Member Spotlight - Pat Paquette!

Pat Paquette is an inspiration for our quilting guild. She brings extreme enthusiasm, extreme talent, extreme energy to our group! As a mother of five and grandmother of one, Pat manages to accomplish a great deal of quilting. She challenges herself ALL the time. I don’t remember a guild meeting where she did not have her hands working on a project while the meeting was going. It is always fun to find out what she will bring to “show and tell.”  Her latest addiction is hexagons!!!!! We will be lucky recipients at the next meeting where Pat will demonstrate “how to” do those pesky six sided figures! I hope you enjoy reading about her quilting life…. so go brew a cup of java and read on….I PROMISE you will be inspired!!!!

When did you first learn to quilt? (That is did you have a family member (grandmother, etc) influence you or did you read a magazine or take a class). What prompted this thirst for quilting?

My Grandma Campbell sewed all her clothes, quilted and crocheted. Of course the women of her generation and socio-economic status did those things out of necessity rather than hobby. When I was in college I visited her a few times to have her teach me to crochet, but in the early 80's, quilting wasn't the 'thing to do'.  Around the mid 1990's I started collecting fabric, thinking I'd start quilting 'someday'.  I think I made my first quilt around 1997. Grandma had passed on by then, and although I don't have her physical influence I still like to feel this connection to her when I'm working.  I recently acquired a couple of pictures of her from the 1960's sitting at her sewing machine that I've framed and they sit at my sewing table with me.  I wonder what she would think of the fabrics and notions that are available now!

Tell us about your family. Which family member is your biggest fan of your quilts?

I've been married for almost 30 years to Mike. We have five children - Adrienne 27, AnneMarie 24, Dominique 24, Joe 19 and Gracie 11.  Adrienne and her husband are parents to our first granddaughter, Penelope who is seven months old.

I'm not sure who I would consider my biggest fan - I'm always working on something so no one really pays much mind.  On two different occasions I've actually made quilts as gifts right out in the open - no one curious enough to see what I'm doing!  I will have to say my mom gushes the most about what I'm doing.  She visits from Arizona a few times a year, so she gets to see my projects in progressive chunks. She is a painter so I appreciate her feedback, and when she is impressed by something, I know it's not just because I'm her daughter!

Have you taught quilting to any of your children?

The twins each made a quilt - about 30"x30" when they were in middle school, all hand pieced and quilted.  Anne Marie now enjoys sewing, repurposing garments, some quilting and enjoys all kinds of projects.  Adrienne enjoys cross-stitch.  Gracie has been making clothes for her dolls and toys.

Do u have a favorite quilt that you have made? Why do you love it?

Oh gosh.  I don't think I have a favorite.  Each quilt has its own purpose and there are feelings attached to each one...  For example, the big Civil War quilt I finished last year really does not do much for me. I'm kind of 'over' that genre of fabric. I made it for my husband and he loves it SO much and appreciates it SO much it makes all that work worthwhile!

What excites you about quilting? What frustrates you?

I love making productive use of my time.  I love that this is a hobby and creative outlet that I can share with my friends and also still hang out with my husband while I'm doing it. 

I do go through periods where there is no creative drop anywhere to be found.  That can be frustrating.  Last year Dominique was moving to Connecticut and at the time I was participating in the local quilt shop's challenge which was something I had never done before. It required me to generate an idea and produce it with no pattern.  Both of those events paralyzed me.  I sat at my sewing table just staring at the wall for a good month at least.  I was sharing this 'creative constipation' with my mom and she told me that when she gets into those slumps it is best to not even try to do anything, because the result is not going to be favorable.  That actually helped give my negative productivity some validation, and even though I still could not do anything, I was less angry with myself. I knew that 'whatever it was' just needed to pass. 

(and these are the creations out of the slump!)

What time of day are you most creative with quilting?

It varies. There are mornings that I can't wait to get down to my studio and get to work. Other times I have to make myself stop at 1am and go to bed!  

  

Why did you want to join the Fredericksburg Modern Quilt guild?

A few things had happened right before the FxMQG's first meeting: Mike had made me a dedicated sewing table for my Bernina - dedicated space! What a concept!  Then the Crazy Cousin had just opened up and I was SO excited to have a new quilt shop in the area!!!  There weren't any classes that intrigued me, but then I saw the blurb about this guild and that just seemed more what I was needing.  

You frequently participate in “block of the month” challenges. Does this keep your creative mojo flowing? What stimulates your creative spirit?

I signed up for quite a few BOMs a year ago.  The purpose of each BOM was to teach me a new technique:  paper piecing, quilting negative space, wool applique and decorative hand stitching and 'quilt as you go'.  I've kept up with downloading all the lessons and the fabric is set aside for each one.  They are on my list of things to complete this year!  

Having these ongoing projects are kind of like 'staples' for me.  Then there are the 'squirrels' - the things that distract me from the ongoing projects.  Even though the squirrels take time away from the staples, they kind of cleanse my palate and help me get back to what it is I'm 'supposed' to be working on!  (I just hope I finish more staples that squirrels this year!)

We know you have started your own blogspot (please write it out for me). Can you share with us a few of your favorite blogspots and/or websites relating to quilting? Do you have a favorite quilt book?

At our first FxMQG meeting there was all this chatter about blogs, and I had actually at that time not really looked at a quilting blog - at least not on purpose!  I had a quite a bit of motivation at that time, to really produce something with my new dedicated sewing space and decided to document that progress by joining the blog world too.  I got a little guidance from a good friend who blogged for a living and voila!  Pat's Grain of Salt was born!  It has my quilts and sometimes my quilting process on it, my ventures into Snead Farm's CSA and anything else that happens to come up in my life.  I also have a Flickr page, which was encouraged by some of the BOM authors as a way for people to share their progress.

These are a few of my favorite blogs - the ones I actually stop and read instead of flipping by them when they show up on my feed:

http://www.stitcherydickorydock.com/

http://www.genxquilters.com/

http://www.dontcallmebetsy.com/

My favorite website by far is Craftsy.  I especially recommend Leah Day for free motion quilting and Amy Gibson for anything she is doing!

I've been purging my library - only to buy more books.  My most recent purchases:

Modern Patchwork - Elizabeth Hartman

The Practical Guide to Patchwork (new basics for the modern quiltmaker) - Elizabeth Hartman

Sunday Morning Quilts - Amanda Jean Nyberg and Cheryl Arkison

What colors do you tend to gravitate to when picking out your fabric? 

I love purples and greens.  Pinks.  Blues.   I am always drawn to 'I Spy' fabrics too and I wish I'd stop because I have so many!!!!

If you had to pick one word to describe your quilting what would it be?

I can't pick one word, so I put it to the peanut gallery:

My husband said 'awesome!'  What a guy! 

Anne Marie said 'quilty'.

Gracie said 'furry' - because the cats are always sitting on my quilts!

We know you work as a speech therapist in the public school system and you love to hang your quilts in your office. Has that influenced any student to want to learn to quilt? How do you think we can influence the younger generation to become interested in quilting?

I work with kindergarten through second grade, mostly boys, so no, I don't think I will have any influence on any of them to learn to quilt - although you never know!  The funny thing though, is nine out of ten alphabet charts have Q=Quilt and no one knows what a quilt is! Same with Th=thimble and N=Needle.  So my little guys all know those vocabulary words!!!  

I think I have influenced some staff members to take up quilting though - or to get back into it!  

If you could have lunch with anyone in history alive or dead who would it be  and why? 

Oh gosh - Carol Burnett? Erma Bombeck? Tina Fey? Kristin Wiig?  I just want to laugh with them until our sides hurt and we couldn't eat our lunch.  And I'd really want to be just as witty and make them laugh too...   So they'd want to have lunch with me again…

by Pat O'Brien

Member Spotlight - Patty O'Brien

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 

Happy New Year and Feb. meeting

It's a new year and our group has some exciting plans for this year.   We hope, if you are in the Fredericksburg area, you come out to one of our meetings (it's free) and see what we are about.  We would love to see you, no matter your quilting experience or style.

Soon, we will be posting member spotlights but for today, I'm going to share next meeting's details and a few pictures of finished quilts from show and tells of last year.

UPCOMING MEETING
Please join us at 10am for business (probably 1 hr) and stick around for sewing after at the Crazy Cousin. We have the room for the day, THANK YOU, Rhonda! 
What's happening:

1. Bring a project or two to sew (hand or machine stitching but please note, we have 12, maybe 13 spaces for machines so let's communicate & count who's bringing one)
2. If you are familiar with sewing half square triangles (HSTs), please bring a couple scrap pieces as well as one finished HST & share your technique w/the group.  Since there are so many ways to do this, we are sharing our knowledge to help each other build skill sets.
3. Optional: Bring your 12.5" unfinished red, white & blue block if you have one. This is the last meeting I'll be collecting them.
4. Optional: Bring a Mug Rug to swap (no smaller than 9.5"x6" & no larger than 10.5"x8") in a brown paper bag or envelope. this will be a blind swap.
5. Bring show and tell of course!

Now, please enjoy a few snapshots of creativity.

Have a great day and we will see you next time!

P 33 challenge has been extended!

If you haven't dropped off a mini quilt for the page 33 challenge, you are in luck. The members agree "the more, the merrier" and have decided that at any time you want, until we remove them from the wall in January, you can add your entry.

So come on, finish one up and get it over to the Quilt and Sewing Center and hand it in. Bring your 4 FQ entry to our December meeting.

The customers at the shop are voting now, so don't waste any more time!

Here's a little preview of what's up on the wall already.

 And don't forget to get down there and read up on the inspiration which prompted these awesome quilts. You will be as amazed as I was.

Cheers!
Beck

p.33 Challenge and October Meeting Date

Our October meeting details - JOIN US
Date/Time: October 19, 2013/ 12pm - 3pm
Location: Quilt and Sewing Center of Fredericksburg 
Agenda:
- Turn in p 33 challenge (Don't forget 4 FQs, the magazine page & a summary of the inspiration!)
- Hang them in the quilt shop.
- Discuss blog & member blogs linked to guild blog.
- Show and Tell, if time.
p.33 Challenge Details - the more the merrier, please join in, it's all for fun

1. Grab a magazine (not a quilting one) and go to page 33. Now make a quilt inspired from what you see on that page. 
2. No checking for a good page now, the fun is the surprise on the page. If you get a Depends advertisement…that’s what you got.  It does not have to be a literal interpretation, just use something on the page or the whole page as inspiration. 

Rules/Guidelines:

·    Entry fee: 4 fat quarters

·         Finished quilt size 12 X 12” up to 30x30”; any shape okay.

·         Mixed medium is okay.

·         October 19 meeting : Deadline to turn-in
          - The finished quilt (if you cannot attend the meeting let’s figure something out for you to get it turned in)
          - The magazine page, and
          - A 1 or 2 paragraph summary of your inspiration on the page/story of the quilt

·       
      Quilts will be displayed in the back room at Quilt and Sewing Center and voting will be at the front counter for all customers
    
     We may find an additional location to display quilts such as “arts in the library” or a local show depending on guild interest

·         At the November meeting: announce winners for 3 categories (FQs divided evenly among the winners)

•         Best of show  
•     Best interpretation of a page 
•     What made you giggle?

See below for examples from another guild show at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival in 2013. These are not creations of any Fredericksburg Guild Member