The quilter selected for our August showcase is customer Chrissie Weston.
Chrissie is a very talented & accomplished quilter (and a nice person to boot)!
1. How did you get started in quilting?
In 1994, I was doing a ribbon embroidery project and needed a binding for it (and didn’t even know the word “binding” at the time). On a cozy Fall day, I walked into Honey Run on the Esplanade for the very first time. I didn’t make it past the entryway before I was stunned by what I saw. My life changed in that moment. It really did. I knew immediately that I had to learn to make these works of art.
Sharon Berg, who later became my boss, told me to walk around and see if a fabric jumped out at me for the binding. I walked through the store with my mouth open, but was so overwhelmed and insecure that I came back without a fabric even though I found one I thought would work. So Sharon walked the store with me and my project in her hands….and wouldn’t you know, out of rooms of fabric she chose the very bolt I had thought would work, but was too shy to choose. It was magic and it really did change my life. I ended up getting hired and spent 13 years working at Honey Run.
2. What is one quilting notion that you can't do without?
I NEED to have my quilting gloves for gripping as I machine quilt. They are amazing.
3. If you're willing, please share a funny quilting experience that taught you a memorable lesson.
Years ago, I took a Karen Stone class. Her quilts are literally stunning and full of color, color, color. I spent time thinking of all the colorful fabrics I would use and then got a crazy idea to do it monochromatic white on white. I was nervous it would lose its effect but it turned out beautifully. I quilted it in the July heat, 9 months pregnant with my first baby. I’m happy to report this quilt survived the fire with just a bit of smoke damage. I learned to trust my instincts to do things differently and experiment.
4. If it's possible to choose just one, what is your favorite quilt that you've made?
My favorite quilt was the two identical quilts a team of us made in honor of Honey Run Quilters’ owner Sharon Berg, for her daughters, Kari and Lisa. Sharon sadly passed in 2003. We gave our customers free kits to piece a basket block in Sharon’s honor. I was given the job of setting and piecing the quilts, but I didn’t know how I would set them. Then, in the night, inspiration came in a dream. I saw an image to set the blocks as sashing with large open spaces in between (perfect for quilting). I drafted it, counted the blocks, multiplied by 2 (for two quilts) and HOPED we had enough blocks. I counted them immediately and it was EXACTLY the right amount! KISMIT. Cindy Needham exquisitely quilted the quilts. It became a Honey Run Pattern Co. pattern called “Sharon’s Baskets.”
5. What do you do with your quilts?
My family and I use my quilts a lot, and display them as art. Sadly, my house burned down in 2022 and I lost a ton of my most treasured and best quilts. Be sure to Insure your quilts!
6. Have you ever received a quilt as a gift? If so, please share a bit about the experience.
I’m a lucky girl to say I’ve received many. My favorite is a baby quilt the staff at Honey Run made for me and my baby. I also recently received a beautiful, meaningful quilt that honored my 4 cats and 2 dogs killed in our house fire.
7. What type of quilting do you most enjoy?
I really enjoy creating on my own. I try to let mistakes be an inspiration to find a creative solution. I recently did a quilt in Melanie’s class and learned the Laura Heine technique. I made up the pattern as I went, since the method is forgiving (fusible interfacing). It’s called “Cats and Cakes” - two of my favorite things and was inspired from Laura’s cake pattern.
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.
I’ve lived in Chico since 1989. I met my husband at CSUC and together we raised two lovely daughters.
I love working with children. After leaving Honey Run, I created my own business called Bare Feet Creations. I taught kids art, sewing, and baking. I also directed Chico Science Fair for several years.
I love animals. The picture of me includes Mitch who was a certified therapy animal and my best friend. We worked together visiting rest homes and schools in Chico to spread cheer. I tragically lost Mitch in our house fire last summer.
Currently I’m working on our home rebuild and helping take care of aging parents. I’m grateful to my many quilt friends who set me up with quilting tools and supplies including machines so I can continue with this healing hobby.