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I wanted to use linen fabrics and a collection of solid hand-dyed fabrics and incorporate a free-motion embroidered alphabet. This is the 25th quilt in my "Alphabet" quilt series.
This quilt was inspired by Jewish paper cuttingsLabel
What inspired you to make this quilt?
"I had a collection of hand dyed solid fabrics and some linen fabric I was wanting to use. I love anything with a scroll work design, and of course, had to incorporate a few sheep.
What do you like most about this quilt? I love the linen fabrics, the muted colors, and the free motion embroidered alphabet which I wasn't sure I could pull off!"
Were there any challenges you faced while making it?
"I had originally designed the top border slightly differently and it wasn't working. I chatted with a good friend about it and he made the suggestion to make the scroll work tie together at the top. I did and it was the right thing!"
What else might people enjoy knowing about your quilt?
"The alphabet at the top was drawn on paper and then transferred to the fabric where I free motion embroidered it. It's just a matter of going back and forth with a free motion foot over the lines until you get it thick enough for the desired effect."
What started your interest in quiltmaking?
"I was a cross stitcher and was running out of wall space for my cross stitch samplers. I love antiques and wanted to start making some antique inspired quilts."
What is your quilting “story” up to now?
"Well, I guess I am known for my alphabet series of quilts which started in 2008. I made the first one, entered it in a show, won 3 ribbons, and was hooked on making quilts for show. I had the idea to make a series of quilts, all featuring the alphabet, and it seemed logical to create 26! The last one was recently finished in 2024."
What does quilting mean to you?
"I am amazed at how much quilting has brought into my life. From incredible friends to generous prize winning checks that go towards a lot of home improvements, I could not have predicted what an incredible journey this has been!"
What inspires your work?
"I find inspiration in numerous things! I love antiques and find a lot of inspiration in looking at old books, textiles, jewelry, etc."
How do you fit quilting into a busy life?
"I have a full time job, but manage to quilt in the evenings and on weekends."
What are your quilting ideas and dreams for the future?
"Currently, I am trying to write a book about the alphabet series, but I find creating a book much more difficult than quilting."
What advice would you give to beginning or future quilters?
"Don't be intimidated by the top quilts in a show. Take just a small part of a quilt that you see and use it as inspiration. Nobody starts at the top. The best advice I got from a fellow quilter was to practice 20 minutes every day. Practice makes progress!"
What does it mean to you to have a quilt in the National Quilt Museum?
"This is the 5th quilt I now have in the capable hands of the NQM! I never dreamed I would ever have just 1! It is an amazing honor that I don't take lightly and feel extremely fortunate that I have been able to create quilts that have landed at the NQM!"
What else might people enjoy knowing about you?
"My late husband used to tell people that I was a quilter by day, and in show business at night! My day job, which actually runs into the evening, is the Box Office Manager at a local dinner theatre. Fortunately, I love my job which makes it easier to create in my free time."