Hello! Trying something new on the blog, a question and answer session with a customer. Meet Melissa, a frequent flyer here at Longarm Quilting Inspirations!

Tell me about yourself?
“I live on a dairy farm near Fort Atkinson, Iowa, with my husband and 3 daughters. I have an AAA Degree in Interior Designing and a BS in Family and Consumer Education and Public Relations. I like to be involved in our daughters activities and community committees. I have been seriously quilting now for 3 years. My talents and love of quilting have been passed down to me by both of my grandmothers.”

Why do you quilt?
“I quilt to express my creativity. My Dad is a great Carpenter, and what he does with wood, I do with fabric. It is also a good tension release for me and a way for me to relax. It is always fun to run into another quilter.”

What style of quilter are you?
“I like to keep it simple. I like to use unusual colors and patterns, but to keep the patterns simple. I can look at a quilt and with some graph paper, can usually figure out the pattern. This usually sparks interest in a particular fabric collection or selection. So then, I have to figure out how much fabric I will need and how to make the cuts. I like to use quilt patterns as guidelines because I find the patterns are to vague for my style. It it easier for me to write my own pattern and it satisfies my design style. I have just started appliquéing small projects.”

Tell me about the aprons and pillow cases you make for others.
“I feel that making and wearing aprons is a lost art. About 2 years ago, I made over 15 aprons for our girlfriend holiday baking weekend. We wear them when we get together to bake and when we bake at home. My aprons are called ‘Not your Grandmother’s’ apron’. I also will make aprons for gift basket fundraisers. I enjoy posting the photos on Facebook. My pillowcases, I have been making them for many years. I have also included them in themed baskets for fundraiseres for our Catholic school, the local library, and others. I also donate them to the University of Iowa hospital Burn Center. Others that receive a pillowcase are our school’s girls state basketball team, dairy royalty and others. Pillowcases are simple and easy for me to make. When some receives one it makes them feel good and they know someone cares for them.”

Name 3 things that you like best about quilting?
“Quilting is an expression of creativity. I like looking at quilts and then figuring out how to alter the pattern to make it my own design. I feel it is important to use my quilting talents to benefit charitable organizations.”

Do you have a favorite designer or fabric line?
“I am intrigued by Tula Pink and Robert Kaufam because of the bold fabric schemes. You need a special pattern to complement these styles.”

Why is mentoring other quilters important to you?
“Quilting is a rare talent and I like to encourage and help new quilters.”

Tell me about this last quilt project?
“By the way, I try and name all my quilts. Inspiration comes from several reasons, maybe who it is for or the collection or quilt design. This one is named- ‘Tula Pink was Framed.’ Another reason I decided to make and design this quilt was because I have always admired Tula Pink and Robert Kaufam fabric designs. They are unusual and very bright. When this quilt design showed up on my Pinterest feed, I knew I had to make it and knew just what fabrics I wanted to use. However, There wasn’t much information about the quilt I saw, so I sat down and designed and figured out what I would need to make this quilt. I have even shared my ‘pencil sketch’ with a fellow quilter.”

Why do you bring your quilts to Carla for the longarm quilting?
“I have known Carla for a while. Our girls are different ages, but went to the same school. I always admired what unique projects her and her daughters did. Her daughters were very young and accomplished quilters when I first met them.
Carla used to do longarm quilting for a local quilt shop and that is how I was introduced to her talent. When I found out she had started her own business, I called to see if she would do a few projects for me.
Carla is kind and very approachable. It is always easy to have a conversation with her. Besides one other friend, she is the only other person I know who quilts. She has always been very generous, and I feel at ease and welcomed into her house and studio.
Once I am done with a project, I usually send Carla a photo of the quilt, so she can help me choose a pantograph and/or thread color. I like that her pantographs are on the blog and Facebook page, so that I can have an idea of what might look appropriate in my mind and start the process along.
It is very easy for me to quilt or piece a project together, but I haven’t done enough research or taken any classes on how to longarm. It isn’t as easy as one might think, however Carla makes it look easy. She is open to other pantograph patterns, and if she doesn’t have what I might like, she is willing to get one that will work for me.
Carla is very knowledgable about longarm quilting, and has lots of helpful tips and suggestions, like what thread color to use. I always think I have just the right idea in mind, but with her expertise, she can explain and show me an alternate solution or result. Like me, the creative juices need to marinate to find the best result. Because I am not a longarmer, I tend to want my part of the quilt to stand out, the piecing and pattern of the quilt. She takes no offense to that. I have seen some of the beautiful work She has done on freehand quilting plain fabrics, and maybe someday I will be inspired to create a neutral muse for Carla to highlight her talent.”