A Quilter's Life

Kena Tangi Dorsey lives her life the way she wants to live her life.  It's taken her in different directions throughout the years, but each step has added knowledge that she is able to use now. While living in Harlem, New York, Kena had an abundance of access to African shops and boutiques along 125th Street, so she began infusing African wax prints, kente cloth and mud cloth textiles into her quilting projects -  by making wall hangings, table runners and quilted bags with them.  She also loves working with Indonesian Batiks and had fun purchasing a large collection of them on her trip to Indonesia a few years ago!   This is one of Kena's favorite quilts! She calls it “Black Butterfly.” “Oba!” was Kena's first Benartex Ambassador project for 2024. For her fabrics, she chose the “Transparency” collection by Modern Quilt Studio. The purple quilt is a wall hanging quilt made of all African Ankara fabrics and a lavishly lavender organic cotton solid fabric for the background. Making portrait quilts is one of Kena's favorite things to do,  “Marvalous” was published in Art Quilting Studio Magazine! Connect with Kena Website: Kena Quilt Studio Facebook: Kena Quilt Studio Instagram: kenaquilts And Thanks to Shelly Martella for connecting us with Kena! Connect with Shelly Website: Threads & Ewe Facebook: Threads & Ewe Instagram: threadsandewe Pinterest: Threads & Ewe X: https://twitter.com/ThreadsandEwe My interview with Shelly Martella

What do you do when the company you work for closes and your family needs help?  Open a quilt business, of course.  Ronni Chavez was able to make it all come together through a rough time in her life.  Now Ronni is designing entertaining quilt patterns, offering tutorials, and has even written her first book, The Crazy Quilter. Ronni made this Disappearing Orange Peel especially to have it used for the feature picture of this episode.  Isn't the couching and quilting spectacular! Don't forget to look for her book. Connect with Ronni: Website: Road Home Quilting Website: RHQ - Quantity Source List to find The Crazy Quilter in Ebook: Books 2 Read

I need to add a note to this episode before it begins.  I had emailed Mel a few weeks ago for a follow up and didn't get a reply, but I know she's a busy lady and didn't think much about it.  Then today I received a note from Carolina that she had also reached out to Mel several times with no response.  So Carolina did more digging and found Mel Shields obituary.  Mel passed away on April 5th, 2025.  Only five days after this interview was recorded. This was quite a shock to us.  But I can't imagine the shock it must be to her dear husband, Paul. Paul, I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy.  It was a privilege to know Mel through our quilting group.  She will be greatly missed.  And I want to let you know that you and your family are in our prayers. It was an honor to record Mel's story.  And Paul, I hope being able to hear her voice in this interview will give you comfort. Mel Shields just has a few rules you need to follow when you're at The Quilting Room with Mel. There are no quilting police, you make your quilts the way you want to and if you are happy with the results, so is she. Everyone is welcome in her quilting room and last but not least enjoy your sewing machines the way you want to. These rules become very clear as we get to chat with Mel you'll hear her deep love for quilting and sewing machines. Here's Mel's No Y-Seam LeMoyne Star Obituary for Melissa Dawn Shields September 28, 1979 - April 5, 2025 Quenemo - Melissa Dawn Shields, 45, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Advent Health in Ottawa, Kansas. She was born on September 28, 1979, in Ottawa, Kansas, the daughter of James and Donna (Green) Meek. Melissa had lived most of her life in the Quenemo Community. She graduated from Marais des Cygnes Valley High School in 1998.   Melissa had worked as a waitress in high school and college, worked for Grapevine Internet as a Tech Rep and had worked several years at Marais des Cygnes Valley Elementary School. She had started as a Para with Three Lakes and then became the librarian and IT technician for the school. She had been a volunteer firefighter and worked with Osage County Emergency Management. She was a member of the Quenemo United Methodist Church and had always helped with the Quenemo Penny Suppers. On December 19, 2004, Melissa was united in marriage to Paul Shields at the Michigan Valley Community Church. Melissa was preceded in death by her parents, James and Donna. Melissa is survived by her husband, Paul of 20 years; by her son, Joshua Shields of Herington; by her stepdaughter, April Shields; by her brother, Jim Meek of Spring Hill; and by her sister, Dee Dinkle of Independence, Missouri. Funeral services for Melissa will be held at 11:00am on Friday, April 18 at the Feltner Funeral Chapel in Lyndon. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Quenemo. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Melissa may be made to Marais des Cygnes Valley Elementary School, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Avenue, Lyndon, KS 66451.

I am so thankful to Mel Shields for introducing me to Erika Pinkley.  I love Erika's “can do” attitude.  She seems to be consistent in seeing what she wants to accomplish, finds a way to do it, and then be told that was one of the hardest things to do. We didn't chat about Erika's logo during the interview, but as I was again looking through her website I read that she was inspired by her mom's favorite quilt block design, the Monkey Wrench, when she started Little Glass Quilts. Here's a sample of Erika's Little Glass Quilts!  This is Kansas Home. Connect with Erika Website: Little Glass Quilts Instagram: Little Glass Quilts Facebook: Little Glass Quilts TikTok: Little Glass Quilts And again, thanks to Mel Shields Website: The Quilting Room with Mel Facebook: The Quilting Room  Instagram: homeecmel YouTube: Melissa Shields TikTok: homeecmel

Sam Hunter is busy making patterns, YouTube tutorials, lectures for guilds, blogging, guiding retreats in Europe and last year she started the podcast Rev Craft Biz where she has conversations with business owners in the craft industry. Sam's philosophy for Hunter's Design Studio is to design things that you can enjoy. Her tagline is “Helping people have more fun while they make more things”. Sam wants you to have fun, joy, and comfort from your creative efforts, and she hopes the things she makes support you in that! You'll want to check out Sam's website just to see how many Lego Sams you can find. Sam just loves all of her quilts so it was hard for her to pick one to share with you.  This is her Fourteen Squared pattern. Connect with Sam Website: Hunter's Design Studio Facebook: Hunter's Design Studio YouTube: Hunter's Design Studio Pinterest: Hunter's Design Studio

Threads & Ewe is the fulfillment of Shelly Martella's lifelong dream to own a combination yarn and fabric store. Her goal is to provide a wide variety of exceptionally made fabrics and yarns, from around the globe, that will support the creative needs of sewing enthusiasts and fiber artists. Shelly is thrilled to finally be working in a career that lets her indulge her passion for beautiful fabrics and fibers. Shelly created the Threads & Ewe website not just as a yarn and fabric shop...but as a friendly online destination where quilters and knitters come to create! Here is Shelly receiving the Best Customer Service award! Just look at how wonderful Shelly's booth is! And here is Shelly enjoying what she does. Shelly at the International Quilt Festival Contact Shelly Website: Threads & Ewe Facebook: Threads & Ewe Instagram: threadsandewe Pinterest: Threads & Ewe X: https://twitter.com/ThreadsandEwe

The work on Kim Brownell's quilts gravitate towards animals, nature scenes, and bright colors.  Her techniques include and blend: fabric collage, free form art quilts, raw-edge applique, as well as many others.  Kim has a passion for entering quilt challenges which spark her imagination and inspire her.  She says her dream is to also inspire you to have fun and to help you learn what you can create.  Here are a couple of Kim's quilts Connect with Kim: Website: The Wacky Doddle Quilter Facebook: Kim Brownell Instagram: the.wackydoodle.quilter And Thanks to Mel Beach for sending Kim to A Quilter's Life Connect with Mel – Website: Mel Beach Quilts Facebook: Mel Beach Quilts Instagram: melbeachquilts Pinterest: Mel Beach YouTube: Mel Beach Quilts      Don't forget to subscribe to her YouTube channel And Mel's episode on A Quilter's Life: Mel Beach

This remarkable interview with Dana Jones is a little longer than the average episode of A Quilter's Life, but you know how it is when you get chatting with quilters.  Dana loves teaching quilting from beginning classes to advanced techniques, from teaching her own designs to teaching quilts designed by others.  And she shared with us many of her wonderful insights. We talked about Dana's Peace Cranes Over Hiroshima Here are her Warp Speed and Don't Call Me Girl quilts Connect with Dana Website: Dana Jones Quilts Facebook: Dana Jones Quilts And Thanks to Mel Beach for sending Dana to A Quilter's Life! Mel's episode on A Quilter's Life: Mel Beach Website: Mel Beach Quilts Facebook: Mel Beach Quilts Instagram: melbeachquilts Pinterest: Mel Beach YouTube: Mel Beach Quilts

Christa Watson is passionate about all things that have to do with domestic machine quilting.  She is an award-winning quilter, pattern designer, author, and digital educator!  After the interview I remembered I should have asked Christa about the sewing cabinet that she co-designed with Arrow.  I've seen it demonstrated and it looks fabulous.  Then a little later I received an email from her and she shared that her Colorful Chaos quilt that we talked about was juried into the quilt show in Paducah.  I'm so happy for her!  So if you're able to get to that show make sure to look for it. Here's Christa's Colorful Chaos quilt I had the privilege to meet Christa in person at QuiltCon 2024 Connect with Christa Website: Christa Quilts Facebook: Christa Watson Instagram: christaquilts Pinterest: Christa Quilts YouTube: Christa Quilts       Don't forget to subscribe to her YouTube channel

Bea Byrne is a quilter, artist and entrepreneur living in Oakland, California.  She has a love of anything to do with textiles but her real passion is quilting. After a career in tech and events Bea realized that organizing and hosting an online conference would be the perfect way to merge the two worlds.  She has created the Quilt n Learn events which include teachers from all over the world.  And if you've been listening to A Quilter's Life for a while you may even recognize some of the teachers at this event. Here's Bea's quilt Self Portrait Triptych To connect with Bea for the Quilt n Learn events Website: Quilt n Learn Facebook: Quilt n Learn Instagram: quiltnlearn YouTube: QuiltnLearn To Connect with Bea about her teaching and lectures Website: Bea Byrne Facebook: Bea Byrne Instagram: beabyrneartist And Thanks to Mel Beach for sending Bea to A Quilter's Life Connect with Mel – Website: Mel Beach Quilts Facebook: Mel Beach Quilts Instagram: melbeachquilts Pinterest: Mel Beach YouTube: Mel Beach Quilts And Mel's episode on A Quilter's Life: Mel Beach

You'll probably noticed before you start listening, this episode with Theresa Benson is about twice as long as our average episode.  Theresa has so much to offer!  Her workshops are a fusion of art and technology, where quilters of all levels discover that color theory and AI can go hand in hand.  Whether she's unraveling the mysteries of tech for the quilting community or sharing her passion for fabrics and patterns, Theresa's enthusiasm is infectious.  It won't take long for you to join in her enthusiasm on this episode too! Theresa's portrait quilts And some of her animal quilt designs I just love Theresa's smile! Connect with Theresa Website: The AI Quilter Facebook: The AI Quilter  Facebook Group: The AI Quilt Guild Instagram: theaiquilter YouTube: The AI Quilter If you want to connect on her professional level Linkedin: Theresa Benson Website: Radiant Meatball The podcast that Thresa and her friend, Amy Redbird host on the importance of laughter and strength in personal development and mental wellness:  Healarious

Sondrasa has found quilting to be the perfect pallet for her creativity. Playing with the mediums of fabric and thread to create her own unique brand of fabric art for international quilt shows and also creating her own quilt patterns which are designed to help even a confident beginner create beautiful quilts. Sondrasa sees every quilt as a work of art knowing that the maker has made it out of a labor of love. Here's Sondrasa's Desert Spring BOM Connect with Sondrasa Website: Art Quilts by Design Facebook: Art Quilts by Design Instagram: sondrasasews YouTube: Art Quilts by Design Twitch: Sondrasa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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 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 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

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

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 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 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

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 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.

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

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!