A Quilter's Life

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

“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. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3462"...

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!

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 &nbsp;

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 &nbsp; And check out Quilting on the Side with Andi and Tori! <img...

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 &nbsp; And check out Quilting on the Side with Tori and Andi!

With patience and using her God given talents, Audra Rasnake has created amazing quilts! Her first show quilt came home with 16 ribbons…many of them were blue, a couple of them were for Best Hand Quilting, and it was her first of 3 AQS ribbons she has received over the years. Audra has a passion to share needle turn applique and hand quilting as she wants this incredible art form to have a revival. Thank you to Sheila Drevna for letting Audra know to contact me. Here's Audra's first show quilt, Hadassah! Connect with Audra on her Etsy Shop In The Sanctuary &nbsp; And again Thanks to Sheila Drevna for connecting me with Audra. If you missed Sheila's episode on A Quilter's Life you can find it here. Connect with Sheila Longarm Love

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&amp;9th quilt Connect with Ashelyn Website: Urban Dwell Studio &nbsp; 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! <div id="yui_3_17_2_1_1703908881643_112" class="image-block-outer-wrapper layout-caption-below design-layout-fluid image-position-center combination-animation-site-default individual-animation-site-default sqs-narrow-width animation-loaded"...

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! <div...

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 Hera marker Bohin Retractable chalk marker Stiletto ByAnnie Stiletto - the tip is a little rough to keep your place, but not too rough to hurt the material Purple Thang Scissors Kai Scissors Karen Kay Buckley Scissors Fiskar Spring Action Scissors Snippers Sewing machines <span...

Merry Christmas! This episode of A Quilter's Life is being published on Christmas Day, 2023! &nbsp; 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. &nbsp; We start with &nbsp; 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. &nbsp; 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. &nbsp; 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. &nbsp; 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. &nbsp; 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. &nbsp; ...

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 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 &amp; teacher YouTube: StitchedBySusan

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

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!

This is the 3rd and final episode of the 2023 Thankful Notes from guests on A Quilter’s Life this year. Plus a few that we recorded before November but won’t be published until later. Brandy Maslowski will be in December and the last three are guests that will be published in January of 2024. I am so thankful for each and every guest that has been willing to be interviewed. I hope you have been enjoying what everyone is thankful for. 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. Here are the last 15 Thankful Notes for 2023. &nbsp; Connect with Amanda - Website: Sweet Pea Design Co. Instagram: sweetpeadesigncompany Facebook: Sweet Pea Design Company Instagram: notyourgrannysquiltshow YouTube: Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show Amanda Oros episode on A Quilter's Life &nbsp; Connect with Star - Instagram: Stella Quilts Star Goodhand's episode on A Quilter's Life &nbsp; Connect with Dawn - Website: Chestnut Ridge Sewing Instagram: chestnutridgesewing_ Facebook: Chestnut Ridge Sewing Facebook: Friends Of Chestnut Ridge Sewing Dawn Krier's episode on A Quilter's Life &nbsp; Connect with Jennifer - Website: By the Yard Etsy: ByTheYardComics Facebook: By the Yard Instagram: bytheyardcomics Instagram: sewfunpatterns Jennifer Lopez' episode on A Quilter's Life &nbsp; Connect with Carolina - Website: Always Expect Moore.com YouTube: Carolina Moore Pinterest: Carolina Moore Instagram: craftmoore Facebook: Always Expect Moore Podcast: <a href="https://ilovenotions.com/?fbclid=IwAR1jw_EaRKf_HRwgd25lkiI0ejWmPcWkFx7mtfM7ax6aXB27Pujg3tf_pWc" target="_blank"...

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. &nbsp; 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 &nbsp; Connect with Sonia - Website: Fabric and Flowers Instagram: fabricandflowers Pinterest: fabric &amp; flowers Facebook: Fabric &amp; Flowers Facebook Group: Fabric &amp; Flowers Quilty Chat Sonia Spence's episode on A Quilter's Life &nbsp; Connect with Amber - Website: Alderwood Studio Instagram: alderwoodstudio Amber Elliot's episode on A Quilter's Life &nbsp; 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 &nbsp; Connect with Jess - Website: Cottage Laine Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cottage.laine/" target="_blank"...

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. &nbsp; 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 &nbsp; Connect with Lori – Website: Humble Quilts Facebook: Humble Quilts Instagram: humblequilts Pinterest: Lori Dejarnatt Lori Dejarnatt's episode on A Quilter's Life &nbsp; 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 &nbsp; Connect with Amanda - Website: Quilt It List Pinterest: Quilt It List / ALeeB Creative Instagram: quilt_it_list Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/quiltitlist" target="_blank"...

Lynn Lancaster Gorges is a lifelong quilter. She has a passion for combining fabric, color, and design to create unique, one-of-a-kind works of art. She draws inspiration from traditional quilting techniques, but also enjoys pushing the boundaries and exploring new methods and styles. Lynn is a textile conservation and restoration expert specializing in antique and vintage quilts, clothing, military uniforms and flags. Connect with Lynn: Website: Lynn Lancaster Gorges

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 &nbsp;

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 &amp; lonelimess expert. Here's Sue's website: Sue Donaldson &nbsp;

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

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 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

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 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

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

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 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 &nbsp;

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! <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3290"...

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 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 &nbsp;

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

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: [email protected] &nbsp;

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 <img class="alignnone size-medium...

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 &amp; Blog: Teresa Coates YouTube: ShannonFabrics Facebook: MAKE with Teresa Coates Instagram: teresacoates Etsy: CrinkleDreams Website: Shannon Fabrics

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

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

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 &amp; Me Quilting Co. Facebook: Mom and Me Quilting Co. Instagram: momandmequiltingco Pinterest: Mom and Me Quilting Co. &nbsp;

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

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 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 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 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 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 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 &amp; flowers Facebook: Fabric &amp; Flowers Facebook Group: Fabric &amp; Flowers Quilty Chat

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

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 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 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 &nbsp;