I came to WA from the UK with my family as a 10 year old. I’ve never gotten used to the heat but I’ve also never been back to the UK!
2. Tell us about your quilting history – how/when you got started, who introduced you to quilting, what was your first quilt, etc.
My quilting experience began some 30 odd years ago when I took classes with the late Lois McCarthy who ran the first quilt shop in Perth, in Fitzgerald Street, North Perth. I chose to make a quilt called My Grandmother’s Fan and Lois wanted to know did I normally finish what I started? I didn’t think I did. I finished not one but two My Grandmother’s Fan quilts at that time. Quilting had me hooked from the very beginning.
My Grandmother’s Fan
3. What is your favorite thing about quilting? What is your least favorite?
I love colour and I love the process of choosing what to put together when I am making a quilt. My favourite thing is when the quilt top is laid out ready to piece and finally I can see how good it all looks. That’s the most satisfying experience. My least favourite thing? Hmm – reverse sewing? Although even in reverse sewing there is a desired outcome so it all adds to the experience of quilt making.
4. Is there a technique on your list to learn this year?
I have a list a mile long! When am I ever going to get time to do it all? One step at a time. I’ve just bought a Craftsy class by Elizabeth Hartman and I want to get to that this year!
5. Do you like to have multiple projects going at once or do you usually finish one before starting another?
I am a multiple projects kind of a girl! I actually have two cupboards for all the things I haven’t finished yet. This is something I try not to beat myself up about. Eventually I will get around to looking in those cupboards and deciding what to do. I am a big believer in getting rid of stuff that I no longer love, so anything that falls into that category will be going! I never look back!
6. Do you have a stash? If so, any big plans for it?
My stash is a bit scary. It won’t organise itself, which only makes it harder for me when I want to use it. I’ve been collecting fabrics for a very long time now and I think I need to be brutal with my stash. Get over it, and start culling is my motto. For a while (not a very long while) I stopped buying fabric but honestly, with all those gorgeous designers out there who can resist the odd impulse buy? Especially when you have an iPad that you can take to bed and order before you go to sleep? Yes, I have plans for my stash. I am going to make quilts with it.
7. What was the best thing you brought into your sewing room/studio to help you organize it?
Ikea can take the credit for this one. White Expedit shelves. The largest one. With Lekman boxes. I tell you what, when one of those boxes is full of fabric I can hardly lift it. Great organisers.
Sewing Room Expedit Shelves
8. What is your current fabric obsession (color, line, style, etc.)?
So many fabric obsessions, so little time. Everytime I see a new line of fabric I want to buy some. Yesterday I got one free fat quarter with text on it from Spoonflower but I also couldn’t resist buying another two fat quarters from Kristopher K Designs. I love her stuff.
9. What tool could you not live without?
I couldn’t live without my iron. Nor could I live without my quick unpick (reverse sewing again). And now that I have it, I couldn’t live without my design wall.
10. How many sewing machines do you have?More than I need! Two Pfaffs. One Janome. I’m looking after an old Bernina 930 for my Mum.
11. Do you do any other sewing besides quilting?
Twice a year I take up the hem on work trousers for my brother. My husband, when he needs trousers taking up, tells people he needs to find someone who can sew. He’s too funny!
12. What are you currently working on?
My current project is a Name Game mini quilt for an online swap organised by Samelia’s Mum. It has been something of a challenge and I am running horribly late with it.
13. What else do you want us to know about you?
I want you all to know that apart from this obsession with fabric and quilts I am a perfectly normal and well-adjusted human being. Just saying…