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Mimi Dietrich

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1. When you get an hour all to yourself what do you do?

This time of year, I love to get a glass of iced tea and just sit on the screened porch and look at magazines.

2. What does your family think about your quilting business?

This summer I was inducted into The Quilters Hall of Fame and all of my family was there. I found out that they were very impressed by “the community of quilters” that came to celebrate with me. It was fabulous to hear both my sons mention that when they spoke at the dinner.

3. What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have pictures?

My big project for the last year was getting ready for The Quilters Hall of Fame. I put together an exhibit of my quilts and an exhibit of my students’ quilts….I was amazed at how much work that took! Right now I am getting ready to start my year-long Baltimore class….I have 50 students and it’s going to be a fun year!

4.  What is on your “bucket” list? 

What do you want to be known/remembered for?I want to be remembered for getting quilters started on their applique journey, teaching the basics of several techniques, so they can make the quilts they dream about!My bucket list….I would love to reproduce a classic applique quilt that’s not a Baltimore quilt….and I think it’s going to happen!

5.  Where do you get your quilting/appliqué inspiration?

I live in Baltimore, Maryland and am always inspired by the Baltimore Album Quilts.

Judy Severson 5 Questions

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What local area quilt store do you frequent, and do you teach there?

The Quilted Crow in Boxborough, MA is the quilt store I frequent the most. Since I have only lived in the East Coast a few years, I am having fun discovering new stores asI travel. I have joined the local guild, The Concord Piecemakers, and have learned that there are only a few quilters that applique. I will be showing a dozen quilts at the Concord Library the month of September in hopes of finding others interested in applique and Broderie Perse.

What is on your bucket list?

My bucket list is developing in many directions. I would like to travel to see more Broderie Perse quilts like the ones in the Charleston Museum, Charleston, South Carolina, the DAR Museum in Washington, DC and several places in England. I enjoy the out-of-doors and would like to take a walking tour in Ireland and Scotland. I appreciate artof all kinds, particularly Impressionist paintings and would like to go to Paris to visit some of the museums that exhibit that style.

When you get a hour to yourself what do you do?

When I find an hour or two to myself, quilting remains at the top of my list. The best part of quilting is pulling out fabrics and dreaming what I could do with them. I have several baskets full of fabrics ready to go when I have time. Reading is a always a pleasure to do when I have time. My favorite type of literature is historical novels. I always find time in my schedule to garden in the summer and bake in the winter so I can share my harvest and breads with neighbors and friends.

What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have photos?

By the time we get together in March for the Academy of Applique, I plan to complete a quilt called “Sundial in the Garden”. This is a challenge on many levels, including compilations with the background colors and the intricacy of the vine border.

What do your family and friends think of your quilting business?

My family and friends are supportive of my quilting endeavors and would like me to exhibit them more often. My neighbor who saw my quilts got me involved with the Concord Library in Massachusetts to do a one woman show in September, 2015. I will be interviewed by a local reporter soon. I am looking forward to making more people aware of the Broderie Perse style and to encourage quilters to be creative and to design their own original quilt.

Karen Witt 5 Questions

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1. When you get an hour to yourself, what do you do?

I study and I stitch! Isn’t it crazy that no matter how many hours I work in the quilting industry, I still turn to needlework for relaxation! And many times what I’m working on for fun becomes part of my business as I find I want to share everything I am learning with others. For example, when Reproduction Quilts began in 2005, we concentrated on reproducing cotton quilts from the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th centuries. Then I discovered wool applique and for a while that was my “hobby.” When I realized that late 19^th century women loved to make quilts and small items of wool and embellish them with decorative stitches, we incorporated some wonderful reproduction quilts and mats of wool into our business. Next, I became fascinated with the embroidery on these items so I enrolled in classes with the Royal School of Needlework in England and began to improve my crewel, gold and counted work techniques. Now, as a result, I am frequently teaching needlework techniques to quilters as most of us want to learn all types of needlework, just as the women in the earlier centuries. I am constantly studying the history of all types of needlework and working to improve my skills and techniques so that I can teach all this to quilters everywhere!

2. What does your family think about your quilting business?

I wouldn’t be in the quilting business if I hadn’t had the upmost support and encouragement from my husband. In 2005 he went with me as I took my first 12 original patterns to Houston Quilt Market and as they say “the rest is history.” The patterns were purchased by United Notions, Checker, E. E. Schenck and Keepsake Quilting and soon I was scrambling to fill orders, design more patterns and design and make new quilts for fabric manufacturers and magazine publishers. My daughter was finishing her Masters in Textiles at the University of Kentucky and started helping as the business grew rapidly. She then formed her own business and began to design youthful and contemporary quilts as well as working with me and the reproduction fabrics and patterns. We have traveled all over the country (and even in Europe!) teaching and working with textile manufacturers, quilt festivals, and quilt guilds.  And we even were asked to write a book which was published by Kansas City Star titled, Like Mother Like Daughter!

3. What big design are you working on now or next, and do you have pictures?

When you’re in business, you always have to be working on something new. Plus, it’s just my nature to be exploring new ideas and trying new techniques. Right now my passion is exploring all the new threads and fabrics that are on the market and studying how they can be used in quilt making. When I started quilting, we were so limited in fabric and notion availability that today’s options have made me feel like a kid in a candy shop! I want them all! Currently, I am incorporating some velvets and homespun fabrics into my wool designs and really like the result. As I study antique quilts, I see that frequently they used a variety of fabrics and that just makes sense – whereas we often limit ourselves and stress ourselves with selection, they freely utilized all the fabrics in the scrap basket and were less encumbered with rules and the thought of “quilt police.” That’s the style I’m trying to reproduce currently.

4. What is on your “bucket list?” What do you want to be known for?

I really hope to travel to England, Scotland and Ireland in the not-too-distant future. I’d like to spend many long, relaxed hours at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. And, I want to see (should I admit, purchase?) some woolen fabrics in Scotland. In Ireland, I want to see the coastline and just enjoy the ambience of the island. I am currently fulfilling part of my bucket list by traveling for needlework classes and enrolling in online courses. These opportunities have given me a wonderful opportunity to study needlework with world renowned teachers and every course has helped me improve my technique. For example, I’ve recently been studying the construction of caskets with Thistle Threads in an 18 month course. These are not the funeral type of caskets but are the wonderfully designed and stitched small boxes with secret compartments made in England in the late 1600’s. As I travel, I’d like to see some of them “in person.” And, who knows, maybe someday I’ll reproduce one of these intricate masterpieces for myself!

In business, I’d like to be known as an enthusiastic involved teacher, one who really cares about her students’ experience and success. I really try to help each quilter improve and become the best needlewoman she can be. I attempt to provide extensive one-on-one quality instruction with each person in my classes. Then, after we all return to our homes, I am always available for further assistance. I give each student my phone number and email address and I do answer questions, send pictures, and give references many months and even years after we meet in the classroom. My goal is that students are able to incorporate all that they learn in my classes into their future needlework.

5. Where do you get your quilting/needlework inspiration?

My head is constantly spinning with ideas for new quilts and needlework. I will need to live until at least 110 in order to bring them all into being! In terms of inspiration, I always say that our creativity is the sum of all of our experiences in life. I am always visiting museum exhibitions of antique quilts and other needlework, researching American life in previous centuries and studying how the events of those decades influenced quilt making. These experiences and more form my creativity and …

Barbara M. Burnham 5 Questions

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1. When you get an hour all to yourself what do you do?
That’s easy! Hand appliqué, of course! Now, give me a day all to myself, and you will find me basting a top and hand quilting. There are many quilts waiting for completion!

2. What does your family think about your quilting business?
My husband, Ed is totally supportive. He helps with the technology I use to teach appliqué and quilting. Students love the overhead camera projected behind me. It allows every student to see what I am sewing almost as if they are looking through my eyes, and when I “Zoom,” extreme close-ups are better than I can see with my own eyes. My sister is also a quilter, but she does not appliqué, so she is happy to have some quilts I have made. The rest of the family is just glad to know I am enjoying life.

3. What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have pictures?
These embroidered bluebird blocks were sewn when I was maybe 5 years old with my grandmother. It is about time to get them quilted, don’t you think?

Up next is a set of appliquéd bluebirds, waiting “in the wings” for me to hand quilt. A vintage 1940s quilt in an antique booth caught my eye, but I could not afford it at the time. So, when “Quiltmaker” magazine offered the pattern, I had to make it! Mine will have some lovely feather wreaths quilted in alternate blocks.

4. What is on your “bucket” list?
Retirement from “9-to-5” is coming soon! Maybe another book? Design more patterns? There will lots to do, appliqué samples to sew, and workshops to teach! Appliqué and hand-pieced blocks and tops of all shapes and sizes wait “in the wings” wondering what they will become someday. So many, I think my “bucket” runneth over!

What do you want to be known/remembered for?
At a quilt show I attended sometime in the 1970s, a lady was demonstrating hand quilting and she invited me to give it a try. She so patiently taught this beginner how to hold the needle and quilt with a rocking stitch. Her name was Carole Blankenbeckler. I have never forgotten her kindness and patience. I have been truly honored to attend workshops with many wonderful teachers. Every one of them taught me something useful, and I think that is something worth being remembered for.

5. Where do you get your quilting/appliqué inspiration?
Antique and vintage quilts just make my heart sing. I feel very fortunate to live near Baltimore, especially when the classic antique Baltimore Album quilts are exhibited at the Maryland Historical Society and the Baltimore Museum of Art. One of those exhibits brought about the founding of Baltimore Appliqué Society in 1993 “to preserve antique quilts and promote the art of appliqué.” I became a charter member. Being active with BAS programs has provided me a fountain of inspiration and encouragement, as well as many wonderful friendships.

Cori Blunt 5 Questions

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Cori Blunt

1. When you get an hour all to yourself what do you do?

An hour…all to myself? That rarely happens around here! When it does, I get out my pencil and paper because quiet time is when I can gather my thoughts and draw up a fabulous design to applique, or make a much needed “to do” list. I will sometimes even spend it designing on my computer. I work much better in a clean and organized space, so I may even spend that time tiding up my studio. I really enjoy those times, and I am almost always found in my crafting space if I get the opportunity.

2. What does your family think about your quilting business?

What my family thinks?…. well, at least my husband is proud of me. He thinks it is pretty cool that I sell patterns all over the world, and even says nice things about it every now and then. I put up a map of the world in my studio and a little sparkle goes on every new destination my patterns are being sent. After 8 years in business it is becoming quite blingy, and I sure enjoy watching my map become more and more sparkly. Although my kids complain….and can’t really see the magic in my madness yet, they continue to be very helpful putting together patterns and taking trips to the post office with me. I have always appreciated their help. Occasionally I get complaints…like “What’s for dinner?” or….”Mom…you said you would be ready 10 minutes ago.” but I am only helping them learn patience….and cooking! My oldest daughter is now working as a pastry chef…and I am taking all the credit for that. If I hadn’t starved her, well then she would have never discovered her talent with food, now would she? It is all about finding the positive…lol. All kidding aside, I am thrilled to be able to work from home and be there for my kids when they need me. They all think what I do is pretty “cool” but do you know what is the most “cool?” I get to call them mine! They are a treasured crew.

3. What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have pictures?

The biggest project I am currently working on is my Paper Ladies Collection with Madame Samm at Sew We Quilt. This is a year long block of the month program that we started back in March. It has been nothing but joy creating these patterns with Madame Samm, and we do have plenty of pictures on both our blogs showcasing our work. I am doing two versions of this applique quilt. A fusible version, and a needle-turn version. I cannot wait to get them finished up. As our year is coming to an end, I am really looking forward to my next big project with her and I hope that it is as beautiful as this one is turning out to be. I cannot wait to show you the completed quilts and should have them both finished up to showcase at Academy.

4. What is on your “bucket” list?  What do you want to be known/remembered for?

Bucket list…..hmmmmm, as far as this craft goes, I am going to finish up this Nursery Rhyme Quilt. It will be the most applique on a quilt I will ever attempt.

Known for…wellllll I suppose I want to be known for my lighthearted style and creative quilts. I truly enjoy breaking the rules – quilting rules. I love to think outside of the box and attempt what has not been seen or done before. I love the challenge of creating something all my own. I want to be known for my attention to detail, and uniqueness of the quilts I create.

Remembered for….I want to be remembered for being fun, quick to learn, fast to admit a mistake, and a joy to be around.

5. Where do you get your quilting/appliqué inspiration?

My inspiration is found in my love for others. The quilts that I have created are all created as a treasured memory of a loved one, or a special interest of someone I love. I draw inspiration from anything and everything, but the original idea for any of my quilts is born out of love for another. I think that is why I get so attached to my quilts. I stitch all of my thoughts and wishes into that special project for them. It may be for child, parent, sibling, or friend, but always my love for them is where I find the inspiration to create something they would cherish. If I do not have this special connection to my project, I seldom, if ever finish it and wind up giving or throwing it away. Love for another is the only tie that binds me to a quilt.

Becky Goldsmith 5 Questions

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Becky Gold Smith

1. When you get an hour all to yourself what do you do?

That almost never happens but when it does, depending on the time of day it is I do the following:
Catch up on reading my favorite blogs
Read a book
Lately I’ve been watching episodes of Battlestar Galactica (the new one) while appliqueing

2. What does your family think about your quilting business?

They love it! Only my husband has known me before I was a quilter—my sons came of age after Linda and I started Piece O’ Cake. Now my boys are grown and married. One of my DILs,  is my office manager. Their youngest son, who is 2 1/2 now, has lately started ‘filling orders’ when he’s here and his mom is working. He’s busy and we have to watch what he picks up, and pay attention to where he puts it.
I am lucky that my family has always supported my efforts, and that they are always willing to help when needed.

3. What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have pictures?Preview

I have a new pattern that will work well as a block of the month going right now. I wish I could share pictures, but it’s a secret for now.

4.  What is on your “bucket” list?  What do you want to be known/remembered for?

Bucket list:
I want to travel more for fun, not work.
I plan on making quilts that don’t necessarily look like ‘me’. I have several ideas but I need to begin before I know how they will turn out.
I want to be a better photographer.
In quilting, I’d like to be remembered for the patterns that I have drawn and for the instructions that I have written that help others make the quilts that they want to make.
In life, I want to be remembered as someone who was a good person. Every day I try to do my best to make that true.

5.  Where do you get your quilting/appliqué inspiration?

Everywhere.  I pay attention to what I see knowing that inspiration can come from anywhere, at any time.

Thanks Becky,
If anyone would like to visit Becky’s wesite for additional information please go to http://pieceocake.com/