty** Jun 26, 2023
Bridget O'Flaherty, also known as The Sustainable Quilter, is inspired by nature. She is passionate about our environment and feels an intimate connection to the landscape and wildlife of Canada. Bridget has worked in textile arts for over 25 years and is drawn to fibre for the tactile nature and connection it has to the land. She is an amazing thread artist using her sewing machine to build up layers of multi-coloured thread 'drawing' with needle and thread to convey the image. Depicting the Canadian landscape, the precious eco-systems and wildlife with eco-fibre art, she hopes the viewer will take away an appreciation and connection to the beautiful, fragile aspects in nature. Connect with Bridget- Website: Bridget O'Flaherty Facebook: Bridget O'Flaherty Textile Artist Instagram: thesustainablequilter YouTube: The Sustainable Quilter

Kathryn Mykel - Threading Trouble Jun 19, 2023

I’m so excited to talk to Kathryn LeBlanc again of Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio. She writes her quilting cozy mysteries under her pen name Kathryn Mykel. These are really great books. This is the third episode I have the privilege of interviewing Katheryn, so if you want to know more of her story check out her two previous episodes. In this episode she is introducing us to her new book Threading Trouble. Links for Kathryn: Facebook: Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio Instagram: Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio

**Manon Hunt** Jun 12, 2023
I met Manon Hunt over a year ago in a Clubhouse chat about quilting. I was thrilled to finally get to chat with her. Manon is grateful to have the opportunity to do something that she’s passionate about, to share that passion with the amazing people she has met along the way and honored to quilt for them and to be part of their journey. Here is Manon with some of her quilts And a closer look at Manon's amazing quilting Connect with Manon Website: Mom & Me Quilting Co. Facebook: Mom and Me Quilting Co. Instagram: momandmequiltingco Pinterest: Mom and Me Quilting Co.

**Alycia Maurer** Jun 05, 2023
Alycia Maurer has had some interesting jobs. The ones she enjoyed the most were at Sprint in the fraud department and KC Maker Studio and Fabric. Yes, I said fraud. Alycia had this important job to keep us safe from those that would take advantage of us. Now she works at KC Maker Studio and Fabric where she welcomes customers and helps them find what they need. I’m thankful to Beth Gude, who works alongside Alycia, for sending Alycia my way. This Wedding Ring Quilt was made by Alycia's grandmother and great grandmother Connect with Alycia on Instagram: amaurer65 Connect with Beth Gude Instagram: gudegoods Facebook: GudeGoods

**Carina Gardner** May 29, 2023
Creativity is an integral part of Carina Gardner’s life! She has always loved working with my hands to create beautiful objects. She also tries very hard to include beauty in her life whether with her three children, in her designs, or home. As we visited, Carina mentioned that she is sharing stories that she hasn’t shared before and she is excited for you to hear them. I’m so glad she shared them with us. Here are some of Carina's quilts Connect with Carina Website: Carina Gardner Instagram: carinagardner YouTube: Carina Gardner

**Jess Cottrell** May 22, 2023
Jess Cottrell is creating a whimsical world with hand quilting. Her goal is to pass on the knowledge and love of hand quilting through her quilt patterns and the Modern Hand Quilting Collective. Although we didn’t talk about it in the interview, we as quilters know that the amount of orphan blocks laying around is sometimes comical! Jess has an easy to understand tutorial about using these single blocks or a collection of blocks to create something wearable that shows off who we are. Solis Purse Nourishment Jess is taking a break to care for her family, so I've taken her links off for now. Thank you Maude MacDonald, The Retro Quilter, for connecting me with Jess! Website: the Retro Quilter Instragram: theretroquilter Facebook: The Retro Quilter YouTube: the Retro Quilter

**Belinda Adams** May 15, 2023
Belinda Adams has such an inspiring story of giving even while going through a hard time. Even though she has just gone through a rough diagnosis and surgery she continues to do for others as much as she can. Thank you Jane Mitchell for introducing me to Belinda. Here are a couple of Belinda's quilts: And she shared a look at her Featherweight collection

**Claudia Porter** May 08, 2023
Claudia Porter is a self-taught quilter who has been quilting for over 30 years. She has been writing online tutorials and creating YouTube videos for about 10 years. Then 4 years ago she decided to make her passion for quilting and fabric crafts a full-time job and started Create with Claudia. In addition to all that, she has been a social media influencer for a number of companies. Claudia's quilt made from her father's handkerchiefs And her Heart Strings pattern Connect with Claudia Website: Create with Claudia Facebook: Create with Claudia Twitter: Create with Claudia Instagram: createwithclaudia Pinterest: Create with Claudia YouTube: Create with Claudia

**Amber Elliot** May 01, 2023
Amber Elliot has been sewing since her grandmother gave her a needle, thread, and some of her old clothes. She spent her childhood frankenstein-ing cast offs and ‘making’ new ensembles. She made her first quilt as a teenager, and was hooked. Not only is Amber designing patterns now, but also helping other quilt pattern designers learn how to write the patterns we all love. Thank you Carolina Moore for sending Amber my way. Here's a few of Amber's wonderful quilt patterns: Winter Solstice Solar Flare Soretiny Morgana Modern Makes Lily Landscape Crest Clementine Find out more about Amber and Alderwood Studio Website: Alderwood Studio Instagram: alderwoodstudio

**Sonia Spence** Apr 24, 2023
Sonia Spence is passionate about quilting and is inspired by colours, shapes or ideas that pop into her head. She loves making her designs a reality and believes that nothing is impossible. I loved when she told me she didn’t know she couldn’t do it. What a great perspective. Here's some of Sonia's quilts. Find out more about Sonia Website: Fabric and Flowers Instagram: fabricandflowers Pinterest: fabric & flowers Facebook: Fabric & Flowers Facebook Group: Fabric & Flowers Quilty Chat

**Pola Quilting - Malgorzata Banjo** Apr 17, 2023
Meg of Pola Quilting had the idea and mission to teach others how to create beautiful things using fabrics which would otherwise be discarded. And so she began her Pola Quilting YouTube channel with easy to follow tutorials without rules and stress. Now, she is ready to spread the love of upcycling by selling unique and crafted with love pieces. Going "green" is in the heart of everything she does, from choosing materials to packaging. I love Meg’s distinct style and hope to incorporate what she is teaching into my own quilting. Here's a sample of Meg's quilts Find out more about Pola Quilting Website: Pola Quilting YouTube: Pola Quilting Instagram: polaquilting Facebook: Pola Photo If you're interested in her private Facebook group: Pola Quilting With Friends

**Roni Neer** Apr 10, 2023
Most days you can find Roni Neer in her sewing loft with multiple projects going on at once. After she kept getting asked about having a quilting class, she finally decided that there would be enough interest to try it and fell in love with teaching. I love the quote from her grandmother who said, “Want to is 90% of anything you do.” And Roni added that she really wanted to, therefore she is quilting! This is the quilt that broke Roni's heart when black thread bled Her pattern Perpetual Petals This Orange Peel was made with Roni's daughter's baby clothes And this Gingham is one of Roni's favorite quilts Find out more about Roni: Website: Clear Creek Quilts Facebook: Clear Creek Quilts Instagram: clearcreekquilts Pinterest: Roni Neer @clearcreakquilts

**Karen Bolan** Apr 03, 2023
Karen Bolan is a quilt teacher, lecturer, and pattern designer. She’s drawn to the layers of design and expression possible in quilting, and loves the learning that comes from experimenting. Her designs are out of the box, and integrate a love of geometry, experimentation, interconnection, depth, and texture. Karen teaches and writes quilting patterns with an encouraging and engineering-influenced methodological approach. While her classes blend lecture, demonstration, and discussion, and include ample hands-on time for students to experience and practice new techniques with individual instruction. She always teaches with a focus on fun and skill-building. At the same time she carefully and compassionately guides students beyond their comfort zones to new levels of enjoyment, creativity, and skill. Connect with Karen: Website: Karen Bolan Designs Instagram: karen.bolan

Sandy Saengsuk Mar 27, 2023

Sandy Saengsuk started quilting out of curiosity and fell in love with every process of making snuggly heirloom quilts. With all that she does I’d be surprised if she got any sleep. She is making a unique contribution to the quilting world. Along with her other services she makes the cover quilts for other quilt designers giving them the needed extra hands, so they can focus on what matters most! Connect with Sandy Website: Thai Charm Instagram: thaicharmllc Pinterest: ThaiCharmLLC Facebook: Thai Charm LLC

Marlene (Baerg) Oddie Mar 20, 2023

Marlene (Baerg) Oddie is an engineer by education, a financial services systems professional by experience, a project manager by profession, and a quilter by passion. She believes in the KISS method and has incorporated this into her company name. I think Marlene was so wise when she first started quilting on her new longarm. She made quilts for charity so that she could test different quilting styles before she started quilting for customers. Connect with Marlene: Website: Kissed Quilts Twitter: Marlene Oddie @KISSedQuilts Pinterest: Marlene Baerg Oddie @marleneoddie Instagram: marlene.kissedquilts YouTube: Marlene Oddie @marleneoddie4384

Jo Westfoot Mar 13, 2023

Jo Westfoot is the owner of The Crafty Nomad. She loves to sew and quilt and generally 'make stuff'! She has a passion for free motion quilting and loves to share her skills with other quilters to help them improve their patchwork and to learn the joy of free motion. Jo has been told that she’s good at breaking things down into manageable pieces that are easier to learn. Because of this her students make progress by taking things step by step. Connect with Jo- Website: The Crafty Nomad Online Sewing School Instagram: thecraftynomadfleet Facebook: The Crafty Nomad

Michelle Freedman Mar 06, 2023

How many quilt brains do you have? Michelle Freedman describes her 3 quilt brains during our chat. I found it interesting that even after working all day for Maywood Studio as a quilt designer and a few other responsibilities, she is not ready to stop working on quilts when she goes home. Quilting is also her hobby and passion. So additionally she’s designing quilt patterns for her own business Stitch Well and Prosper. I also want to thank Raija Salomaa for connecting me with Michelle. Here's Michelle's Oh, Hanukkah! Quilt. This quilt is full of light for your Hanukkah celebration published by Quiltmaker November/December 2022. Made with the Nightfall collection by Maywood Studio. Pattern available at Quilting Daily. And thanks to Quilting Daily for this wonderful picture of Michelle's quilt. If you want another look at it or want to purchase the pattern you can find it on QuiltingDaily. Connect with Michelle- Website: Stitch Well and Prosper Instagram: stitchwellandprosper And Thanks Raija Salomaa for connecting me with Michelle Website: Quilters’ Treasure Chest Website: Quilted Treasures Stitch By Stitch (Longarm Business) Facebook: Quilters’ Treasure Chest Pinterest: Quilters’ Treasure Chest

**Staci Wendland** Feb 27, 2023
Staci Wendland has been a maker for as long as she can remember. If there’s a technique she hasn’t tried, it’s probably on her to-do list. Staci started a blog, Crafty Staci, to share her crafting adventures. She finds that people who haven’t tried it before are occasionally hesitant to take that first step into making things. Her goal is to guide and inspire them to jump in and not be afraid to make mistakes along the way. She hopes to encourage others to create and keep handmade alive and well. Here are a couple of Staci's quilts Connect with Staci: Website: Crafty Staci Facebook: Crafty Staci Instagram: craftystaci Pinterest: Crafty Staci Etsy: CraftyStaci Thanks again to Carolina Moore for connecting me with Staci. Find out more about Carolina on her episode of A Quilter's Life: Carolina Moore Here's her other links: Website: Always Expect Moore.com YouTube: Carolina Moore Pinterest: Carolina Moore Instagram: craftmoore Facebook: Always Expect Moore

**Nic Vaughan** Feb 20, 2023
Nic Vaughan is a quilt pattern designer from Perth, Australia, with a passion for hand piecing and vintage quilt blocks. She discovered her life’s passion “late’ in life. That hasn’t kept her from stepping out and putting her designs out there with a good dash of shyness and trepidation but also a dollop of courage! Nic’s business has quite the catchy name - Craftapalooza Designs. Here are a few of Nic's quilts. Where to find Nic's business Website: Craftapalooza Designs Sign up for the scrappy digest and get 10% off your first purchase: Scrappy Digest Instagram: craftapalooza Facebook: Craftapalooza Designs - Nic Vaughan Pinterest: Nic Vaughan / Craftapalooza Quilt Designs

**Beth Gude** Feb 13, 2023
Growing up with such a beloved quilt made by her grandmother, Beth Gude also wanted to make quilts for her children when they came along. She’s been able to take her Instagram handle Gude Goods and keep that for her business name as she offers several quilting services to the quilting community. Here's the Birds for Beth quilt that her grandmother made. Connect with Beth Instagram: gudegoods Facebook: GudeGoods

**Amanda Bauer** Feb 06, 2023
Although Amanda Bauer’s mother dragged her into quilting, she is now so happy that she did. Amanda designs beautiful quilts. Amanda’s brand Quilt It List is all about exploring the world of quilting, learning something new and creating things. She believes we are happiest when we are creating, as opposed to simply consuming. Here's Amanda's favorite quilt And her helpers The following two photos are meaningful to Amanda. This first one is of her husband and her youngest son heading down the path to the beach that they used to frequent as kids. And this second picture is Amanda with her grandma at her grandma's birthday in'21. Connect with Amanda- Website: Quilt It List Pinterest: Quilt It List / ALeeB Creative Instagram: quilt_it_list Facebook: Quilt It List: Adventures from a Quilters Bucket List Website: ALeeB Creative Facebook: ALeeB Creative

**Sarah Vedeler** Jan 30, 2023
Creating is so much bigger than switching on a machine and picking out some fabrics and thread. It’s life changing. The joy. The love. The inspiration. The nourishment. The healing magic of creating. This is the vision behind Meaning of Life Designs. It’s why Sarah Vedeler is always thinking of new patterns or techniques to keep the love and magic circulating. The details are amazing in Sarah's designs Find out more about Sarah and Meaning of Life Designs Website: Meaning of Life Designs Facebook: Meaning of Life Designs by Sarah Vedeler Instagram: meaningoflifedesigns YouTube: Sara Vedeler Designs

**Sheena Roberts** Jan 23, 2023
Sheena Roberts has that wonderful English humor which makes life enjoyable. I love that she takes it seriously to make sure you’re having a good time. Her passion is teaching, and she loves working with people to support their learning, to challenge them, and to extend their reach so that they can create the quilt of their dreams. Here are a couple of Sheena's quilts Citus Jazz and Going Underground Connect with Sheena Website: Green Man Quilts Facebook : Green Man Quilts Instagram: greenmanquilts

**Lori Dejarnatt** Jan 16, 2023
Lori DeJarnatt loves the way quiltmakers made do with what they had. They didn't use fancy tools or the latest gadgets, but boy could they create treasures! She says even when the points were chopped off and the borders didn't meet exactly where they hoped they would, these quilts have stood the test of time for being practical and beautiful. Lori calls them Humble Quilts. And it’s these quilts that she had named her business after. I especially enjoyed Lori’s giving spirit as we chatted. Here's Lori's favorite quilt that she described in the interview. Connect with Lori - Website: Humble Quilts Facebook: Humble Quilts Instagram: humblequilts Pinterest: Lori Dejarnatt

Julie Luoma Jan 09, 2023

Julie Luoma is helping people to make their dreams come true through the company she and her husband own, Off the Wall Quilt. I meant to ask her about the video that her family made to advertise Off the Wall Quilt, but we got busy talking about so many other things. So you’ll have to go on her website and check that out. I enjoyed it so much! Not only is it informational, it’s hilarious to watch. Find out more about Julie- Website: Off The Wall Quilt Instagram: offthewallquilt YouTube: Off The Wall Quilt Facebook: Off The Wall Quilt

Tânia Mogari Jan 02, 2023

As Tânia Mogari and I enjoyed making this episode of A Quilter’s Life, I was a bit chilly in the cold winter of North America and she was enjoying the sunshine of South America. Tânia is a Brazilian quilter that found me through a Facebook post that Belle Brunner of Seams Sew Me had posted. Tânia has been quilting for about 12 years and has had the opportunity to take several courses both in Brazil and in the US. Three years ago she invested in a longarm machine and her business, Tânia Mogari Quilter, was born. This is Tânia's Stars of the Lake quilt Find out more about Tânia: Website: Tânia Mogari Quilter Instagram: taniamogariquilter YouTube: Tania Mogari Quilter @taniamogariquilter4406 Facebook: Tania H T Mogari

**2022 Favorite Quilting Tools** Dec 26, 2022
Here's a list of 20 favorite quilting tools from the first 18 months of A Quilter’s Life podcast. 20 - Quick Clip is the tool that helps put the safety pins in when you're sandwiching quilts 19 - Applique press sheet 18 - Amity Quilting Gloves 17 - Quilter Select Rulers 16 - 2.5x12.5 ruler with a rotating cutting mat also 1x6 ruler 15 - five and dime ruler by Kansas Troubles 14 - Martelli Cutter 13 - Quick Quarter ruler 12 - slotted ruler 11 - Studio 180 rulers 10 - thread nippers, or snips 9 - Clover Fork Pin for getting perfectly aligned seams 8 - Accuquilt Go 7 - Binding Clips 6 - Hands & Imagination 5 - Aul or Purple Thang 4 - Quarter Inch Foot 3 - Sewing machine & accessories 2 - seam ripper 1 - rotary cutter & mat And a special Thank You to Carolina Moore and Belle Brunner. Here are their links: Carolina Website: Always Expect Moore.com Looking for her Spot on Dot? You can see a video on how they are used by clicking here. Other places to find Caroline are: YouTube: Carolina Moore Pinterest: Carolina Moore Instagram: craftmoore Facebook: Always Expect Moore Belle Website: Seams Sew Me Instagram: seams_sew_me Facebook: Seams Sew Me YouTube: ‘Belle’ of Seams Sew Me Etsy: SeamsSewMeShop Pinterest: Belle of Seams Sew Me

**2022 Tips** Dec 19, 2022
Quilting Tips: 18 - Take a class. Find someone that makes the kinds of things you want to make and take a class from them. 17 - Set up your sewing space to fit your needs 16 - Don't be afraid of color 15 - Use colors and techniques you like 14 - Don't give up 13 - There are different ways to do things, so find what works for you 12 - Leaders & Enders by Bonnie Hunter 11 - Use weight on ruler 10 - Use a design board 9 - Accurate seam allowance 8 - Use seam ripper 7 - Chair-proper fit 6 - Get best tools that you can afford 5 - Just do it, try something new, ask questions, stretch yourself 4 - Work with others, be part of a group 3 - Use iron/pressing 2 - Pay attention to directions, especially measuring & cutting (Measure twice/Cut once) 1 - Keep it fun, enjoy the process, there are no quilt police, do what you love, take your time And a special Thank You to Carolina Moore and Belle Brunner. Here are their links: Carolina Website: Always Expect Moore.com Looking for her Spot on Dot? You can see a video on how they are used by clicking here. Other places to find Caroline are: YouTube: Carolina Moore Pinterest: Carolina Moore Instagram: craftmoore Facebook: Always Expect Moore Belle Website: Seams Sew Me Instagram: seams_sew_me Facebook: Seams Sew Me YouTube: ‘Belle’ of Seams Sew Me Etsy: SeamsSewMeShop Pinterest: Belle of Seams Sew Me

**Jessica Rose** Dec 12, 2022
Jessica Rose faced her fear of being judged and put herself and her quilts out there into the quilting community. She says she loves flying geese and HST's as much as the next person, but something inside her knew there could be a different kind of quilting. Modern, but also stylish and beautiful. Jessica wanted to be able to keep her quilts out when visitors came over, not fold them up and hide them away in a closet. Now she has beautiful modern quilt patterns available through her business Quiltd Studios. Her hope is that everyone who makes a Quiltd Pattern feels that each design is intentional, modern, and beautiful. Here's Jessica's Siracusa Modern Gingham Quilt And here's Jessica at Quiltd Studios Connect with Jessica Website: Quiltd Studios Instagram: quiltdstudios YouTube: Jessica Rose @quiltedstudios Pinterest: Quiltd Studios / Stylish Modern Patterns

Raija Salomaa Dec 05, 2022

Although sewing since childhood, Raija Salomaa didn’t get introduced to quilting until she was in her late twenties. Quilting took over her life very quickly, and before long she was designing her own quilt patterns through her business Quilters' Treasure Chest. Having taught quilting in the years past Raija is very aware of the need for precise, accurate, and easy-to-follow instructions. Hence Raija spent years developing patterns that will deliver much more than your average quilt pattern. From detailed instructions, including pressing directions, to color pictures, to stand-alone Quilt Assembly Diagram postcards, Raija has put a lot of thought and effort into developing a pattern format that will impress even the most demanding quilter. Here's Raija's newest quilt, Rosina. Contact Raija Website: Quilters' Treasure Chest Website: Quilted Treasures Stitch By Stitch (Longarm Business) Facebook: Quilters' Treasure Chest Pinterest: Quilters' Treasure Chest

**2022 Thanksgiving with Katrinka Poage** Nov 28, 2022
Katrinka Poage and I recorded this episode a couple of weeks ago. As I began editing this past week I received word that she was in the hospital as of the Monday before Thanksgiving in the United States of America. I’ve had the opportunity to text with Katrinka this week and although all her plans for this week were changed, she’s still Thankful. You’ll quickly understand why I asked Katrinka to help me celebrate my Thanksgiving episode in 2022. Here's Katrinka's Friendship Quilt that she told us about. And here's the Double Wedding Ring that she's working on If you'd like to listen to the first episode of A Quilter's Life I had with Katrinka here's the link: Katrinka Poage

Dina Newbert Nov 21, 2022

It was exciting for me to learn that Dina Newbert, also known as the Quilt Concierge, has been listening to A Quilter’s Life podcast. She is not only a quilter, but also a Quilt Judge and Lecturer.Dina’s aim is to help preserve the art of quilting by acknowledging excellent craftsmanship through Quilt Judging, programs and workshops; offering guidance that will leave participants feeling rewarded by the experience or by the prize! This is the quilt Dina made on that first Zoom class. It turned out well. Connect with Dina - Website: Quilt Concierge Facebook: Quilt Concierge Linkedin: Quilt Concierge

Jerriann Massey Nov 14, 2022

For those of you who have grandchildren, how important was it for you to come up with the perfect grandparent name for yourself? Jerriann Massey figured out very unique grandparent names for herself and her husband. Jerriann and I recorded this interview before the Quilt Festival in Houston, 2022, where she was heading to have her favorite quilt shown and also to have a booth for her quilt business Annie McHugs. Here's Jerriann's Promises of God quilt. Connect with Jerriann: Website: Annie McHugs Instagram: anniemchugs Facebook: Annie Mc Hugs Website: Christian Quilt Guild Facebook: Christian Quilt Guild Facebook: We are called to PRAY

**Cindy Brown** Nov 07, 2022
Cindy Brown had three great reasons to join Jane Mitchell’s quilt class. It allowed her to meet new people, learn a new skill, and spend time with her daughter. I’m so thankful that Jane encouraged Cindy to contact me so that we are able to hear Cindy’s story. Here are Cindy's quilts that she talked about. Quilt for her Mom. Quilts made for her Dad camper. Thank you so much Jane Mitchell for connecting me with Cindy! If you want to hear Jane's story click here: Jane Mitchell

**Hannah Cohen** Oct 31, 2022
Nervexcited. I love how Hannah Cohen came up with this new word to describe her feelings. I think we’ve all been nervous and excited at the same time and experienced nervexcited at one point or another. I usually conduct these interviews over the phone, but worked it out to interview Hanna through a Zoom call. I wish I could share with you the twinkle in her eyes as we discussed her story and quilts. Hannah’s business is The Bespoke Quilter. Although she explains her name during the interview, I also looked up the word ‘bespoke’ as it’s not commonly used in the United States. It means made to individual order or custom-made. Here's a couple of pictures of Hannah with her quilts. Connect with Hannah: Website: The Bespoke Quilter Instagram: thebespokequilter First half of interview with John Scott: John Scott 1 Second half of interview with John Scott: John Scott 2

**Sue Pelland** Oct 24, 2022
Inventor, Author, Quilt Designer, Speaker, Instructor. So many titles to describe Sue Pelland. She has been blessed to be in the quilting world inspiring Applique Artists for over 35 years! And has so much to offer through Sue Pelland Designs. Her mission is to expand the vision of the quilting community by introducing them to Rotary Cut Applique. Sue has a unique applique approach that will dissolve "Applique Anxiety" and replace it with "Applique Enthusiasm." Here are a few photos of Sue's favorite quilts! The first one is My Magical Garden, The second is Belle en Rouge, and the third is True Colors of Springtime. Each of these are courses that Sue offers online. They are all based on her gardens. Here are a few more quilts that show that Applique does not have to be so complex! These include some of the “Faux Curved Piecing” quilts that we discussed! Applique can be an easier way to do traditional quilts like Drunkard’s Path and Orange Peel! And Sue's adorable bread basket liner Here's Sue's links to find out more about her: Website: Sue Pelland Designs Facebook: Rotary Cut Applique YouTube: Sue Pelland Designs Pinterest: Sue Pelland Designs Instagram: suepellanddesigns

**Jane Mitchell** Oct 17, 2022
I love that Jane Mitchell keeps a list of quilts she wants to do on her phone. I just could picture myself looking through such a list and looking forward to the time that I’ll get to make each one. As she makes each quilt she wants to conquer the pattern or technique and then she’s ready to move on to the next quilt. Jane wanted to share the pictures of the quilts she helped to finish for a granddaughter of someone who used to live on the same property that Jane lives on now.

**Sally Luburgh** Oct 10, 2022
Sally Luburgh is looking forward to retirement so that she can spend time in her quilt studio quilting, weaving, and working on a few other crafts. She’s getting a little head start by opening Sally’s Quilting. I think many of us will resonate with Sally when she talks about color. This is the quilt that got Sally started This quilt is the one she made with her friend that has both her weaving and quilting in it How fun to have a cabin to have for a quilt studio! Here's Sally's website: Galloping Horse Instagram: Galloping Horse Handcrafts

**Marsha Cowan** Oct 03, 2022
Marsha Cowan and her husband, Izzy, found a business that they could work on together when they opened Be Sew Creative. I love the relationship they have with their employees. Either they have the best employees in the world or they are the best people to work for. I have a hunch that it’s a bit of both. Here's some pictures I took at Martha's quilt shop, Be Sew Creative, when I visited in August of 2022: Connect with Marsha: Website: Be Sew Creative - NM Facebook: Be Sew Creative Instagram: be_sew_creative

**Heather Slaton** Sep 26, 2022
After I saw this incredible story posted by The Cultivated Cowgirl on FaceBook, I had to reach out to Heather Slaton for her to share her story with us. She shares her miracle story plus so much more. I also love how close she is to her extended family and that they have the opportunity to work in a business together. Connect with Heather: Facebook: The Cultivated Cowgirl Instagram: @TheCultivatedCowgirl Facebook: Flint Gypsies

Krista Moser Sep 19, 2022

Krista Moser has the greatest friends that have come alongside her to use their talents so that Krista can shine in her talents. Starting quilting at such a young age she now has the wisdom and knowledge to teach others this wonderful art. From teaching, to creating patterns and tools for the quilting world she is quite busy and I’m so thankful for her taking time out of that busy schedule to visit with me. Connect with Krista Website: Krista Moser The Quilted Life YouTube: Krista Moser Facebook: Krista Moser: The Quilted Life Instagram: krista_moser Pinterest: Krista Moser, The Quilted Life

**Carrie Anne Barker** Sep 11, 2022
Carrie Anne Barker doesn’t feel like she’s worked a day in her life because she’s loved every minute of her job! As Rachael Logsdon said in her interview Carrie is amazing. If you ever want to meet a good, kind person - that’s her. I’m so glad that Rachael helped me get in contact with Carrie Anne. Carrie Anne has to deal with so many things herself, yet she is able to bring comfort to others through Carrie Anne’s Comfort Quilts. Carrie Anne's first quilting student was her 6 year old cousin. More of Carrie Anne's quilts: Here are the links where you can connect with Carrie Anne: TikTok: carriebarker1000 Instagram: carriescomfortquiltsembrodery Facebook: Carrie Anne Comfort Quilt's She also has a blog: The Beat goes on with Congenital Heart Disease Thank you Rachael Logsdon for connecting me with Carrie Anne. You may connect with Rachael on her Facebook page: Dragonfly Quilt Design

**Wendy Appell** Sep 05, 2022
I was connected with Wendy Appell in a roundabout way. My sister, Lois Gillette, walks with her friend, Dorcus Williams, who’s daughter’s mother-in-law is Wendy. Thank you Lois and Dorcus for talking about A Quilter’s Life and being able to connect me with Wendy. Wendy and I found out we had something else in common. Towards the beginning of our conversation we mention Practical Bible Training School which is now Davis College. Wendy's Labyrinth quilt on the bed and the quilt that is hanging on the wall is the one made from her Grandma & Great Aunt's clothes. Here is the quilt she made for her son using a table runner pattern. This is the Bear Claw quilt that she and her friends figured out from a small picture. This is one of the aprons Wendy made from a pair of jeans.

**Sandy Bailey – Too Busy Bs** Aug 29, 2022
I hope you enjoyed last week’s episode of Sandy Bailey’s first half of her interview. I sure did. Here’s the continuation of Sandy’s story and how she and her friend, Pam, became the Too Busy Bs. I think they stay busy because their customers are so happy with what they have to offer that the word of mouth advertising has exploded. Sandy’s first commissioned quilt Here are some quilts that Sandy has gifted She kept the Chickadee quilt Here are some samples of Sandy’s quilting
Bonnie’s Quilt back

Carole J. Ellis’s Quilt. Dec. 2020
If you want to connect with Sandy, send her an email: sbailey4750@gmail.com You might be able to catch Sandy and her friend Pam at their Too Busy Bs booth at the Slater Marietta Farmers Market: https://slatermariettacommunitymarket.org/

**Sandy Bailey** Aug 22, 2022
Sandy Bailey and I were enjoying our visit only to be surprised when we realized three hours had passed since we had started the interview. Don’t worry I was able to trim it down some, but decided to split her story into two episodes. It’s a good thing Sandy is retired because she doesn’t have time for work anymore. Sandy's first commissioned quilt Here are some quilts that Sandy has gifted She kept the Chickadee quilt Here are some samples of Sandy's quilting [caption id="attachment_2912" align="alignnone" width="185"] Bonnie’s Quilt back[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2904" align="alignnone" width="225"] Carole J. Ellis’s Quilt. Dec. 2020[/caption] If you want to connect with Sandy, send her an email: sbailey4750@gmail.com You might be able to catch Sandy and her friend Pam at their Too Busy Bs booth at the Slater Marietta Farmers Market: https://slatermariettacommunitymarket.org/

**Rachael Logsdon** Aug 15, 2022
When Rachael Logsdon’s friend told her she needed to learn to quilt, her response was, “Quilting is stupid!” Wow, to go from thinking she didn’t like quilts to making wonderful quilts for others is amazing. Quilting came into Rachael’s life at a time when she needed a new passion. It’s incredible to hear of her transformation. Here are some of Rachael's beautiful quilts You may connect with Rachael on her Facebook page: Dragonfly Quilt Design

**Judy Smock** Aug 08, 2022
Judy was raised by a woman that spent her life teaching people to sew using shortcuts and techniques that were designed by Judy’s mother to speed up the job, so the workers could make money. These techniques were not taught in any books and Judy loves passing the techniques on in her classes, because these wonderful shortcuts leave a professional finish. Her love of people and fabric has led Judy into having a shop of her own, Just Jude’s Creations. I love Judy’s motto of ‘The Shop Where Quilters become Long Lasting Friends!’ Here's one of Judy's quilts. Isn't this a great way to show off Judy's beautiful fabrics? Website: Just Judes Creations Facebook: Just Judes Creations

**Corintha Russell** Aug 01, 2022
We’ve all run into at least one person that thinks we should do something with our quilting that isn’t what we want to do. Corintha Russell explains this very well and has a great way to let them know that’s not what she does. She also has one of the best stories of a wonderful reaction to giving a quilt away. It’s wonderful when others show the well deserved appreciation of receiving a quilt. I want to thank Sue Stafford of Serendipitee Quilt Shop for putting me in contact with Corintha. Corintha's first “Ocean Wave” quilt, made for a friend’s Mother. It was pieced by her using Edyta Sitar’s “Over the Rainbow” batik fabrics, quilted by a Longarmer, “Baptist Fan” pattern. She LOVED this quilt so much and is currently working on a duplicate version that she will keep for herself. In July, 2014 Corintha won the APQS (American Professional Quilting Systems) Great American Give Away! And Freddie came to live with her!!! Since Freddie (her automated APQS quilting machine) came to live with her in Marion, Ohio. The following pictures are some of Corintha's favorite quilts that she made and Freddie quilted. From APQS’ Website: When Corintha Russell found out she was the lucky winner of the brand new APQS Freddie longarm machine last year, her quilt guild had just taken on a challenge to make patriotic quilts for 90 veterans scheduled to take the Columbus, Ohio, Honor Flight this fall ... Hop over to the APQS blog to read about how Corintha and her new Freedom machine tackled more than 55 quilts in UNDER a year! We supported the Columbus, Ohio Honor Flight organization for three flights over a two year period. Lack of support prompted us to wish Honor Flight the very best and turn our quilting efforts to Snuggled In Hope Quilts. Thanks to Sue Stafford for connecting me with Corintha! Here’s Sue’s website: Serendipitee

**Debra Berger** Jul 25, 2022
Debra Berger likes to build things and has found that putting together quilts is a way to express that talent and fondness of building things. It’s also something that she can do for others. Out of all the quilts she has made she only has a few for herself which she says is an honor and blessing to give these quilts away. Debra's first quilt was a Dr. Seuss quilt Her favorites were ones she made for her son-in-law These Christmas ornaments were made with leftover military material from the quilts for her son-in-law Debra just finished making this Judy Niemeyer quilt called Valley Blossoms and the next picture is the Goldendoodle quilt where she used the neckties from the groomers Here are a few more of Judy's quilts She enjoys working on her longarm Judy did an amazing job refurbishing this Singer

DeeAnn Vigil Jul 18, 2022

DeeAnn Vigil joined the A Quilter’s Life Facebook group a while back and answered that she was willing to be a guest on this podcast. It’s so great to get to know each other as we all have this wonderful hobby of quilting in common. From wanting to do something special for her sister and then falling in love with quilting DeeAnn is making beautiful quilts! Here's DeeAnn's Wedding Ring Quilt DeeAnn's cousin's Quilt Shop: Quilter's Attic

**Connie George – River Run Quilts & Retreats** Jul 11, 2022
Hopefully you had the opportunity to listen to Connie George’s previous episode. We continue our conversation to learn more about her business in this episode. Connie George’s quilt retreats sound like so much fun! Just make sure you take your stretchy britches. She has a goal of getting people together, having fun, and maybe even learning something new. This first picture is the First Harley Davidson T-shirt Connie made! The center Diamond came from Diamond Head, Hawaii and I was asked to do something “spectacular “ with it! The following pictures are from Connie's last quilt retreat that was held in April 2022!! We are all cutting up and being silly and she didn’t think I would really take her picture! Fooled her, huh? Connie has another retreat planned for September 21-24, 2022, in Oswego, KS! Check out Connie's Facebook page for her retreats: River Run Quilts & Retreats She is also a member of my group in Facebook: A Quilter's Life

Elisabeth DeMoo Jul 04, 2022

Elisabeth DeMoo grew up on a farm in New Mexico and learned how to sew by making garments in 4-H. When she was in college she had a sneaking suspicion that she could apply those skills to quilting. Elisabeth has been addicted to quilting ever since! After more than 20 years of quilting she is still excited about the next quilt to make! Her website is a space to share with you techniques, tutorials and patterns. She is excited to create an uplifting quilting community. Here is an example of one of Elisabeth's many beautiful quilts Elisabeth's website: Brown Bird Designs She is also on: Facebook: Elisabeth DeMoo Instagram: brownbirddesigns Twitter: BrownBirdDesigns and Pinterest: Brown Bird Designs

**Sue Schaeffer** Jun 27, 2022
Sue Schaeffer has such a cute name for her quilting business that it caught my attention and I was excited to chat with her. After having many different jobs and getting so much experience she now feels fortunate to be able to do what she loves. What an encouragement to hear her say, “We do better as we know better.” This is the Lincoln quilt Some more samples of Sue's quilts Big Stitch Quilting front and back Star Quilts Cabin Flurries and Blue & White A close up of an Elephant Quilt and the Bow Tie was pieced by a helper, but quilted by Sue Here's the Four Square Quilt If you're in Illinois near Havana, you can find Sue's shop, Ma's Got' a Notion at 305 W. Main, Havana, IL 62644. You can also check out her website: Ma's Got' a Notion And follow her on Facebook: Ma's Got' a Notion Also, Instagram: masgotanotion

**Sue Stafford** Jun 20, 2022
How exciting to be able to order and have a special panel for baby quilts that isn’t found anywhere else. Sue Stafford was able to arrange to have a special printing of a favorite panel and should soon have it available at her shop, Serendipitee in Waldo, Ohio. Sue is a competitive quilter and has a lifetime of experience to pass on to others. Here's the panel quilt that shows the panels Sue will soon have at Serendipitee. Here's Sue's website: Serendipitee

**Connie George** Jun 13, 2022
I think most quilters are going to agree with Connie George when she says, “I quilt, I don’t do alterations.” Connie and I were having such a great conversation when I realized my time was up, so we decided to talk about her business in another episode, so be watching for that soon. This first picture is the First Harley Davidson T-shirt Connie made! The center Diamond came from Diamond Head, Hawaii and I was asked to do something “spectacular “ with it! The following pictures are from Connie's last quilt retreat that was held in April 2022!! We are all cutting up and being silly and she didn’t think I would really take her picture! Fooled her, huh? Connie has another retreat planned for September 21-24, 2022, in Oswego, KS! Check out Connie's Facebook page for her retreats: River Run Quilts & Retreats She is also a member of my group in Facebook: A Quilter's Life

**Monique Torsiello** Jun 06, 2022
Monique Torsiello joined the A Quilter’s Life Facebook group about six months ago and we had such a wonderful time chatting. You’re going to love to hear why she came up with the quote “Any mistake you make, can be made into a masterpiece.” Here's just a few quilts that Monique has made:

**Ellen Taurins** May 30, 2022
Although Ellen Taurins hasn’t made a quilt, she has made something that every quilter is going to want. With her invention she is being drawn to our quilts. She is even filling her house with them. It’s amazing how our lives take different twists and turns that give us opportunities to use our ideas in greater ways. Here is Ellen with The Quilt Keeper The Quilt Keeper displays our quilts so nicely! A closer look Find a great offer on Ellen's website: The Quilt Keeper

**Barbara Reigel** May 23, 2022
As our family had to travel to the Finger Lakes area of New York State, we made it a point to visit the It’s A Wonderful Life Museum in Seneca Falls since it’s a movie we watch every year. What a great time we had looking at the artifacts and memorabilia they have available. Then, of course, a quilt on display caught my attention. The attendant had such great information on the movie and the museum and she was able to share with me that Barbara Reigel, one of the museum’s trustees, had made the quilt. I was quite delighted when Barbara called me later that afternoon to schedule an interview. I’m so thankful that Barbara and others have worked so hard to establish and keep this wonderful museum going. The It’s A Wonderful Life Museum and Festival are certainly worth seeing! Here's Barbara's quilt that is hanging in the It's A Wonderful Life museum. So happy that we were there! They even have the bridge! Find out more about the It's A Wonderful Life Museum and Festival on their website: It's A Wonderful Life Museum

Connie Richerson May 16, 2022

Besides being in quilting groups, I’m also in a group for podcasters so that I can learn how to do better in making this podcast for you. A few weeks back the podcaster group had Kathi Lipp as a special speaker. When she saw that A Quilter’s Life was the name of my podcast, she mentioned that her mother made wonderful quilts. So that was my introduction to Connie Richerson. Connie was so gracious to share her story with us. She has been quilting for over 30 years and has great tips for us to learn from. Oh, and if you’re looking to get yourself organized her daughter, Kathi, is a speaker, podcaster, and the author of 20 books on being clutter free! There’s more information about Kathi on the website kathilipp.com. Here's the cute quilt with the mommy and baby elephants with the recipient of the adorable quilt. I love the yellow! Thank you Kathi for connecting me with your mom! If you'd like to learn more about Less Clutter. More Life. Check out Connie's daughter's website: Kathi Lipp

**Tribute to my Mother, Janet Jarvis** May 09, 2022
Quilters are so wonderful and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to get to know so many of you through this podcast. Although I had interviewed a wonderful quilter for this week’s episode I emailed her to let her know I wouldn’t have the time to properly edit the episode because my mother passed away Friday, April 29th, 2022. I also had to contact another that I was to interview on the 29th that I will have the opportunity to interview later. You all are so kind and compassionate! Yet I didn’t want to miss having an episode out for those of you that look forward to a story each week. Here's the first quilt we worked on together Then the quilt we made for Mom I was so proud of my mom that she continued to exercise until the Covid lockdown

**Sherry Herdman** May 02, 2022
Sherry Herdman is one busy lady. With living half of the year in the Dominican Republic, she is able to volunteer with the Mariposa DR Foundation helping to teach girls to sew. Sherry has been quilting for 22 years. She likes batiks, Asian fabrics and bright colors! Here's some of Sherry's quilts If you'd like to learn more about the Mariposa DR Foundation, here's their website: the Mariposa DR Foundation

**Angie Payne** Apr 25, 2022
Angie Payne is also a member of the A Quilter’s Life Facebook group. We had such a great time getting to know each other and I’m thrilled to find out she lives not too far from me. With all she is going through I’m thankful she took the time to visit with me. This was Angie's first ever attic windows quilt. She made it for a benefit, and it sold over $3000 in raffle tickets!! This is the one she uses on her bed. For her son- And for her husband - If you want to connect with Angie she is on Facebook: Angie Payne

Samantha Macrina Apr 18, 2022

Samantha Macrina has fallen in love with learning to quilt after she bought a sewing machine to make masks during the pandemic. It has been so wonderful to have Samantha in the A Quilter’s Life Facebook group. And I’m so glad we had the opportunity to get to know each other through quilting! Here's the quilt Samantha made for her mother. Samantha talked about working with Debi Montgomery. Here's some links that Debi suggested in helping the refugees from Ukraine. Debi's Mystery Quilt: Sending Love Quilted Twins Quilt Shop: The Ukrainian Relief Fund And if you'd like to listen to Debi's episode: Debi Montgomery Samantha also talked about helping Ukrainian Kids at St. Jude's and here's a link to St. Jude's.

Kasey Egelus Apr 11, 2022

Growing up in a military family Kasey Egelus was always ready for the next adventure. I love how brave she was to walk into a new quilt guild to find home. I’m so thankful that she is a member of the A Quilter’s Life Facebook group. Here's a quilt Kasey made for her Director at Firestone

**Yvonne Fuchs** Apr 04, 2022
I am looking forward to using the tip that Yvonne Fuchs shares the next time I pin base a quilt. Yvonne is a former aerospace engineer turned modern quilter, designer, and technical editor. She has developed a style that bridges her technical background and love of bold color, specializing in transparency color play and bold, geometric designs. Yvonne’s quilts have been featured in numerous national and international magazines, quilt shows, and Modern Quilts: Designs of the New Century. Yvonne's Sesen Quilt Pattern And her Sunburst Quilt Pattern Here Yvonne is showing how she uses the Hera Marker on her Pulsar Quilt Connect with Yvonne Website: Quilting Jetgirl Facebook: Quilting Jetgirl Instagram: quiltingjetgirl YouTube Tutorials: Quilting Jetgirl Pinterest: Quilting Jetgirl And here's a direct link to Yvonne's blog for the tip on pin basting: Pulsar – Pin Basting Tip

Belle Brunner Mar 28, 2022

I love the way Belle Brunner explains how quilting changes people. It causes changes in both the quilters and the recipients of the quilts. We all know this, but to hear it put into words was thrilling. Belle loves to make lovely things and the notions that she’s made are proof that we can use lovely things while quilting. Here's Belle's Dueling Diammonds pattern using the Wild and Forgotten fabric line by Art Gallery Fabrics Find out more about Belle and Seams Sew Me through the following links. Website: Seams Sew Me Instagram: seams_sew_me Facebook: Seams Sew Me YouTube: ‘Belle’ of Seams Sew Me Etsy: SeamsSewMeShop Pinterest: Belle of Seams Sew Me

**Pamela Lozano** Mar 21, 2022
I’m so glad that each of us are unique individuals. As an artist, Pamela Lozano, also known as PamDemonium envelops all the senses through photography, graphic art, music, nature and quilting. She says she doesn’t fit in the box, but who made that box anyway. I love how Pamela’s artistic talents shine as she describes the quilts that she loves. Here's the quilt that Pamela and I talked about during the episode The front is ordered and the back is chaos Find out more about Pamela with these links Sewing Page on Facebook: Pamdemonium Designs City of San Antonio Artist Page: Pam Demonium

Maude MacDonald Mar 14, 2022

I enjoy listening to Susan Smith’s podcast Measure Twice Cut Once. The other day I was listening to her interview with Maude MacDonald. And when I heard that Maude had been a roller derby girl, I had to send her a note. I just love roller derby and I had questions! Maude is The Retro Quilter and she has been designing beautiful modern quilts! Here's Maude's quilt Boogie Nights. The pattern for this is on her website. Connect with Maude: Website: the Retro Quilter Instragram: theretroquilter Facebook: The Retro Quilter YouTube: the Retro Quilter And I'm so thankful to Susan Smith for interviewing Maude first so that I had the opportunity to meet her. Check out Susan's episode on A Quilter's Life and here's her links: A Quilter's Life: Susan Smith Website: Stitched By Susan Facebook: StitchedBySusan Instagram: stitchedbysusan Pinterest: Sitched By Susan / Long arm quilter & teacher YouTube: StitchedBySusan And don’t forget to check out Susan’s podcast: Measure Twice, Cut Once and other life lessons learned from quilters

**Pam Fredericksen** Mar 07, 2022
If you had the opportunity to listen to the interview I had with Susan Palmer a few weeks ago, you heard her mention Pam Fredericksen, the leader of the Cama Beach Quilters. The Cama Beach Quilters are the most lovely quilters with a mission to make quilts for the state park’s cabins, bringing back a little history to the park. The quilts are also for sale and the proceeds go to supplies and interpretative programs in the park. Pam is retired, but her volunteer activities keep her busier than when she was working. Here's the wall hanging Pam made of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone This is #Lilija's Legacy More information about the Cama Beach Quilters and Cama Beach Park Facebook: Cama Beach Quilters Washington State Parks Website: Cama Beach Historical State Park Cama Beach Foundation Website: Quilts on the Beach And Thanks to Susan Palmer for connecting me with Pam. Check out Susan's links. Website: A Quilt Life Instagram: #aquiltlife Facebook: Quilt Life with Susan Palmer

**Darla Hennessee Hall** Feb 28, 2022
While looking on Tori McElwain’s website The Quilt Patch by Tori, I saw that she was offering a class with a guest teacher. Darla Hennessee Hall was so gracious to chat with me. She has been free motion quilting on her A-1 Longarm, lovingly named Frankie, for 16 years! She has quilted for clients all over the United States. She also has quilted 6 Best of Show quilts, and has been hired for quilt shops and pattern designers to quilt their featured quilts. Darla has developed her own style from her love of experimenting with different quilting motifs and wants to help other quilters develop their own organic style! During our conversation we talk about QuiltCon that was in Phoenix, Arizona from February 16th through the 20th of 2022. Since our interview was before the conference our comments indicate that it’s coming up, but it is over now. Here's a couple of examples of Darla's longarm quilting You can find Darla on Instagram: longarmdarla TikTok: longarmdarla You can also find Darla on Tori's website Website: The Quilt Patch by Tori Thanks to Tori for connecting me with Darla! Here are a few more links to find Tori! FaceBook Group: The Quilt Patch by Tori Instagram: quilt_patch And Tori’s YouTube – Coffee Chats with Quilters

Nancy Kay Grace Feb 21, 2022

Pastor’s wife, Bible teacher, encourager, redeemed perfectionist. All these describe Christian speaker and author Nancy Kay Grace. Although quilter isn’t listed along with her description for her speaking engagements, Nancy did take a quilting class and learned so much from it. She has come through quite the life changing experience and I knew you’d want to hear her story. This is Nancy's Quilted Wall Hanging. I'm impressed with the hand quilting!! Here are links to connect with Nancy Website: Nancy Kay Grace Instagram: nancykaygrace Pinterest: Nancy Kay Grace Twitter: Nancy Kay Grace YouTube: Nancy Kay Grace GoodReads: Nancy Kay Grace

**Danelle Howard** Feb 14, 2022
When I told Danelle Howard that her episode should be published on Valentine’s Day, she responded, “That’s perfect, I’m a florist. I won’t be able to get nervous, I’ll be too busy.” Danelle is a maker of "things that have stories." So we enjoyed chatting and hearing her story. She also has Cottage Path Quilting where she enjoys longarm quilting for others. This is the BACK of the Double Wedding Ring Danelle's grandma made for her. She is always awestruck by her stitching! Here are three photos of Danelle's own projects. These are client quilts that Danelle had the pleasure of machine quilting. Want to connect with Danelle? Here's her links: Website: Cottage Path Quilting Instagram: cottagepathquilting YouTube: Danelle Howard - My Gathering Basket

**Susan Palmer** Feb 07, 2022
If you leave the ‘ers’ out of my web address you’ll end up on Susan Palmer’s A Quilt Life website. It’s so great to know that we can work together as quilters! You’ll easily see that she lives up to her mission statement of to create, grow and support the quilting and art community. You can see Susan fulfilling this statement especially in the town of Mukilteo and also with the Cama Beach Quilters. When I first heard of Susan she was making it possible for quilters to get their own designs on fabric at prices below retail! During Ruth McDowell's class, Susan created this pieced quilt from a picture of her seet boy cat. Here's Susan's fabric line that she just designed! You can connect with Susan Website: A Quilt Life Instagram: aquiltlife Facebook: Quilt Life with Susan Palmer

**Sarah Fulks** Jan 31, 2022
Sarah Fulks loves the sense of accomplishment she feels every time she finishes a quilt. A couple of years ago she started SnuggleBugStitching to make custom quilts. On her blog she offers great advice and it’s also where you can find her wonderful quilt patterns she has available. You can find Sarah at Blog: SnuggleBugStitching Instagram: snugglebugstitching Facebook: Snugglebugstitching Etsy: SnuggleBugStitching

**Lora Zmak** Jan 24, 2022
When I saw a post on Facebook about Lora Zmak finding out her quilt had been in the Let It Snow Halmark Christmas movie, I reached out to find out more about her. We had so much fun together. Since the time of her quilt being in the movie, Lora and her twin sister, Lisa, have started the quilt pattern company, Material Girlfriends. Connect with Lora Website: Material Girlfriends Facebook: Material Girlfriends Instagram: material_girlfriends Flickr: Material Girlfriends YouTube: Material Girlfriends Patterns Etsy: MaterialGirlfriends Pinterest: Material Girlfriends Patterns Find their fabric at Marcus Fabrics

**Kari Lehman** Jan 17, 2022
Kari Lehman of Appalachia Modern Quilt Company believes everyone has a need to create and she loves to create quilts. I love her attitude of helping other quilters. Her statement that “The rising tide lifts all boats, so the more we do to foster the quilting community the better off we’re all going to be” affirms her perspective that we are better when we work together. You can find Kari on Facebook

Kris Driessen Jan 10, 2022

Kris Driessen of Phoebe Moon Designs is a quilter who travels by RV. She specializes in printable quilt patterns, tutorials, and quilt mysteries. Kris has had the honor of designing for Connecting Threads, Northcott, and Banyan Batiks. She also has the privilege of her patterns being commercially distributed through Brewers Sewing and Supply. I don’t know how she does it all, but there’s no denying that Kris is a knowledgeable and experienced quilter! Here is Kris' Summer Storm Connect with Kris: Website: https://phoebemoon.com Blog: https://scrapdash.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phoebemoondesgins/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/makebelievequilters Quilt Patterns at Brewer Sewing: https://www.brewersewing.com/search.aspx?ctl00$Search$SearchBox=Phoebe%20Moon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisdriessen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Quiltbugs Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/phoebemooncom/_saved/

**Teara Cornmesser** Jan 03, 2022
Teara Cornmesser is continuing to quilt while adjusting to having a cute little baby to take care of this year. I love her strong family ties with naming her quilt business Lazy J Quilting using the family’s cattle brand as her logo. Teara is such an energetic lady with great plans for the future. Here are some of Teara's wonderful quilts. Some places to find Teara: Website: Lazy J Quilting Instagram: lazy_j_quilting Facebook: Lazy J Quilting Etsy: TriangleLazyJ

Kathryn Mykel – Sewing Suspicion Dec 06, 2021

If you love mysteries and quilting, you’re going to love Kathryn Mykel’s new book series starting with Sewing Suspicion. Mykel is her pen name. You might remember her previous episode on A Quilter’s life as Kathryn LeBlanc. Kathryn and I had so much fun talking about her books and I’m excited that she has different quilts connected with each one of them. Kathryn’s previous episode Here's the best link to find out more about Sewing Suspicion! Contact Kathryn for the Goodie Two Shoo's Pattern at Authorkathrynmykel@gmail.com Also find her on Facebook: Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio Instagram: Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio

Tangular Irby – Charles and His Gee’s Bend Quilt Nov 29, 2021

It was wonderful to catch up with Tangular Irby and hear how she decided to write her books about the Gee’s Bend Quilts. I thought this would be a good time to share this episode with you just in case you’re looking for a wonderful Christmas gift to give this year. Here’s the link for Pearl and Her Gee’s Bend Quilt Black Friday Special Find out more about Tangular and her book, Pearl and Her Gee’s Bend Quilt: Website: Gees Bend Made Facebook: Gees Bend Made Twitter: Tangular Irby Linkedin: Tangular A. Irby, Adjunct Educational Consultant Instagram: geesbendmade YouTube of Story Time w/ Kayla where Kayla reads Pearl and Her Gee’s Bend Quilt

**Thanksgiving 2021** Nov 22, 2021
Happy Thanksgiving as we celebrate in the USA. I am so thankful for you! Please listen this week to hear what I've been up to and what's happening with A Quilter's Life coming up. Quilts from the Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show "Terries Cherries" made by Albert Williams & Terrie Bohon. And was quilted by Marla Work. Albert Williams' episode Marla Work's episode "Harry Potter Project of Doom" made and quilted by Ginny Caplinger. Ginny Caplinger's episode "Star of the Orient" made by Jean Pickering and quilted by Lin Buell. Jean Pickering's episode Here are the baby quilts I'm working on. Here are links that you'll want to check out: Carolina's episode Carolina’s website. Always Expect Moore.com Looking for her Spot on Dot? You can see a video on how they are used by clicking here. Other places to find Caroline are: YouTube: Carolina Moore Pinterest: Carolina Moore Instagram: craftmoore Facebook: Always Expect Moore Tangular's episode Here's the link for Pearl and Her Gee's Bend Quilt Black Friday Special Find out more about Tangular and her book, Pearl and Her Gee’s Bend Quilt: Website: Gees Bend Made Facebook: Gees Bend Made Twitter: Tangular Irby Linkedin: Tangular A. Irby, Adjunct Educational Consultant Instagram: geesbendmade YouTube of Story Time w/ Kayla where Kayla reads Pearl and Her Gee’s Bend Quilt Kathryn's episode Here's a link for anyone who wants an autographed copy (with bonus goodies) Sewing Suspicion Autographed Copy Here are a few websites where you can find Kathryn: www.dragonflysquiltshop.com www.blockofthemo.com/us-tour www.designersquiltshow.com Also find her on Facebook: Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio Instagram: Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio

**Linda Williams** Nov 15, 2021
Although Nimble Thimble has closed the brick and mortar quilt shop in Gilroy, California, Linda Williams is excited to see what she can do next to help her town. Thanks to my previous guests, Annie Smith and Danell Cline, for telling Linda about A Quilter’s Life. Linda and I had a wonderful visit. Alexander Henry's Bow Wow Chow Mein Panel One Block Wonder Check out Linda's Facebook page to see what she's up to: Nimble Thimble Thanks again to Annie and Danell for sharing A Quilter's Life with Linda!! If you want to listen to Annie Smith's episode: Annie Smith Don’t forget to check out her website AnnieSmith.net And her podcast! You can also find her on Instagram anniesmithqs Also, you can listen to Danell Cline's episode: Danell Cline

**Sylvia Hernandez** Nov 08, 2021
I had the opportunity to go to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and actually see Sylvia Hernandez’ quilt in the exhibit Fabric of a Nation, American Quilt Stories. Although Sylvia and I got to visit several months ago, we wanted to wait until the exhibit was opened to share her interview. This special exhibition opened on October 10th, 2021 and will be available until January 16th, 2022. Sylvia has great ideas on making art and I’m so happy for her that the museum reached out to her to be included in this exhibition. Here's a few pictures I took of Sylvia's quilt at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The detail of the quilting is amazing Find out more about Sylvia on Facebook: Brooklyn Quilt Girl Thanks to the curator, Jennifer Swope, for connecting me with Sylvia. You can find out more about the quilt exhibit Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories on the museum's website: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

**Suze Spensley** Nov 01, 2021
Suze Spensley is an avid quilter and makes one-of-a-kind quilts that she sells through her business Revelation Quilts. Each and every quilt she makes is personalized with love. It is her dream to motivate and inspire you to be your best self. As Suze and I chatted I found out that the day this episode is to be published is her mother’s birthday. So I wanted to add Happy Birthday to Suze’s mother. Congratulations on raising such a wonderful lady! Enjoy some of Suze's quilts Catalyst & Jeweled Windows Nonameyet & Pixelquilt Rainbow Circus Find more about Suze Website: Revelation Quilts Facebook: Revelation Quilts YouTube: Revelation Quilts YouTube: Suspense

Becci Ware Oct 25, 2021

Becci Ware is the owner of Living the Dream Quilt Shop in Bridgeport, WV. And that’s exactly what she’s doing! Living her dream! And through her dream she is helping others to live their dream. Becci is one of the friendliest people you will ever meet and I love how so many of the people that have come to her shop have become her friends. I’m so thankful for the friendship that she has offered me. You can find Becci at Website: Living the Dream Quilt Shop Facebook: Living the Dream Quilt Shop Instagram: Living the Dream Quilt Shop

Elena Watson Oct 18, 2021

I noticed Elena Watson putting out these funny reels on Instagram. She’s quite the master at putting them together and, of course, they’re about quilting so that makes them extra fun. Elena has created over a dozen beautiful quilt patterns. It was fun to hear more about the process of creating a pattern. Here is Elena's Yield pattern Find Elena on these social medias Etsy: LifeandPeaceQuiltCo Instagram: lifeandpeacequiltco Pinterest: Life and Peace Quilt Co. Website: Life and Peace Quilt Co. Facebook: Life and Peace Quilt Co.

**Carol Ann Ferrari-Rogers** Oct 11, 2021
One of the quilting Facebook groups that I enjoy is called Quilting. Carol Ann Ferrari-Rogers is the person that created that group. Besides having a day job, she also is the owner of Coziness Quilts. She is a certified APQS quilter and a certified Quilt in a Day instructor. What a busy lady! I was so happy that she took time out of her schedule to visit with me. Here's the wonderful portrait quilt of Carol's daughter, Michelle. And here's Carol with Millie, her long arm machine. Here's where you can find Carol: Website: Coziness Quilts Facebook Page: Coziness Quilts Facebook Group: Quilters Market Facebook Group: Quilting Instagram: cozinessquilts

Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories Exhibition Oct 04, 2021

It was an honor to be contacted by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, also known as the MFA, to have an episode about their upcoming exhibition, Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories. Curator, Jennifer Swope, talks to me about MFA and the quilt exhibition. This exhibition opens this month on the 10th and Guthrie and I plan to visit it on Wednesday, October 27th. I’m looking forward to seeing all these wonderful quilts and hope that you’ll have an opportunity to see them also. This special exhibition will run from October 10th, 2021 to January 16th, 2022. Make sure to take a look at their website after listening to this episode. Website: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

**Dick Du Puis** Sep 27, 2021
I had a wonderful time walking down memory lane with Dick Du Puis. I want to encourage you to go to Dick’s episode page on aquilterslife.com, if you haven’t already, to check out the pictures and links I’ve found for him. What does a successful clothing designer do when they retire? Evidently, part of that is making quilts! At 91, Dick is still busy making quilts, isn’t that great? He told me about a book that was done about his life, but I couldn't find it. Thanks to Cristina Perez for finding the book about Dick Du Puis!! Here's the link: Devotional Embers - Dick Du Puis Here are some of his quilts: This picture is of his girls in the garden Dick's designs are amazing! Here's the link. Jack Bryan designed by Dupuis. Found this great article that was written about Dick on August 8, 2011
Nursing Home Resident Surprises Staff With Rare Talent, Unknown Past

**Sherri Seitsinger** Sep 20, 2021
When I’m out and about I find myself talking about A Quilter’s Life podcast. I really don’t want to sound like I’m some type of sales person because as you know I’m not selling anything. So when Guthrie and I were at a podcasting conference and went to the gym in the hotel, a lady got on the treadmill beside me and I tried not to bring it up, but just couldn’t help myself. I’m so happy that Sherri Seitsinger chose that treadmill that day while she was there for a vacation. It was so great to meet another wonderful quilter! Sherri's Trip Around the World is machine quilted with a very simple pattern. This wall hanging has the Beatitudes on it. Sherri found this pattern in a book. It reminds her of the 70's when she was a teenager.

**Lura Wilcoxen** Sep 13, 2021
I’m very excited to bring this episode to you for several reasons. One is that this is the 100th episode of A Quilter’s Life! We’ve been able to reach this milestone because of you listening and because of all the wonderful quilters that agreed to be interviewed. Each episode has been wonderful! I’m so happy that Lura Wilcoxed is my guest on this episode. Lura is local to where I live and although we live in a small community I never would have met her if it wasn’t for A Quilter’s Life. 1863 Quilt 2019 Alzheimer's Quilt 2021 Alzheimer's Quilt Grandmother's Blocks Honeybee Quilt The cement leaves: If you'd like to donate to the 2021 Walk to End Alzehimer's under Lura: 2021 Walk to End Alzehimer's

**Georgia Barker** Sep 06, 2021
Georgia Barker sounds like such a fun Granny! I just love how she can make cute games with her grandchildren to create such amazing memories. Family is so important and to be able to connect with some distant relatives and have such close ties with them is such a blessing to hear. Georgia also exemplifies what a great friend we should all strive to be. I’m so grateful to get to spend this time with her. This item used by great grandmother for helping to spin on the spinning wheel

**Judy Lyon** Aug 30, 2021
As Judy Lyon wanted something specific quilted into the quilt she had made for her son, she made her first pantograph. Her longarm quilter became a friend and they launched MeadowLyon Designs, LLC. Judy has spent the last 20 years designing and selling pantrographs at shows across the country. When her eight children would ask, “Why are you doing this Mom?” She answered, “It’s because I love creating. There’s so much of me they don’t even know about because I haven’t had time to “be all that I can be”.” Here's a few of Judy's quilts: Rainforest quilt for her son Safari Night Dawg Patch Painted Self Portrait Snowbirds Golden Wedding quilt and pillow Lewis & Clark Here's Judy working on Sashiko: Connect with Judy: Website: MeadowLyon FaceBook: JudyMeadowLyon Pinterest: Judy Lyon Twitter: JudyLyon Instagram: judyslyon

**Ann Bench** Aug 23, 2021
If you have a chance, you need to take a look at Ann Bench’s quilts and sewing projects that are posted on her episode page at aquilterslife.com. Over the years she has made hundreds of quilts. I think she probably has the largest sewing room I’ve ever heard of. What fun to visit with Ann!
Ann's Big Quilts:

Ann's little wall hangings:

Her other crafts:

Her wonderful sewing room:

Thanks Ann!!

Robin Rhodes Aug 16, 2021

Robin Rhodes is a quilt artist and she hopes that her great grandchildren will see a glimpse into not only her life but also the life of the time. She likes to create things that can be recreated by others but gives the freedom for them to make it their own through careful color and placement. At Neverland Quilting, Robin teaches you how to tell your story through quilting so that it is not forgotten.

Find out more about Robin and Neverland Quilting on her website: Neverland Quilting

Also on Facebook: Neverland Quilting

**Julie Bragg** Aug 09, 2021
I was able to contact Julie Bragg after I saw an ad for the 2021 Quilt Show put on by the Lorain County Piecemakers Quilt Guild in Ohio. Julie shared her story and also gave me information about the Quilt Show coming up soon on September 10th through the 12th. I’m hoping that some of you might be able to attend and I’d love to see you there.
Here is Julie's Whigs Defeat quilt
Here's information on the upcoming 2021 Quilt Show by The Lorain county Piecemakers Quilt Guild
This is the raffle quilt and the winning ticket will be drawn at the Quilt Show September 12th.
A quilt friend and Julie pieced the blocks. Then Julie pieced the blocks, added the borders and appliqués the vine and leaves on. All the fabric was donated out of her stash.
If you'd like more information about Julie check out her website Spirit of '76 quilts

Dara Tomasson Aug 02, 2021

Dara Tomasson is the weight and life coach for quilters. She is an elementary school teacher turned long arm quilter and now a life coach specializing in weight loss. You will find Dara spending a lot of her day helping fellow quilters lose weight and create more joy in their lives as she uses her life coaching skills to help them. Not only does Dara liberate your free motion quilting skills but liberates your mind to create what you truly want. Find Dara on her website: Dara Tomasson life & weight coach Dara has also started her own podcast: Weight Loss for Quilters Podcast If you’d like to help Dara with the 12.5” Raspberry Kiss Block, you can find the instructions at Heritage Threads.

**Susan Smith** Jul 26, 2021
Susan Smith helps machine quilters create with confidence, freedom, and joy through her business Stitched by Susan. She also has a podcast called Measure Twice, Cut Once....and other life lessons learned from quilters, where Susan talks to her guests about the joy, hope, and even healing that can be found in the process of creating something beautiful. I’m so thankful that my friend, James Early of The Bible Speaks to You podcast, told Susan about me and my podcast.
This quilt shows the typical edge-to-edge work that Susan loves to teach.
And here's one of Susan's fancy quilts.
Thanks Susan!
Connect with Susan –
Website: Stitched By Susan
Facebook: StitchedBySusan
Instagram: stitchedbysusan
Pinterest: Sitched By Susan / Long arm quilter & teacher
YouTube: StitchedBySusan
And don't forget to check out Susan's podcast: Measure Twice, Cut Once and other life lessons learned from quilters
Again, Thanks to James Early for connecting me with Susan! His podcast is The Bible Speaks to You.

**Mary Leathea Pettway** Jul 19, 2021
What a blessing to spend time with Mary Leathea Pettway. When I interviewed Tangular Irby, she told me about her aunt that is such a great influence in her life and she even used some of her aunt’s quotes in the book she wrote: Pearl and Her Gee’s Bend Quilt! If you haven’t had a chance to listen to my interview with Tangular, you’ll want to find it and hear her story. In this episode with Mary Leathea I enjoyed the great wisdom she has to share in such a humble way. With Mary Leathea being a Gee's Bend Quilter, I am honored to be allowed to post pictures of her quilts. And this one on a doll bed is so adorable! Thanks to Tangular Irby for helping me to connect to Mary Leathea! Find out more about Tangular and her book, Pearl and Her Gee’s Bend Quilt: Website: Gees Bend Made Facebook: Gees Bend Made Twitter: Tangular Irby Linkedin: Tangular A. Irby, Adjunct Educational Consultant Instagram: geesbendmade YouTube of Story Time w/ Kayla where Kayla reads Pearl and Her Gee’s Bend Quilt

**A Quilter’s Life 2 Year Anniversary** Jul 12, 2021
Hard to believe I've had the privilege of interviewing quilters for 2 years now! I enjoy each and every one. And I'm so looking forward to continuing to meet these wonderful people behind the beautiful quilts. This past year I finished these quilts for my twin nieces. And I'm sure you've seen that it's better to fold our quilts on the bias. So I've started to fold them like this to give them away.

**Andi Stanfield** Jul 05, 2021
Dual citizenship, intelligence officer, high school teacher. All of these have described Andi Stanfield. But Andi fell in love with quilting and is now a longarm quilter, pattern designer and teacher. She helps quilters enjoy, experiment, and excel as they express their creativity in a tangible way. Currently she is enjoying the challenge of monthly designs for the Island Batik Ambassador program. Andi and her mother have written a couple of books. Their first one was Monochromatic Quilts: Amazing Variety. Interestingly, monochromatic does not mean “one fabric”. It does mean a variety of shades, tints and hues within one color family. Here's Andi with her 2021 BOM This is Andi and her mom, Mary McElvain, with their first book - Monochromatic Quilts: Amazing Variety And this is Andi's Arizona Flag quilt Here's a link to listen to Andi's chat with Leah Day:

Make Monochromatic Quilts with Andi Stanfield

Connect with Andi - Website: True Blue Quilts Facebook: True Blue Quilts Instagram: truebluequilts Pinterest: True Blue Quilts YouTube: True Blue Quilts

Jen Lee Jun 28, 2021

I just had to take a little quiz that I found on Facebook when I saw the question, “Ever wonder what type of quilter you are?” It was posted by Jen Lee of Red Thread Studio. It was a fun little quiz and had a nice report to help me. Jen has a drive to help quilters, both new and experienced, throughout their quilting journey to make progress on and to complete their projects by overcoming common pitfalls that otherwise leave them uninspired, overwhelmed or chasing new projects.

Connect with Jen -

Website: Red Thread Studio

Instagram: Red Thread Studio Online

Facebook: Red Thread Studio Online

Pinterest: Red Thread Online

Benita Skinner Jun 21, 2021

Nature has always called Benita Skinner and now she is getting to live off grid in a forest. It’s not always easy, but she loves it. Benita is celebrating 20 years of quilting this month of June in 2021. I’m sure you’re going to love her unique style! Benita’s Victoriana Album quilt: Connect with Benita: Website: Victoriana Quilt Designs Facebook: Victoriana Quilt Designs Twitter: Benita Skinner @VictorianaQuilt Pinterest: Victoriana Quilt Designs

Tangular Irby Jun 14, 2021

What a joy to spend time with Tangular Irby as she shared with me about her journey to learn more about her Gee’s Bend family. I was very impressed with these three statements of hers that I hope to incorporate as I continue to make A Quilter’s Life podcast. She says, “When you see your family doing something you don’t realize that everybody doesn’t do it.” “You don’t know what’s special about your family until you learn about someone else’s family.” And also, “Let’s take the time to learn about each other’s families.” I’m so glad I’m able to record stories of others. And I hope we learn to really listen to each other.

Find out more about Tangular and her book, Pearl and Her Gee's Bend Quilt:

Website: Gees Bend Made

Facebook: Gees Bend Made

Twitter: Tangular Irby

Linkedin: Tangular A. Irby, Adjunct Educational Consultant

Instagram: geesbendmade

YouTube of Story Time w/ Kayla where Kayla reads Pearl and Her Gee's Bend Quilt

Shannon Gillman Orr Jun 07, 2021

Shannon Gillman Orr solved a problem for herself and quickly found out other quilters wanted a product that she hadn’t even published yet. I’m amazed at how well she was able to pivot with it and made it possible for quilters to have such a wonderful product. It was fantastic to hear how she admired the tenacity, fortitude, & grit of her great-great grandmother and then worked very hard to bring out those qualities in herself.

Connect with Shannon

Website: Eva Blake's Makery

Instagram: evabmakery

Pinterest: Shannon Gillman Orr//Eva Blake's Makery

Listen to Shannon's episode on the American Patchwork & Quilting Podcast: Episode 495: Finally Tackle Your Pile of UFOs

Sara White May 31, 2021

I want to thank Sara White’s cousin, Barb, for connecting me with Sara! After we had scheduled this interview, but before the day we recorded, I realized that Sara is one of the wonderful quilters that makes quilts for Soothing Stitches because I saw her in a post on Facebook. Soothing Stitches is a great organization in our community that makes special quilts for very sick children. It’s an amazing organization. I loved this quote from Sara, “Quilting people are some of the best people there is.” Now isn’t that the truth?!

Here's an article that was written about Soothing Stitches:

Soothing Stitches Offers Comfort Through Quilts

**Tori McElwain** May 24, 2021
Tori McElwain and I had such a fun visit. She is an International Teacher, Speaker, and Pattern Designer. Also she has been quilting for 20 years. After the interview Tori reached out to me and asked if I would be ok with her starting a YouTube channel to interview other quilters. There are so many wonderful quilters that there is no way I could ever interview them all, so of course I said Yes! If you’re enjoying A Quilter’s Life podcast, you’re going to want to check out Tori’s YouTube - Coffee Chats with Quilters. Connect with Tori Website: The Quilt Patch by Tori FaceBook: Tori McElwain Instagram: quilt_patch And Tori’s YouTube - Coffee Chats with Quilters

**Kathryn LeBlanc** May 17, 2021
Kathryn LeBlanc of Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio has been busy bringing quilters and quilt designers together. So often we are busy building our own businesses that we forget that we’re in this together. Kathryn has created a special block of the month program where different designers create blocks in a theme so that quilters get an opportunity to be introduced to many designers. Although it’s called a block of the month I think the blocks are coming out weekly. We chat about her current Block of the month called US Tour. Since we recorded I have learned she also is working with the designers on a new block of the month that should be out later in 2021. I was also excited to realize that four of the designers in these projects have already been interviewed on A Quilter’s Life. Carolina Moore of Always Expect Moore, Ashli Montgomery of Quilt 2 End ALZ, Tammy Silvers of Tamarinis, and Carolyn Burgess of Appliques Quilts and More. A special thank you to Carolyn as she connected me to Kathryn. Here’s Kathryn’s quilt Goodie Two Shoo’s and the link to the pattern: Contact Kathryn for the Goodie Two Shoo's Pattern at Authorkathrynmykel@gmail.com Also find her on Facebook: Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio Instagram: Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio Thanks again to Carolyn Burgess for connecting me with Kathryn. You can find Carolyn at: Website: Appliques Quilts and More https://www.appliquesquiltsandmore.com/ Twitter: Appliques Quilts and More -@AppliquesM Facebook: Appliques Quilts and More Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/appliquesquiltsandmore/_created/ Instagram: appliques.quilts.and.more

**Meagan Rowell** May 10, 2021
Meagan Rowell’s husband, Eric, wins the Most Patient Husband award. I love how Meagan explains how loving and helpful he is. Meagan is a coworker to Peter Phillip and Peter’s wife, Misty, is my friend and fellow podcaster with the podcast By His Grace. Misty and Peter also have Spark Media which helps Christian podcasters. So I wanted to thank them for connecting me with Meagan.
Meagan's quilts:

Thanks again Misty and Peter!
You can find Misty's podcast here: By His Grace

**Danell Cline** May 03, 2021
When Danell Cline talked about licking the S&H Green Stamps it brought back such a vivid memory that I could almost taste them. And I completely related to her when she was listing off the seven steps of the creative process. I want to thank Annie Smith, who is on a previous episode, for introducing Danell to A Quilter’s Life podcast and I’m so glad that Danell connected with me so that we could have such a wonderful visit!
Here are some of Danell's quilts.
Doug’s sewing themed quilt
Bonnie Hunter’s Appalachian Autumn pattern
Kim Diehl’s mini mystery (17”x20”)
Dean’s baby quilt
And the quilt Danell made for her supervisor
I want to thank Annie Smith for sharing A Quilter's Life with Danell.
You can listen to Annie's Episode by clicking here.
You can also find Annie’s favorite quilt, Patriotic Rose, at citystitcher.com
Don’t forget to check out her website AnnieSmith.net

**Robin Koehler** Apr 26, 2021
Quilting has changed Robin Koehler’s life in so many ways and she gets the most joy out of inspiring others! I had so much fun hearing her story as well as finding out how Nestlings by Robin came about. Robin’s main focus is being a quilt designer and teacher. But she also does hand quilting commissions and is an AQS certified quilt appraiser. The term she likes to use for herself is Heritage Architect which is so fitting! Here are some of Robin's quilts: Well Loved Ladies Tulip Pinwheels Tulip Flourish If you'd like to connect with Robin: Website: Nestlings By Robin Facebook: Nestlings By Robin Facebook Group: Robin's Rocking Needles Instagram: nestlings1 Blog: Nestlings By Robin

Brandy Maslowski Apr 19, 2021

I found a list of the top 25 quilting podcasts, so I took a look to see if A Quilter’s Life was listed. It was. I also found another quilting podcast called The Quilter on Fire Podcast by Brandy Maslowski. I was so happy to find another quilting podcast that I enjoyed listening to. So I reached out to Brandy and she agreed to be a guest on my podcast. Brandy is a firefighter turned quilter. She considers herself a fiber artist, and loves humans, hiking and tea. She brings more joy and less overwhelm to quilters as a speaker, teacher and world traveler.

Connect with Brandy:

Website: Quilter on Fire

Facebook: Quilter on Fire

Twitter: Quilter on Fire

Pinterest: Quilter on Fire

Instagram: quilteronfire

YouTube: Quilter on Fire

**Lin McQuiston** Apr 12, 2021
I’m so glad that Lin McQuiston contacted me after her guild members Carolyn Burgess and Betsy Bauman had been interviewed. Lin and I had a wonderful time visiting. Have you ever journaled about what was going on in your life while making a quilt? It helped Lin realize how her quilt got her through the best of times and the worst of times.
The quilt below is Stars and Springs (aka Life Interrupted) by Kim McLean. This was only Lin's second hand appliqué quilt. She used freezer paper and starch to turn the edges before hand stitching them to the background. It was started Dec 2011 and finished in the summer of 2014. She quilted this herself on a HQ Avante. She journaled her life during the making of this quilt. It won Best of Show at Lake Farmpark In Kirkland, Ohio in 2015. It was nominated by Linda McCuean for a Master Quilter award and was judges in Arizona in 2016. Although it did not win an award, it was an honor to be nominated.
This quilt is named Benjamin Biggs. It is an adaptation of an antique quilt owned by Gay Bomers of Sentimental Stitches. Lin's method of appliqué is hand stitched, turned edge. It was a free BOM a few years ago. It is now available on Gay Bomers website. The quilt was quilted by Joy Voltenburg of Custom Quilts of Joy. It won Best of Show in 2020 at at the Lake Farmpark quilt show in Kirkland, Ohio and was accepted into the AQS Grand Rapids show. Unfortunately the show was cancelled due to Covid.

This quilt is Red Ribbon Quilt. It was a free pattern on Beth Donaldson’s blog, a quilt originally published by Nancy Page in the Birmingham News on February 25, 1935. The two 9” borders were perfect to showcase the red Barbara Blackman fabric Lin had in her stash. Lin did the quilting on her HQ Avante. It won Best of Show in 2016 at the Lake Farmpark Quilt Show in Kirkland, Ohio.

The next quilt is The 1857 Album Quilt. This was another free BOM by Gay Bomers of Sentimental Stitches. Lin replaced 9 of the original block patterns with her own, including silhouettes of her four grandchildren and hands of one of her granddaughters. All turned edge appliqué, hand stitched and hand embroidery. It won Best of Show at the Lake Farmpark quilt show in Kirkland, Ohio, in 2017, third place at the Shishewana Show in 2018, juried in the AQS Grand Rapids Show and was published in the 2020 AQS Quilt Engagement Calendar (January).

The last quilt is the Shenandoah Valley Botanical Garden quilt. It was a BOM run by the Virginia Quilt museum, patterned after a quilt in their collection by Brenda Matthews in 1858. This quilt was quilted by Linda Sekerak of Medina, Ohio. It was displayed in the Beyond the Valley exhibit in both the Virginia Quilt Museum and The Houston Quilt Festival during the summer and Fall of 2018. It won Best of Show at the Lake Farmpark quilt show in Kirkland, Ohio in 2019.
If you'd like to contact Lin, her email address is frzbaby@aol.com
She does do lectures if it's close by.
If you'd like to check out Lin's guild members Betsy and Carolyn, here's their information.
Betsy's Contact Information:
**Cell: 216-209-1171**
**baumanea@hiram.edu**
**2189 Lincoln Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107**
Listen to Betsy's episode click here.
Carolyn's Contact Information:
Website: Appliques Quilts and More https://www.appliquesquiltsandmore.com/
Twitter: Appliques Quilts and More -@AppliquesM
Facebook: Appliques Quilts and More
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/appliquesquiltsandmore/_created/
Instagram: appliques.quilts.and.more
Listen to Carolyn's episode click here.

Raymond Houston Apr 05, 2021

When I first saw one of Raymond Houston’s quilts it mesmerized me. I just wanted to follow the loops his blocks created. He uses the operations of symmetry and a single patch to create his very unique patchwork quilts. Raymond is an author, designer & textile artist at Nacho Grandma's Quilts. While enjoying his retirement he’s making quilts and quilt patterns.

Here's Raymond's quilt Log Cabin Roads

Find out more about Raymond

Website: Nacho Grandma's Quilts

Facebook: Nacho Grandma's Quilts

Deb Luttrell Mar 29, 2021

I think Deb Luttrell has found the balance between keeping quilting as a hobby and running a successful quilt shop. Even with owning the largest quilt shop in Texas, she has her own quilting cabin behind her home where she can work on the projects she wants for her hobby. Also, in spite of all of her quilting expertise, I was impressed with how excited she is about an upcoming quilt class. We all can keep learning new things in this wonderful world of quilting.

Connect with Deb:

Website: Stitchin' Heaven

FaceBook: Stitchin' Heaven Quilt Shop

Twitter: Stitchin' Heaven

Pinterest: Stitchin' Heaven

Instagram: stitchinheaven

YouTube: Stichin' Heaven

**Lynn Kane** Mar 22, 2021
First of all I want to thank Lynn Kane for her service as a Marine, an EMS, and a Firefighter! At times it seemed that Lynn just couldn’t get a break from her hardships and then she shared with me - But do you know what the lemonade was from that? Wow. What a wonderful attitude.
Here are a couple of Lynn's quilts

You can find more about Lynn, her patterns, Lectures, and Workshops on:
Puppy Girl Designs! Website
Puppy Girl Designs Facebook Page
puppygirldesigns on Instagram

**Scarlett Rose** Mar 15, 2021
Well known for her Celtic knotwork designs for applique, sashiko, embroidery and quilting, Scarlett Rose also enjoys designing delightful scrap quilts based on traditional patterns. She brings a unique perspective to these redesigned classic patchwork patterns, keeping the vintage look but using easier techniques for the construction.
Here's a couple photos of Scarlett's quilts, which were made into digital patterns that she sells through her website and in her Etsy shop.

You can find Scarlett at:
Scarlett Rose's Celtic & More Website
Scarlett Rose's Celtic & More Etsy
scarlettrosedesigner on Instagram
Scarlett Rose's Celtic & More Facebook
Scarlett Rose's Celtic & More Pinterest

**Paula Weir** Mar 08, 2021
During the interview with Paula Weir we realized that we not only share our first name, but we also share another very special name. Paula has had some wonderful angels in her life to help her on her quilting journey which also shows how wonderful our quilting community is. I love how she explains that these were extremely gracious ladies, and also that she herself had to be open to receive the information they shared.
Here is a picture of Paula's favorite quilt from many years ago (these are Paula's Whippets Danny 12 and Cooper 7) that reminds her to be proud of not being a perfectionist.
This is the first quilt Paula made for herself. It was a non traditional fabric choice.
And here's a couple of pictures of Paula's sewing area.

**Ashli Montgomery** Mar 01, 2021
After some serious soul searching and decision chasing, Quilt 2 End ALZ founder and CEO Ashli Montgomery knew it was time to merge her two great pastimes: quilting beautiful fabrics and advocating, educating, and charging forward to eradicate Alzheimer’s disease. In December 2018, Ashli shared this vision with some very smart, incredibly savvy women whom she is blessed to call family, and on January 21, 2019, Quilt 2 End ALZ transitioned from dream to reality.

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

**Betsy Bauman** Feb 22, 2021
How wonderful to be able to have employment where you can work with not only one, but two areas you deeply love. Betsy Bauman has been so fortunate to be able to do just that. She considers herself an art quilter, and her work has been seen in many venues across the United States.
Betsy's Red and White quilt took second place in both Quilt Odyssey in Hershey, PA, and the Lake Farm Park Quilt Show.
Her quilt - The Wave - won a second place ribbon at the AQS in Grand Rapids, MI, plus other awards at local shows.
Here is her Tiffany quilt based on a tiffany lamp
Betsy's daughter was the inspiration of her Girl with Goose quilt. It won many People's Choice awards, she is so pleased that others like this one.
Here is her Square in Square based on Amish quilts. It won Best Use of Color at the Vermont Quilt Festival.
Betsy offers the following lectures:
**“Stories in Fabric”**
“Stories in Fabric” is a performance presentation, illustrated with plentiful pictures in a power point. It features stories from quilters past and present, taken from diaries and other sources. It includes quotes such as "Patchwork! Ah, no! It was memory, imagination, history, biography, joy, sorrow, philosophy, religion, romance, realism, life love and death..." “My whole life is in that quilt… I tremble sometimes when I remember what that quilt knows about me."
I speak about how women wanted to be remembered, the need to create beauty, and the stories quilters past and present put in their quilts. So I guess it's about...love! The love of quilting and why we do it.
**“Why Do People Make Art?”**
Part Art History, part Contemporary Quilt Art, this Power Point lecture illustrates the many reasons artists throughout history have created art: to explore beauty in nature or communicate ideas; to tell a story or to seek social change; to evoke emotion or to reinforce cultural ties, and many more.
We’ll look at paintings by Andy Warhol, Picasso, Mondrian, Norman Rockwell, and others. We’ll look at quilt art by artists such as Susan Shie, Luke Haynes, Nancy Crow, Hollis Chatelaine, and many more. As we explore examples of art throughout history, you will be asked to consider “What was the artist trying to do here? Do quilt artists share the same goals?”
You may learn a few things to amaze your family and friends—and perhaps come away with inspiration for your next quilt masterpiece!
**“Threads of Time:**
**Looking at History Through our Quilts”**
This Power Point and Lecture is a sort of "Detective" show about looking for clues in the fabrics and styles of antique quilts to better understand them and to try and date them. It teaches listeners about when certain fabrics were available, when certain styles and patterns were popular, and what we can learn about the lives of the women who made the quilts. It's based on the Barbara Brackman book, "Clues in the Calico,” and I bring my own antique quilt collection to share after the talk. When I did it for the Hiram Historical Society, members also brought antique quilts to show and share.
**“Why Quilters Are Smart”**
This is a fun and entertaining Power Point Lecture celebrating the wisdom we quilters have in our choice of hobby (or perhaps our obsession!) We all know that quilting is good—and good for us! But just in case you need a little more justification for your addiction—or you want some superior answers to those who wonder why you spend so much time and money on this quilting thing…. I bring experts to testify as to why exactly our hobby is excellent for our mental health, physical health and emotional health.
The talk also includes little quizzes for the audience to participate in. I picture it being just right for a meeting where we are having a party--maybe Christmas or Valentine's Day. This talk has been given only once so far—to the Quilters Legacy of Lakewood.
***Each talk is about 45 minutes long. Lecture Fee: $125.00
Betsy's Contact Information:
**Cell: 216-209-1171**
**baumanea@hiram.edu**
**2189 Lincoln Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107**
Thanks to Carolyn Burgess for connecting me with Betsy. Click here to listen to Carolyn's story.
And you can find Carolyn at:
Website: Appliques Quilts and More https://www.appliquesquiltsandmore.com/
Twitter: Appliques Quilts and More -@AppliquesM
Facebook: Appliques Quilts and More
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/appliquesquiltsandmore/_created/
Instagram: appliques.quilts.and.more

**Debi Montgomery** Feb 15, 2021
I have been following Debi Montgomery on her Mystery Quilts Anonymous Facebook Group for awhile now and love her mystery quilts. I want to read something that one of her other followers wrote to her as it tells how wonderful Debi is. They wrote, “You spend your time encouraging over 10 thousand quilters to know that they can accomplish what they set out to do. I am proud to say that I joined this group when there were less than 1000 members, and have watched you grow on this journey, as well as learned many tips and made quilts that I never would have thought I could. You are a most generous, kind hearted and wonderful woman, and I’m privileged to call you my friend.” Here's Debi's design - Party Poppers You can find Debi on: Mystery Quilts Anonymous Website Mystery Quilts Anonymous Facebook Group mystery_quilts_anonymous on Instagram

**Carolyn Burgess** Feb 08, 2021
Carolyn Burgess’ quilt Wings of Hope caught my eye as I scrolled through Facebook. Then after seeing her post the Angels of Hope quilt, I had to contact her for an interview. Yes, there is a story behind these beautiful quilts and of course I wanted to hear Carolyn’s story. For those of you who applique, you’ll want to check out her studio Appliques, Quilts and More.
Carolyn's favorite quilt
This closeup shoes the ruching (Sewing **ruching** is simply a way of gathering, pleating, or the folding of extra fabric)
And her Wings of Hope
You can find Carolyn at:
Website: Appliques Quilts and More https://www.appliquesquiltsandmore.com/
Twitter: Appliques Quilts and More -@AppliquesM
Facebook: Appliques Quilts and More
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/appliquesquiltsandmore/_created/
Instagram: appliques.quilts.and.more

**Carolina Moore** Feb 01, 2021
Carolina Moore is a professional blogger, craft and quilting book author, notions inventor, and award-winning quilter living in sunny San Diego, California. It was fun to get to know her background and how quilting has become such a part of her interesting life.
When Carolina was designing this quilt back in October, she remembered looking at the layout and thinking to herself “oooh… that’s a stunner.” And that is how this quilt got its name: The Stunner Quilt.
This quilt is an example of the Free Ruler of the Month pattern that you can find on Carolina's website. Always Expect Moore.com
Looking for her Spot on Dot? You can see a video on how they are used by clicking here.
Other places to find Caroline are:
YouTube: Carolina Moore
Pinterest: Carolina Moore
Instagram: craftmoore
Facebook: Always Expect Moore

**Dana Mastrogianakis** Jan 25, 2021
How many times do we say details make the difference? Dana Mastrogianakis enjoys focusing her attention on the details to make beautiful quilts. I enjoyed visiting with this old fashioned country girl to hear how relentless she is when it comes to her quilting.

**Beth Minnick** Jan 18, 2021
Beth Minnick is such an encourager! She tells about encouraging youth, but she also was very encouraging to me as we did this interview. She can find the beauty in projects that others would overlook. I loved her statement: The less you have the more creative you have to be.
The first quilt is Beth's 25 years in the making Lone Star. There are pictures of the back as well to show the different color of the quilting her mom used.

The second quilt is the one that people didn't like. Beth still loves it and love the colors.

The third quilt is the first quilt Beth made for herself and kept. Beth said the olive green looks so green in these pictures and it really doesn't stick out like a sore thumb! Lol

These last pictures are of the project Beth is working on now. The quilt that her mother started.

Floyd Bullock Jan 11, 2021

Many of us remember Floyd the barber on the Andy Griffith show. Well, I got to interview Floyd the Quilter! Turning Memories Into Heirlooms is Floyd Bullock’s theme as he creates quilts for his customers. I’m impressed by his attention to the details he collects before starting on a quilt so that his customers can receive the product they desire.

Here's Floyd's links:

Floyd The Quilter website

Floyd The Quilter Facebook

Floyd The Quilter Linkedin

Floyd Bullock on Pinterest

**Jamie Arnall** Jan 04, 2021
When life hands you scraps, make a quilt! This is what Jamie Arnall shared with me. And that’s exactly what she did with her life. She has such a wonderful attitude! You can hear the excitement and warmth in our conversation.

This first quilt is a simple quilt that Jame did with a shop hop group. She designed it and loves it because she loves the shops she worked with on it. And then her dad laid claim on it so it reminds her of her dad. He loves old trucks. Jamie used the square on square trim tool to do this second quilt.
Jamie's website is My Heavenly Notions
Or you can follow her on FaceBook Heavenly Notions
Or Instagram heavenly_notions
I also want to thank Shea & Michelle Watson of The Pantry Podcast for connecting me with Jamie.

**How Was Your 2020?** Dec 28, 2020
How did you handle this year of 2020? Hope you were able to work on your beautiful quilts! I thought it would be fun to ask some of my previous guests, that had been interviewed before this year, how 2020 was for them and if they were able to make a special quilt this year. After contacting a few, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to get to everyone I wanted. All my guests have been so wonderful. I did get to visit with Darlene Martin, Lani Nagy, Ruth Hong, Jean Pickering, and Tammy Bennett. Wow, what a year we have been through!
Darlene and Jean sent pictures of quilts they made this year.
Here's Darlene's:

And here's Jean's:

If you'd like to listen to their previous episode you can use these links:
Darlene Martin
Lani Nagy
Ruth Hong
Jean Pickering
Tammy Bennett
Also, Lani's YouTube Channel: Crafty Traveler

Bonus Episode: 2020 Christmas Dec 23, 2020

This is a bonus episode of A Quilter’s Life where I thought I would share with you a few short Christmas episodes from my podcasting friends. Two of them, Moni and Meg have also been guests on A Quilter’s Life. I hope you enjoy each segment and I’ll have their information on the episode page on my website if you would like to hear more from any of them. Merry Christmas!

Chris Staron / Truce Podcast

Moni Hardy / Moments with Moni

Meg Glesener / Letters From Home

Michelle Rayburn / Life Repurposed

Brad Simon / Waiting For Jesus

Sandy Fitzpatrick Dec 21, 2020

Obviously I’m a northerner. Sandy Fitzpatrick shared with me that southerners know the difference between a hissy fit and a conniption. So for us northerners I looked them up. Hissy fit is a childish tantrum as where a conniption is a fit of hysterical excitement or anger. I’m glad that Sandy of Hissyfitz Designs chose the cute name for her shop, although after spending time with her I can’t imagine this sweet lady ever throwing a tantrum.

You can find Sandy at:

HissyFitz Designs Website

HissyFitz Designs Facebook

HissyFitz Designs Twitter

HissyFitz Designs Instagram

Sandy Fitzpatrick on Pinterest

I also want to thank Amber Cullum of the Grace Enough podcast for connecting me with Sandy.

**Cynthia Hall** Dec 14, 2020
A few weeks ago Cynthia Hall had to postpone the interview we had scheduled due to Covid being an unwanted guest in her home. I’m so happy that she is recovering and getting stronger every day. She’s a longarmer that sees the beauty and art in others quilts as her tagline is “Let me finish your masterpiece.”
Here's some of Cynthia's quilts:

You can find Cynthia
Oh Sew Cynthia website
Oh Sew Cynthia on Facebook

Wendy Haney Dec 07, 2020

I noticed Wendy Haney’s YouTube videos and decided to reach out to her. She was sharing about quilting basics. Beginner quilters and experienced quilters are going to love these videos. Not only does Wendy have good reminders, she has some good tips that I hadn’t thought of. I had a great time hearing her story!

Here are the links to find Wendy:

Wendy's website Life Fulfilled

Wendy's YouTube Channel

Wendy's Facebook Page

Wendy's Private Facebook Group - Life Fulfilled

**Nikki Smith** Nov 23, 2020
Thanks to my niece, Alyssa Chamberlain, for connecting me with Nikki Smith. Nikki is a loving and giving quilter. I loved hearing about the special relationship she had with her grandmother. Not everyone has the opportunity to be close to loved ones. Nikki didn’t see this as an obligation, but rather a blessing.

**Carolyn Robinson** Nov 16, 2020
I want to thank a faithful listener, Terrie, for suggesting to me to contact Carolyn Robinson from Schoolhouse Quilts in Elizabeth, WV. Carolyn was so fun and easy to talk to that it’s easy to see why her customers love her. She also was so understanding when I had to reschedule the interview. I’m so glad that we were able to connect!
You can find Carolyn at her Shop at 280 Court St, Elizabeth, WV 26143
or
Schoolhouse Quilts Facebook

**Swan Sheridan** Nov 09, 2020
I would love the opportunity to go on a hike with Swan Sheridan as she could point out such interesting facts about what we would see. She also has interesting quilt patterns that you can find at Swan Amity Studios. On any given day, you can find this quilt artist half buried in fabric, brandishing her needle and thread, and otherwise surrounded by implements of creativity.

Find out more about Swan through these links:
Swan Amity Studios Website
Swan Amity Studios Facebook
Swan Sheridan on Twitter
Swan Amity Instagram
Thank you to Tammy Silvers of Tamarinis for sending Swan to contact me.
Check out Tammy’s website Tamarinis
Also on:
Tamarinis Facebook
Tamarinis Twitter
Tamarinis Pinterest
Tamarinis Instagram

Kelsey Pryor Nov 02, 2020

Kelsey Pryor has gotten more and more involved in running her family’s quilt shop, Just Sew, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky where she gets to work with her grandmother, mother, and siblings. I had the privilege of interviewing her mother, April Pryor, on an earlier episode. Kelsey is such an energetic young lady and it was fun to dig into what all she does. Leading the Just Sew Along quilting group and having a podcast are just a couple of the things she is involved in. Here's the store front for their quilt shop. Click on the links to find out more about Kelsey and Just Sew: Just Sew Website Just Sew Facebook Just Sew Instagram

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