The quilter selected for our October showcase is Melissa Maxey.
Melissa is constantly making fun and beautiful quilts that always put a smile on your face. We always look forward to seeing what she's working on!
1. How did you get started in quilting?
Probably 20-25 years ago, I took my first quilting class with my mom at Honey Run Quilters when it was on the Esplanade. I had talked her into taking a nine-patch class with me. After that first class, I was hooked! But, I had 3 little ones at home and a full-time job. So, I had very little time to commit. Luckily, as the kids got older, I had a little more time. But, I didn’t really get to fully commit until I retired 2 years ago.
2. What is one quilting notion that you can’t do without?
My seam ripper!!
3. If you’re willing, please share a funny quilting experience that taught you a memorable lesson.
The only crazy thing I can think of are those crazy ladies and teachers in the class room at Cathy's Sew & Vac. I have the best time with those ladies! I’ve learned a lot and made some great friendships.
A memorable lesson I've learned is that if you’re getting tired, it’s better to just stop for the day. That way, you won't have to spend hours ripping out mistakes.
4. If it’s possible to choose just one, what is your favorite quilt that you’ve made?
My favorite quilt, so far, is definitely the Angel Quilt. It was a class that I took at Cathy's a couple of years ago. The class was taught by Melanie and covered the collage applique technique popularized by Laura Heine.
It looks impossible to do. But, it was actually easy! Just very time consuming...
Of all of the quilts that I've made, it’s also my husband’s favorite and the only quilt that hangs on a wall in our home.
5. What do you do with your quilts?
I mostly give them away. I make a lot of baby quilts. I also make quilts for our kids and grand babies.
6. Have you ever received a quilt as a gift? If so, please share a bit about the experience.
My husband’s Great Aunt showed up at our door after our first child was born. Even though I'd never met her, she had made a quilt for our baby. It’s a simple quilt that has been well used and cherished for 27 years!
Now, I always think of that quilt when I’m making baby quilts. It's a great reminder that it doesn’t have to be elaborate, it just needs to be made with love.
7. What type of quilting do you most enjoy?
I don’t have a particular style or technique I prefer... yet. I’ve been taking a lot of classes since I retired and I've been learning so many new things. I do like buying kits and taking classes. I’m just not very confident “going rogue” at this point.
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 was a Public Safety Dispatcher for 29 years and retired in 2023. I enjoy taking quilting classes, crocheting, reading and I’m learning to knit! My husband and I also enjoy camping and spending time with our family (especially those grand babies)! We’ve been getting more confident in our travels, making our list of future trips much longer.
