Quilters of the SCTMQG: Maybeth Wirz

How did you get started quilting? 

A friend was having fun quilting and producing modern works. She encouraged me to start as I was retiring from my job. I sewed a lot of clothes long ago so I was friendly with fabric and a sewing machine.

How long have you been a quilter?

About 6 years.

How many quilts do you think you have made in that time?

About 10 I think.

What is the story behind the first quilt you ever made?

I made a quilt for my granddaughters for their TV watching. I bought fabric on line ( some from Japan). When they arrived I only liked 7 of the eleven. I had a pattern which I altered because I didn't have enough different fabrics. I pieced their names on the back - which they loved.

How would you describe your style of quilting?

Love improvising. I feel overwhelmed at the thought of many many identical blocks. I do keep changing though.

What is your favorite type of quilt to make? (Paper pieced, applique, etc. ) Why?

I like it all. I enjoy paperpiecing and appliqué as well. I like hand work.

Favorite quilt ever made

What tool or tools could you not live without and why?

Thread cutter on my Juki!

What are your favorite materials to work with in terms of threads, fabrics, and batting?

Quilter's cotton, cotton/linen and regular linen. Warm and natural batting.

Which colors do you gravitate toward in your quilts?/Which color have you never used or want to use?

Aqua, red, oranges love them. Rarely use much blue. Would like to expand a bit with blues.

One of Maybeth's favorite quilts

How many UFO’s do you have?

About 8.

If someone were to peek in on your quilting time, what would they see?

A messy area, as I work I rarely tidy up until project is done.

What themes do you see in your quilts? (Colors, shapes, techniques,etc.)

Linear shapes, geometric - not much curves (yet).

What were some turning points in your quilting process?

Relaxing and learning to take a chance on an idea.

Who are the people, artists, quilters, etc. you look to for encouragement and inspiration in quilting?

Jacquie Gerring, my favorite. I visit sites of Elizabeth Hartman, Red Pepper quilts, Carolyn Friedlander, Lotta Jansdotter, Marcia Derse.

Where else do you find inspiration for your quilts?

Everywhere!

What do you like best about quilting?

Being engrossed in the fabric.

Where are you headed in your quilting, and what would you like to learn more about?

Want to learn free motion quilting as well as getting better at quilting with a walking foot.

What would you want to try if time and money were no object?

Quilt retreats in great places.

Last Question: What are you working on right now?

Just finishing quilting the "Make Do" quilt I meds from our Christmas scrap swap.

Quilters of the SCTMQG: Connie Fallon

How did you get started quilting? 

My sister-in-law gave me a gift certificate for a quilt class. I did recently talk to my HS boyfriend that told me that he still had the quilt I made him 40 years ago!

How long have you been a quilter?

About 25 years

How many quilts do you think you have made in that time?

100

What is the story behind the first quilt you ever made?

Made in a beginners class but even then I didn't want to use traditional fabrics.

How would you describe your style of quilting?

 

More modern than anything else. Colorful and fun. My friends say I choose "happy" fabrics. I also like to make quilts that are more neutral.

What is your favorite type of quilt to make? (Paper pieced, applique, etc. ) Why?

All but appliqué, yet one of my favorite quilts is machine appliqué.

What tool or tools could you not live without and why?

Rotary cutter and rulers. They make the process more accurate.

What are your favorite materials to work with in terms of threads, fabrics, and batting?

I like batting with at least 80% cotton. Cotton thread.

Which colors do you gravitate toward in your quilts?/Which color have you never used or want to use?

I like to use gray and white. I rarely use purple.

How many UFO’s do you have?

Probably several that need binding, maybe 6 that need to be quilted. Maybe 2 that I never finished.

If someone were to peek in on your quilting time, what would they see?

Someone that uses quilting to deal with her stress. At times intense, but enjoying herself.

What themes do you see in your quilts? (Colors, shapes, techniques,etc.)

I like to use different shapes and techniques

What were some turning points in your quilting process?

Prior to having my youngest, I made many contemporary wall hangings. I rarely ever made bed quilts. But the only way I could continue to quilt is if I was able to sew in short spurts. So I decided to work at one block at a time and make bed quilts.

Who are the people, artists, quilters, etc. you look to for encouragement and inspiration in quilting?

All quilters that I sew with

Where else do you find inspiration for your quilts?

Quilt shows, other quilters in the guilds I belong.

What do you like best about quilting?

Being creative.

Where are you headed in your quilting, and what would you like to learn more about?

No plans, just develop it as it comes.

What would you want to try if time and money were no object?

Long arm quilting

Last Question: What are you working on right now?

Quilt for my niece's wedding.

Quilters of the SCTMQG: Randy Ellis

How did you get started quilting? 

I watched a free quilt class of craftsy which inspired me.

How long have you been a quilter?

July will be 1 year

How many quilts do you think you have made in that time?

4 totally finished and gifted to family. 3 pieced, 1 in the process of being quilted and 1 cut to be pieced.

What is the story behind the first quilt you ever made?

After watching the craftsy class, I went to Barnes and Noble to look at quilt magazines. In one of them was a paper piece kit of an elephant by Violet Craft. I bought it did it and have been obsessed with quilting ever since.

How would you describe your style of quilting?

 

I lean towards modern designs but I am drawn to so many styles and techniques.

What is your favorite type of quilt to make? (Paper pieced, applique, etc. ) Why?

I would paper piece everything if I could.

What tool or tools could you not live without and why?

Add-a-quarter ruler for paper piecing to get an effortless 1/4" seam. Walking foot for piecing because it feeds both pieces of fabric evenly.

What are your favorite materials to work with in terms of threads, fabrics, and batting?

I love anything with color. Mixing fabric patterns. Aurifill thread because I am new and that is what everyone tells me to use :)

Which colors do you gravitate toward in your quilts?/Which color have you never used or want to use?

I am a blue person for sure. Brown, rust , beige not my thing.

How many UFO’s do you have?

3 tops not quilted yet. I like to do my own which has been a learning process and slow.

If someone were to peek in on your quilting time, what would they see?

Great focus and a mess.

What themes do you see in your quilts? (Colors, shapes, techniques,etc.)

Multi color and geometric. I have a stash of kits with different techniques to help me learn. The kit I am cutting now is curved pieces.

What were some turning points in your quilting process?

A good sewing machine, the walking foot and most recently a really good iron.

Who are the people, artists, quilters, etc. you look to for encouragement and inspiration in quilting?

Alison Glass is probably my favorite for fabric and designs. But, I watch videos and read anything I come across.

Where else do you find inspiration for your quilts?

Books, Pinterest.

What do you like best about quilting?

Creating something.

Where are you headed in your quilting, and what would you like to learn more about?

I want to keep learning and perfecting my sewing. Long arm is also something I want to get my hands on.

What would you want to try if time and money were no object?

I would buy a long arm.

Last Question: What are you working on right now?

Cutting up a Denyse Schmidt quilt kit

Quilters of the SCTMQG: Terrie Langer

How did you get started quilting? 

I learned to sew as a young girl, my Aunt Treba always encouraged me. In my 20's, my next door neighbor taught me to quilt by hand. She was amazingly talented. I just didn't seem to have the time to really accomplish anything. In my 40's, I took a beginner quilting class with two friends. It was a great class and a lot of fun! I fell in love and now quilting is my favorite hobby! 

How long have you been a quilter?

I have been a serious quilter for 11 years.

How many quilts do you think you have made in that time?

Well over 25! Some are still not quilted, but the top is finished. Most have been gifts.

What is the story behind the first quilt you ever made?

My first quilt that I finished was the one I made in my beginner quilt class about 11 years ago. It is a small lap quilt. I made it for my son, David. It is black, white and gray. The colors matched his bedroom. It is still in his bedroom here in CT. I think you always remember your first quilt.

How would you describe your style of quilting?

 

Interesting, I really like learning new things. So, that being said, I try lots of different types of quilting. I do love Paper Piecing and am very into English Paper Piecing currently. Also, I like "made fabric," where I cut up fabric and sew it all back together again.

What is your favorite type of quilt to make? (Paper pieced, applique, etc. ) Why?

When I look around at my UFO's, unfinished objects, I have to say Paper Piecing. I like the sharp points! It is also very logical and organized.

What tool or tools could you not live without and why?

Rotary cutter and mat
Add a quarter ruler
Good iron
Purple thing
Mini clips
Aurifil thread

Color wheel 

What are your favorite materials to work with in terms of threads, fabrics, and batting?

I love Aurifil thread!

My favorite fabric designers are:
Paula Nadelstern
Jennifer Paganelli (Sis Boom)
Kaffe Fassett (Phillip Jacobs)
Kona Solids

Which colors do you gravitate toward in your quilts?/Which color have you never used or want to use?

My favorite color is blue! Also, love pink. I have used just about all colors. Some I don't even really like, but was making a gift for someone. I like the fabric to be good quality.

How many UFO’s do you have?

Oh no, that question... Way too many! That is one of my goals for 2017, finish up unfinished projects. I have put a bit of dent in my UFO's... Hopefully, I am successful! 

If someone were to peek in on your quilting time, what would they see?

I would be in my basement, surrounded by all of my sewing things. The basement is my creative place. I have my computer, sewing machine and TV. I use a design wall. Love to iron (the ironing board is basically always up). I bind my quilts in the family room or in bed while watching TV. I do my EPP all over the house. It is easy to transport. I keep it contained in a plastic container, easy for on the go projects. I don't really like going places to sew with my sewing machine. I am not one to pack it all up and sew in a group.

What themes do you see in your quilts? (Colors, shapes, techniques,etc.)

I think people might be surprised that my quilts have been done by one person. Liking to try different styles, etc. I have made many different types of quilts. The most continual thing is probably the fabric.

What were some turning points in your quilting process?

I cut all my fabric at once. I work like a factory. I am very organized and like to finish the entire step in a process and move on to the next step. I do love ironing and always press. I don't really like the actual quilting part. That is probably because I don't have a great machine to quilt with.

Who are the people, artists, quilters, etc. you look to for encouragement and inspiration in quilting?

One of the best things I did was join SCTMQG. It got me out of my box! I didn't even really know much about modern quilting. It opened up a whole new world for me!!! I can't say I have a favorite anything/anyone. I have learned a lot from the other members of the guild and appreciate the openness of everyone to share and help! I use a lot of you tube videos to learn from.

Where else do you find inspiration for your quilts?

I would say I find my inspiration in nature and things around me. I might see a gate, garden, or something someone else had made...

What do you like best about quilting?

I enjoy being creative. I enjoy the entire process. I also like making things for others.

Where are you headed in your quilting, and what would you like to learn more about?

At this point, I am not so interested in a quick project. I have made many quilts and now want to focus and making something that makes me happy. I don't need a finish date.

What would you want to try if time and money were no object?

I would probably get a long arm if money were no object. Other than that I think I am perfectly happy doing what I am doing. I do enjoy classes as I like learning, but currently, nothing is calling to me.

Last Question: What are you working on right now?

Currently, working on two EPP projects. It may take me a few years to finish and that is okay. I also have two economy block quilts that I am always adding to. One is Sis Boom and the other is an I Spy type quilt (this is probably several quilts). I am also making several Challah (bread) covers that will be holiday gifts this year.