Hi there – I’m Susan!
You know that stand and stare syndrome that plagues quilters?
That fear of wrecking the quilt?
The indecision over what to quilt? Or what thread to choose?
Welcome to my virtual quilting studio where I SHARE my experiences and SHOW you how you absolutely can be a confident freehand quilter.
Here’s my story …
I grew up in northern BC, Canada, in a home reminiscent of the pioneer days, with no electricity or indoor plumbing. Those hard-working, close knit days shaped my faith and my family, and they remain at the core of my life today.
Summer was for raising chickens by the hundred and growing beans by the bushel, but long winter evenings were for crafting. I learned to sew and make quilts on a treadle sewing machine alongside my mother. And truly, I’ve never stopped sewing and creating with fabric since.
In 2015, looking for a faster way to make more quilts, a friend introduced me to longarm quilting, and the bug bit!
Since then I’ve quilted my way across NICU baby quilts, cancer comfort quilts, graduation and wedding celebration quilts (think speed and efficiency – they need to be timely)
I’ve quilted novice maker quilts, elderly lady can’t-see-very-well quilts (think bulky seam allowances and wonky borders)
I’ve finished vintage treasures (irregular hand stitching, odd fabrics, and funky stains, oh my). All through those 1000+ quilts, I’ve met and conquered a whole lot of challenges.
At one point, I found myself inspired with a vision of a quilt – and the realization that I didn’t have the skill to create that vision in fabric. That prompted me to dive deeply into HOW we can learn – and learn quickly – and to apply those techniques to learning freehand quilting.
Every quilt, after all, is an opportunity to learn, and hone the art of machine quilting.
As a current member of the BERNINA event team I have the opportunity to meet brand new quilters at the outset of their journey. To hear their questions, to encourage them, and to show them – there’s joy and fulfillment in the journey.