Though Allison is a relatively new quilter, her talent
and love of quilting definitely shine!
1. How did you get started in quilting?
I have been sewing since I was a small child, but I didn’t start quilting until 2019! I took the beginner quilting 101 course at Honey Run Quilters and haven’t stopped since. The quilt from that class sits on our sofa year round. That class helped me learn how to measure my fabric using a cutting mat and ruler, and how to use a rotary cutter. Before that I had been cutting everything with scissors!
2. What is one quilting notion that you can’t do without?
I love my rotary cutter and glue pens! I glue more than I pin. I use the sew line glue pen and sticks for piecing my quilt tops together and I use it for English paper piecing projects for gluing in papers. I can pin and stitch baste, but I love the convenience and speed of the glue pen.
3. If you’re willing, please share a funny quilting experience that taught you a memorable lesson.
When I made my first quilt without guidance from a teacher or peer, I somehow made it bigger than it was supposed to be. I didn’t realize the mistake until after I had cut all the pieces! It was a happy mistake though, as now I have a huge cozy Christmas quilt. I learned that sometimes quilting “mistakes” can look purposefully done and that it’s ok to improvise as needed.
4. If it’s possible to choose just one, what is your favorite quilt that you’ve made?
My giant Christmas quilt; it has so many bright and happy colors and my son loves to look at the fabrics in it. I keep it out year round even though it is holiday specific. It stays in my quilting space until the holiday season and then it moves out to the living room. This quilt is my favorite because I hunted down the fabrics for it, it’s giant, and I used a heavier batting so it feels like a warm weighted blanket. The fabric in it was all out of print by the time I discovered them and I ended up finding them for a great price on eBay from a garage/storage shed sale.
5. What do you do with your quilts?
I use them! They are usually used as sofa throws but they also end up as play mats on the floor. They get a lot of love!
I have also gifted quite a few quilts to friends and family. I have done baby quilts and throw sizes as gifts. I love seeing people happy with the quilts I made. I love thinking of what things and colors that person loves and to really personalize the quilt for them. One in particular that I was so happy to gift was a Minecraft themed pixelated style axolotl quilt for my nephew and it is really special to see how much he enjoys it! I love seeing people happy with the quilts I've made.
6. Have you ever received a quilt as a gift? If so, please share a bit about the experience.
I technically haven't. But, I was excited to receive 2 quilts for my son’s baby shower, as I know how much work and love goes into a quilt! My husband’s aunt made one for him, as did a family friend. My baby uses these quilts as tummy time/play mats and loves to look at all the pictures in the fabric designs. I am so happy to have family heirlooms made from people we love!
7. What type of quilting do you most enjoy?
I love modern patterns, paper piecing, and English paper piecing. I really enjoy fabric! I tend to collect fabric and then once I see the right pattern for it I will finally use it. Some of my favorite fabrics are from Ruby Star Society, Heather Ross, and Dear Stella. I love fabrics with cute animals or details. I am a big fan of fussy cutting, where you specifically pick and cut out certain images in a fabric. I love English paper piecing for this. Machine paper piecing is also fun because I can sew right over the paper to follow the pattern. So, even if it’s a complex design it feels a bit easier to do.
8. We would love to include some personal details about you (anything you’d like to share) such as your profession, interests outside of quilting, future plans, etc.
In addition to quilting, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, cooking, walking the hiking trails, playing video games, and watching anime. Lately, my home time is primarily spent caring for and enjoying my baby who turns 1 this September! I try and get some quilting in when I can. I also recently started a new job working for Butte College! Sometimes, I do some English paper piecing on my break time. I have a little travel box where I take a handful of pieces that I can work on if I have the time. I actually have a project that I have been working on for years which has traveled with me to many Thanksgiving trips, vacations, and even to the hospital when I was going in to have my baby (haha)!