The quilter selected for our July showcase is Jamie Faccenda.
Enthusiastic, creative, and colorful, Jamie is always busy producing her next textile masterpiece.
  

1.  How did you get started in quilting?

I’ve always been a crafty girl. When I was in high school, sewing was still offered as an elective. I took the class and learned how to sew and make outfits. During my senior year, we had to make a class quilt for the local county fair. It was the most obnoxious, hideous quilt I’ve ever seen! So, it wasn't surprising that we didn’t win or even place. Years later, I was bored and decided to try quilting again — but, this time with colorful fabrics of my own choosing. I’ve been hooked ever since.


2.  What is one quilting notion that you can’t do without?

This answer is super boring. But, I love my seam ripper! I got a really fancy one a few years ago with a decorative handle.


3.  If you’re willing, please share a funny quilting experience that taught you a memorable lesson.

Never make a T-shirt quilt! I’ve seen so many beautiful versions online and I could not get mine to look anything like them. To this day, I wish I had never made one. I've also discovered how difficult quilting with cats can be! I definitely need to learn to work around them.


4.  If it’s possible to choose just one, what is your favorite quilt that you’ve made?

My favorite quilt I’ve ever made is one I call Trixie Mattel. It’s filled with bold prints and over-the-top color. I picked fabric with a 1960s Palm Beach feeling. I had so much fun making it and it brings such a bold pop of color to my house.

My second favorite quilt is my cat quilt. It took me forever to complete. But, having it hanging in my living room brings me so much joy and it gets the most compliments.

5.  What do you do with your quilts?

I like to display them in my living room and we switch them out with the seasons. Otherwise, you’ll usually find them draped over the couches. I love using my quilts to snuggle up with the kids and cats. I’ve also made a few quilts as gifts.

6.  Have you ever received a quilt as a gift? If so, please share a bit about the experience.

I actually have. When my daughter was born, a friend of my in-laws gifted her a beautiful pink and white quilt with large floral appliqué. It’s absolutely gorgeous. As quilters, we all know how long quilts take to make. So, those gifts are especially meaningful and cherished.

7.  What type of quilting do you most enjoy?

I honestly enjoy all kinds of quilting. I love a fast, easy quilt. But, the more difficult quilts that take extra time are so exciting once they’re finished. If I had to choose a style, mine would definitely be full of color and bold prints. I always joke that my motto is "the more color, the better!" When I’m picking fabrics and colors, I often find myself wondering, “I hope this turns out okay.” Every time, I’m amazed that my color choices somehow work together.

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 grew up in the Bay Area and moved to Chico in 2006. My husband and I got married in 2011 and decided to stay in Chico to raise our family. We have two children, Cameron and Luca. Both of my kids love the quilts I’ve made over the years.

It’s probably no surprise that we’re a cat family! We share our home with four cats — Cooper, Molly, Leeloo, and Buster. It’s a zoo! But, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I’m also a huge fan of Halloween. It’s my favorite holiday and I’ve made three Halloween quilts. Plus, I've also made a quilted witch’s hat.

I have a ton of hobbies and love starting new crafts and projects. From jewelry making to knitting, crocheting, and painting, I’m definitely a busy gal. Between sequins, beads, fabric scraps, and "creative clutter," my style is equal parts cozy, colorful and slighty out of control. I'd say my style leans towards colorful chaos.

My future plans are to continue crafting and filling the world with bright, colorful creations — the more color, the better!

You can also check out my Instagram craft page

@Unhinged_delight_art

to see all the projects I’m currently working on.