MQResource

Donna James, Quilter in the Spotlight

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:53:26 +0000

This week we are featuring quilter Donna James of Nelson, BC. I’m sure you’ll enjoy getting to know her; and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the photographs of the quilts she has shared with us.

Please be sure to visit the forum and thank Donna for taking the time to participate in our “In the Spotlight” feature.

MQResource: Please tell us a little about your family.

I have been married to Larry, my best friend, for 39 years. We share a love of antiques, downhill skiing, and our children. His 'thing' is stained glass, so he is quite aware of the need for tools and materials! Our older daughter, Sarah, is 31 and on maternity leave from her job as a library technician. She lives 40 minutes away, so I get to interact with 6-month old Ella regularly! My younger daughter, Emily, is 27, and is presently on a 6-month assignment in Hong Kong. Guess who is going to Hong Kong this fall? Oh, yes, Marley, my avatar, who survived our cross-country trek, is 14, and very bossy!

MQR: Where do you call home?

We live on half an acre just outside the beautiful and funky town of Nelson, BC, in the Kootenays, where I have a beautiful view of the mountains from my studio. We moved west two years ago after having spent all of our working lives near Ottawa, Ontario.

MQR: How long have you been quilting and how did you get started?

In the fall of 2002, shortly after I retired from 32 years in a Grade 8 classroom (yes, I deserve retirement), I 'tripped over' an 'introduction to quilting' seminar at a sewing weekend show in Ottawa. The demo was a Rail Fence lap quilt, and I thought that I could probably do that! In those days, you could find a quilting show every day on HGTV, and that's how I spent the winter -learning to quilt.

I began taking every class that I could, and a very serious addiction hit. My LQS, The Country Quilter, was the best place to take classes, get advice; and eventually I was asked to teach! Leaving my quilting accomplices was the only thing that I regret about moving west. Of course, I began dreaming about getting a longarm so that I could complete my quilts myself. With encouragement from Larry, I treated myself to an A-1 in January, 2008. Our dollar was at par, so why not?

MQR: Do you still do much piecing, or are you all about the quilting?

I love to piece. I see every project as a challenge to get those points and have seams match where they're supposed to. Though I have subscriptions to far too many quilting magazines, I rarely use a pattern, as is. I prefer to design my own quilts and my EQ6 program has saved me from colour disasters and is really helpful for determining border sizes. Since acquiring my LA, I am very much 'into' the quilting; and I certainly enjoy it much more now than trying to quilt on my DSM! When I go to quilt shows, I find myself much more interested in how the quilt was quilted.

MQR: What is the last project you worked on just for yourself?

I'm very proud that I was able to complete the wholecloth that I designed in Adam's class. The last month has been consumed with Feather Boot Camp, and I hope to apply what I've learned in my next project.

MQR: Do you have a quilting business?

I don't have a business, and really have no interest in quilting for others. I have to live until I'm 150 to make all the quilts that are in my head and to have any chance of using up my stash.

MQR: What is the most challenging part of quilting for you?

Choosing a design or motif that I'm confident that I can pull off. I am still very much in the learning mode. The education and advice that I have received here on MQR has been so helpful!

MQR: What are your favorite quilting tools?

I LOVE my machine. Megan's SID ruler, Willow Leaf Studio’s circles and Mini-Rule, and the clip-on magnifier that I picked up at HMQS. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm hoping that my new Circle Lord will also become a favorite.

MQR: What is your current favorite quilting book or pattern?

Suzanne's 'Meandering Magic' and Diana Phillips' 'Line Dancing' and 'Flower Power'.

MQR: What hobbies do you have (beyond quilting)?

Reading, gardening, downhill skiing, attending auctions and scouring flea markets for vintage items. I spend a lot of time on eBay! I will do just about anything to avoid housework and spending time in the kitchen. I did not retire to become a maid!

MQR: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Vanilla, Ben & Jerry's White Russian. I know, really boring.

MQR: Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks?

Salty, for sure, though marshmallow bananas tempt me every once in a while.

MQR: What is your favorite beverage?

Coffee, Coke, slushy lime margaritas.

MQR: What is your least favorite food?

Squash, eggplant

MQR: What is your favorite time of year?

Summer. I love to be warm. Winter is bearable only because I can ski.

MQR: What are your favorite books/authors?

I enjoy biographies, historical fiction, and mysteries. Anything by Margaret Atwood, Patricia Cornwell, John Grisham, early Stephen King, Michael Crummy, Timothy Findlay, Michael Connelly. I loved 'Brick Lane' by Monica Ali. When I find an author that I like, I try to read everything they've ever published.

MQR: What are your favorite movies?

Lord of the Rings was the last movie I saw in a theatre. I prefer to watch DVD's in the comfort and quiet of my home. I like any movie with Meryl Streep, Robert de Niro, Paul Newman, Johnny Depp, or Brad Pitt. I think that 'Dirty Dancing' is my all-time favorite.

MQR: What is one of your goals for 2009?

To design and quilt a new wholecloth. My feathers will be better!

MQR: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about quilting?

I am blown away by the generosity of the members of this site. I have learned so much; and silly as it may sound, I feel like I have made many new friends.

All photographs have been provided by Donna.

Thanks, Donna! Please don't forget to visit the forum if you have any questions or comments for her.

WIP Wednesday--November 4, 2009

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:41:43 +0000

Hello! It is our first Wednesday WIP post for the month of November. Can you believe it? The holidays are almost here. Better get busy finishing up those last few customer jobs and those Christmas gift projects! Please take a minute, or a few, to stop by the forum and share your recent projects and quilting jobs. I'll be looking for you!

Wednesday WIP

(If the forum link doesn't work for you or you get an error message indicating that you don't have access, you may need to log in to the forums. After logging in, scroll down the list of forums until you find the one labeled "WIP Wednesday" -- click on that, look for the current week, and join the fun!)

Whistlestop Web Tour Vol.23

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:18:20 +0000

Quilting Stars

This week I toured around the blogosphere to find out how many quilting stars have blogs. I didn't include our MQR stars because we already know them and these are only star blogs, not web sites.

Diane Gaudynski chronicles her work, shares tips and updates her teaching and travel schedule through her blog
Ferret is an award winning quilter from the UK
Author, teacher and chicken farmer, Judy Laquidara has a very active blog and often has a free quilt project going
Sarah Ann Smith is a quilt artist and frequent contributor to Machine Quilting Unlimited magazine
Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson have a blog at The Quilt Show
Mark Lipinski talks about everything on his blog!
Patsy Thompson shares a lot of information and samples for her quilting techniques
Art quilter Kathy York, chronicles her art development on the web
Judy Coates Perez shares a lot of the detail of her design process on her blog
I am fascinated by Gloria Hansen's digital designs and she works hard to keep her blog fresh
Author, designer and teacher, Pat Sloan has a very active blog
Mixed media artist, Jane Davila has a very interesting blog
Pattern designer and award-winning quilter, Ruth Powers, shares details of her works in process on her blog

Mission accomplished. I believe I have taken at least 15 - 30 minutes of your day! There are lots more star blogs so maybe I will continue next week!

Vicki Welsh

MY Blog

My Etsy shop of hand dyed fabric

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook

Question of the Week November 1

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:25:09 +0000

November 1st! Where does the time go? And speaking of time, for all in the Eastern time zone I hope you remembered to turn back your clocks an hour this morning, as were are back on standard time. And also in the time vein, just so you know..25 days till Thanksgiving and 55 days till Christmas! Time to get busy!

And in trying to get going on all that holiday work, sometimes we need a little inspiration (and sometimes a lot!). There are many, many sources for inspiration, but most of us have a favorite book that we refer to time and time again. So the question for this week is:

What is your favorite, most used, "go to" book for inspiration?

Join us in the forum and share your favorite, and have a wonderful, creative week!

Sharon Weisenfluh, Quilter in the Spotlight

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:35:57 +0000

This week we are featuring Sharon Weisenfluh of Ocala, FL. I’m sure you’ll enjoy getting to know her a little better; and I know you’ll love the photographs of her quilting she has shared with us.

Please be sure to visit the forum and thank Sharon for taking the time to participate in our “In the Spotlight” feature.

MQResource: Please tell us a little about your family.

I have a husband of 38 years with two grown boys. Someday hoping for a DIL, but I am not holding my breath. Possibly I could have one next year. I do have a wonderful 9-year-old granddaughter named Skylar. As far as pets, been there done that and will never repeat it again. Don’t get me wrong, I love animals; and they love me. I just don’t like it when you want to go somewhere (which we do a lot) and have to make arrangements for them. I have had dogs, cats, gerbils, and fish. Those were the long-term kind of pets; but having boys meant we had to keep and release turtles, snakes (we liked playing with the baby ones), and any other critter they caught.

MQR: Where do you call home?

I was born and raised in Virginia and that will always feel like home. My husband retired from the government so we lived in Bangkok, Thailand; Monrovia, Liberia Africa; and the Philippines but we always returned to Virginia. We are living in Florida now (husband did not like the cold, so we retired to Ocala, Florida). We have been here 9 years, but it does not feel like home. All of my family now lives in Florida except for one son and my DGD; but all my friends live in Virginia.

MQR: How long have you been quilting?

I made my first quilts from panels to match two pillows my wonderful MIL made for me that she hand quilted back in 1992. I found the same fabric and made two lap size quilts to keep warm during our Virginia winters. Then 8 years later, we moved to Florida where I did not think quilts would be needed. I was foolishly under the impression quilts were made to keep someone warm and that was it. I had no clue people in Florida would like quilts.

MQR: How did you get started quilting?

My MIL’s friend got me started, then I became hooked. She was a hand piecer and quilter so that is the way I started. It only took one quilt to find I had to see progress much faster than that if I would stay with it.

MQR: Do you still do much piecing, or are you all about the quilting?

I am more about the quilting now than piecing. I was very slow at the piecing and not very accurate with the ¼” seam allowance that I found was very important. I think it has something to do with making a quilt square!!! LOL I am not much for impulse buying of fabric, but I am for purchasing patterns that catch my eye. Now I just need the time to work on them so I can go purchase fabric.

MQR: Do you have a quilting business?

I do have a quilt business. I am also slow at quilting, so I guess not having a large clientele can be good at times.

MQR: What is your most favorite part of quilting for others?

I think my favorite part would be the laying out the quilt top on the dining room table where I lay a large sheet of vinyl over the top so I can draw out my designs. I do all of my business before our guild meetings, so there is never enough time to really discuss the quilts either before or after with the customer. They peek at it but most do not want anyone looking at their quilts until it is bound. Some show them during show and tell. Some don’t show them ever. I get a quick thank you and don’t get to discuss the quilt.

MQR: What is the most challenging part of quilting for you?

It used to be having my top thread play nicely with the bobbin thread. I solved that with the purchase of the TOWA Gauge. Promoting my business is hard for me. It is something I just can’t do.

MQR: What are your favorite quilting tools?

I have all kinds of tools and gadgets but the only thing I use on every quilt is Janet Lee’s favorite ruler. As much as I hate SID, I use this on every quilt. Also, I consider MQR a wonderful tool for learning, receiving help, and ideas. I have also added bicycle extender handles to my machine so I have more control. It does not feel comfortable using the original handles now.

MQR: What hobbies do you have (beyond quilting)?

I can tell you the hobbies I used to have like crocheting, ceramics, and macramé to name a few. I also make window treatments for all my houses. Curtains, window toppers, to window shades have been the easiest sewing for me.

MQR: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. Oh, you can add chocolate syrup on that, too. But I have to tell you that is in the past. I am a member of the 50/50 club so that is actually has been a no-no for me.

MQR: Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks?

I prefer both, but can’t have either one. I am on the wagon with chocolate and salt.

MQR: What is your favorite beverage?

My favorite is Pepsi, but with being a member of the 50/50 means I have to drink a lot of H2O. I miss the good ol’ days when I did not have to worry about such things. Can you see a pattern here? Life is not as good as it us to be. Getting old stinks.

MQR: What is your least favorite food?

Where to begin with that one. A lot of vegetables like asparagus, cauliflower, and lima beans; but I will not bore you with all the rest.

MQR: What is your favorite time of year?

I like winter in Florida because I can keep the thermostat at 66-68 degrees and not have to rob the bank to pay the bill. There are also a few months I can even open up the windows and doors.

MQR: What are your favorite books/authors?

I don’t really have the time or the eyesight to read many books, so I keep that to quilting books and this website. I used to read Daniele Steele. Years ago, her books use to be like traveling around the world. I tried reading them within the last couple of years and they are not the same.

MQR: What are your favorite movies?

We don’t really go to the movies much, so we wait for them to come on TV. Any movie with Bruce Willis, Steven Seagall (in his younger days), Matt Damon (good actor but also looks a lot like my youngest son). I like the mystery, murder, blood-and-guts type movies with lots of action.

MQR: What is one of your goals for 2009?

I would like to quilt a top I made for myself since I do not have a quilt for my bed. Everyone else’s needs have come before mine – imagine that.

All photographs were provided by Sharon.

Thanks, Sharon! Please don’t forget to visit the forum if you have any questions or comments for her.

Whistlestop Web Tour Vol.22

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:43:53 +0000

Gifts for Gardeners

It's the last Tuesday of the month and that means Christmas gifts! This month we are looking for gifts for gardeners:

Many gardener's like to keep notes, so let's start with some journal tutorials:

Rachael at Young Homemaker's has a thorough tutorial for a hard bound journal
Curiously Crafty has another version of a hard bound journal
Two Creative Studios has a tutorial for cereal box booklets. Decorated with garden themes, these would be great for pocket-sized note books for the gardener to use while working. Their Padfolio is also another great gift idea.
The Long Thread has another cereal box journal tutorial
The DIY Wedding has a nice journal made from woven scraps of fabrics

There are TONS of journal tutorials around the web but the gardener also needs some tools!

Here's a PDF pattern for some gardener's gloves
At planting time, the gardener needs an apron for tools and seeds, Wiener Dog Tricks has a great one made from recycled materials.
Craftzine also has a really nice gardener's apron tutorial
Clever Nesting has a tutorial for a cute pouch apron to use at harvest time
Instructables has a garden tool caddy made from old jeans and a bucket. I think I'd pretty it up a bit if I were giving it as a gift!

If you don't want to make the entire gift or you need a gift from the kids, Disney Family Fun has a project for decorating a garden apron and gloves
Sew, Mama Sew! has a nice quilted garden tote tutorial, put some tools or seeds in this and let the tote function as the wrapping
Backyard Living also has a nice, and very functional garden tote pattern and here's another from Michael's. Don't forget to add some long strips of selvages or scrap fabric to the tote to use as garden ties.

If you are beyond sewing, you can may this Indoor Hydroponics Gardening System for someone so they can garden year-round and no list of garden crafts can be complete without a few entries from Martha Stewart:

If you have any other great ideas for gifts for gardeners, please share them in the forum!

Vicki Welsh

MY Blog

My Etsy shop of hand dyed fabric

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook

Question of the Week October 25

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:32:06 +0000

It's Sunday again and the beginning of another week. This is the last week of October! Halloween on Saturday, then Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. Are you ready?? I'm sure not, but I am working towards it.

On to our question. When I had asked Jo Ann for some suggestions for the QOTW a few weeks ago, fusible web was on the list she gave me. Since our newest 2 part premier video includes the use of fusibles in our project, I think we'll focus on that this week. So the questions are:

What is your favorite fusible web product(s)?

What is it about that product(s) that makes it a favorite?

Join us in the forum to share your preferences and have a Happy and safe Halloween!

Kathryn Fuller, Quilter in the Spotlight

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:00:00 +0000

This week we are featuring quilter Kathryn Fuller of New Mexico. I’m sure you’ll enjoy getting to know her a little better; and I know you’ll enjoy viewign the photographs of the quilts she has shared with us.

Please be sure to visit the forum and thank Kathryn for taking the time to participate in our “In the Spotlight” feature.

MQResource: Please tell us a little about your family.

I’m blessed to have a great family, starting with my husband of 23 years, Daryl. Between us, we have three adult children: James, Morgan and Heather. They have all enriched our lives with grandkids: Taylor Anne (14), Zachary (7), Isabelle (16 months), and Ursula (19 months). We have six cats (Bella, Luna, Angus, Chester, CC and Murphy) and two dogs (Saba and Cozmo). Our household has grown a bit since the first of the year with the addition of mother-in-law, Darlene, and her two cats, Shadow and PJ. I managed to infect Darlene with the dreaded “quilt pox” before she moved here, and she has since become a wonderful support to my business.

MQR: Where do you call home?

Our home is on five acres in the mountains, southeast of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Somehow, I found it most appropriate that we reside in Tijeras, the Spanish name for “scissors”. We have an average of 2-4 feet of snow during the winter and love living amongst the trees.

MQR: How long have you been quilting and how did you get started quilting?

My first quilt was made as a baby shower gift in 1992. I had developed severe tendonitis in both arms and couldn’t knit my usual baby gifts and happened to see Eleanor Burns on TV talking about her “Quilt in a Day” patterns. My darling husband took care of the rotary cutting for me and I did the rest. After a few more baby quilts (I swear there was something in the water in San Diego back then), I was hooked on quilting.

After wrestling with my domestic machine to complete my own quilts for over 10 years, I purchased my Gammill Optimum Plus with some of the proceeds from the sale of our San Diego home and had it delivered to New Mexico. In January 2004, my Gammill was delivered to our new home.

MQR: Do you still do much piecing, or are you all about the quilting?

When I can find the time, I like to piece quilts. Nowadays, it can take a year or more to finish piecing my own quilts.

MQR: Do you have a quilting business?

Catamount Quilting & Art Studio was born about nine months after delivery of my Gammill.

MQR: What is your favorite part of quilting for other people?

I love it when a client tells me that I have free rein to do whatever I want on their quilt. It can be a bit daunting when faced with that blank canvas; and then, WHAM, the quilt speaks and the ideas flow.

MQR: What is the most challenging part of quilting for you?

Doing a pantograph on a customer quilt that really cries out for custom.

MQR: What are your favorite quilting tools?

My little straight edge ruler for SID, the TOWA bobbin gauge, my side leaders (ala Sharon Schamber), and my Micro Drive Handles. Although I would never call my husband, Daryl, a ‘tool’, he is an invaluable help to me in many ways. He has created numerous pantograph designs, and has terrific color sense and an eye for design.

MQR: What is your current favorite quilting book or pattern?

Any book by Karen McTavish and the trio of books by Darlene Epp. I love finding new and different fills to use.

MQR: What hobbies do you have (beyond quilting)?

According to hubby, I have never met a hobby that I didn’t like. That’s a bit of an exaggeration as I haven’t met or experienced every hobby there is. That said, knitting and sewing are quite enjoyable pastimes. I have become addicted to audio books and find that I can quilt, sew or knit while listening to stories.

MQR: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Chocolate Pralines and Cream

MQR: Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks?

Oh, sweet by far!

MQR: What is your favorite beverage?

That sorta depends…during the day, it’s Crystal Lite; and in the evening I love a cold glass of chardonnay with dinner.

MQR: What is your least favorite food?

It’s a tie between sauerkraut and liver.

MQR: What is your favorite season of year?

I love fall with the changing color of the foliage and the crisp air.

MQR: What are your favorite books/authors?

Diana Gabaldon, Patricia Cornwell and Michael Connelly. I like to alternate among romance, mystery, suspense and thrillers, along with the occasional historic piece, such as the book on President John Adams.

MQR: What are your favorite movies?

To Kill a Mockingbird, the Harry Potter series, The Quiet Man, Love Actually, Rob Roy, Practical Magic, Murphy’s Romance, Drop Dead Gorgeous, and Gross Pointe Blank, to name a few.

MQR: What is your favorite quote?

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”– Eleanor Roosevelt

MQR: What is one of your goals for 2009?

Now that my business has become busier and more profitable, I want to improve my planning and ensure that I make time to enjoy my life, family and friends Oh, and I definitely have IQ envy and hope to be able to afford that little addition in the next year.

MQR: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about quilting or your business?

A few decades ago, I enjoyed drawing and oil painting. A busy work schedule and “life” got in the way, and I haven’t touched a brush in many a moon. Longarm quilting has become my favorite artistic expression.

http://www.catamountquilting.com

http://krafterkat.blogspot.com

All photographs have been provided by Kathryn.

Thanks, Kathryn! Please don’t forget to visit the forum with any questions or comments that you may have for her.

WIP Wednesday--October 21, 2009

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:45:20 +0000

Hello! It is time for the weekly show & share! This has turned into one of the favorite topics each week, but remember, it's no fun without you. Let's make it better and better! Come join the party by sharing a peek at what you have been working on this last week. You can even just link us to your blog posts, where you may have already posted pictures. Show us that customer quilting that is in progress, your own quilts, piecing or quilting, and any other projects you may be working on. I know we have a few knitters running around here, also. So come on in!

Wednesday WIP

Quilt Whisperer 101 -- Session 2

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:16:43 +0000

Due to the unexpectedly overwhelming response to Carla's class, Quilt Whisperer 101, we've had to close the first session, and have now opened registration for a 2nd session which we have scheduled for January 2010.

For more information, follow the link below:

Quilt Whisperer 101 -- January 2010

Class will begin January 11, and run for 3 weeks. Pricing is the same, and Premier Members are entitled to a discount, using the coupon code that can be found in the Premier Member Announcements forum.

If anyone has signed up for the November session and would like to switch to January, please let me know!

Happy Quilting!

Suzanne