Here
at FxbgMQG we decided that it might be fun for you to get to know us a little
bit better so we will post member spotlights here and there. Not all questions will be the same and not
all posts will read like an interview. It may be a story, it may be haiku,
whatever it is, we hope you enjoy getting to know us!
Our
first member spotlight shines on Ms. Patty O’Brien. Patty creates beautiful work and is one of our bravest members. She decided to put herself out there and enter a
contest hosted by Quilting Arts Magazine and her quilt was selected to be featured in the October/November 2013 issue.
The quilt is called, "Time Passages"
The photos of this quilt truly do not do it justice. This is one you must see in person to get a full sense of the detail, time and care in creating it. Simply stunning work, Patty.
So
Patty, tell us…
When did you start
quilting and did you always favor art quilting?
I
started art quilting two years ago when I became an empty nester. I had bought
the Quilting Arts magazine at Wegmans on a whim and a light went off in my
head. I started dreaming about free motion quilting…..no joke!!!! That is when
I had to persuade my husband to buy me a sewing machine that had the capability
to drop the feed dogs! After MUCH persuasion he relented. I did my first
traditional quilt just over a month ago. The Impromptu Quilt by Rachael Griffith.
It was fun to do, but my LOVE lies in art quilting.
What is your biggest
challenge in quilting and what is the one thing you'd say comes simplest (for
example, choosing color palettes)?
The
biggest challenge in art quilting is determining color choice. What piece do I
want to stand out? Do I want a serene look or go for bright colors? I spend
hours and extra money (oops!!) trying out different types of fabrics and color.
Background material is the most crucial in keeping emphasis on your visual
objects. Do you want them to “pop” or do you want them to blend for an
over all serene look? The easiest part of art quilting for me once I get the
colors down is stitching it all together and free motion sewing. I love how it
all just comes together.
Any other passions
besides quilting?
I
have so many passions thanks to my parents! I started sewing (bright orange
pant suit!), embroidery and knitting when I was around 10 years (just had to get
those girl scout badges). I have played the piano since I was 9. Smocking was
big for me when my girls were little.
My love is creating! I am an artist.
My dad is an accomplished artist. I do watercolor and oil painting now, too. When I
look back on my life now (probably shouldn’t), I sometimes wish I had
minored in art in college (I majored in nursing). I would have gone into art
therapy. I do believe creating from within can bring you joy. Not for just you
but for those all around you. It is your gift from God that you can spread into
the world.
What's your family like?
I
have my wonderful husband Mike, 33 years! Two daughters (25 and 24) and one 4 year old granddaughter.
If you were granted a
free trip, all expenses paid, where would you go and why?
If
I were granted a free trip, I would go around the world! I love visiting
other cultures, their art and customs. My husband and I do travel quite a
bit. Two years ago we went to Giverny for our 30th wedding anniversary. To walk
the same paths as Monet did and to see his planned water gardens and where he
painted can take your breath away.
What is your favorite tool
to use in your quilting? What tool did you wish you had?
My
favorite tool to use in quilting is my Bernina!!!! The tool I wish I had is the
sweet Sixteen! Ha! ha! I will have to start my persuasion again!
What is your favorite
color?
I
don’t have one favorite color. I love combinations (pink/green or purple/aqua)
What makes you giggle?
Guess
who makes me giggle, little Emily of course!
Which marshmallow
shape in the Lucky Charms box is your favorite? And now tell us why.
Ok
now, I had to LOOK up what shapes were in Lucky Charms (I am such a
health nut now and I have not eaten those for 40 years). I would say the
orange shooting star! The universe is absolutely gorgeous! The infinite number
of stars is astonishing. There are galaxies we have not even discovered yet. So
I would say the orange shooting star because of its possibilities.
And there you have it, Patty, in a nutshell, is all about creating in her life and creating those never ending possibilities of challenge and what can come next. She's such a fun, bright and cheerful member of our guild that when you meet her, you will feel comfortable and at ease immediately. Come on by our next meeting and see, don't just take my word for it!
Cheers,
Beck
