Member Spotlight: Isabelle Jean

This month, we asked our Vice-President, Isabelle, to talk a little about herself and her quilty journey.


Your social media coordinates (blog/website, Facebook, Instagram, etc):

I have a blog at dizzyquilts.blogspot.ca and I'm also on Instagram as @dizzyquiltsblog.


What did you study in school and/or what do you do for a day job?

During the day, I manage a team of instructional designers who develop online learning. I've been with the same company for 28 years and I still love it!


How long have you been quilting?

I've been sewing for a long time (I used to make clothes for my teddy bears), but I discovered quilting only about 8 years ago. I ventured in a JoAnn's in the U.S. to buy fabric for curtains and right at the door, they were selling little kits to make baby quilts. I thought they were cute so I bought one. And that was it - I was completely hooked!

Guitar Quilt I made for my hubby a few years ago

What first got you interested in modern quilting?

I was browsing the Internet looking for tutorials and landed on modern blogs. I immediately fell in love with the graphic, colourful, very bold designs.


How did you find the MMQG and why did you decide to join?

I was looking for a guild in the Montreal area and the MMQG was the first one I found. I sent an email to Cinzia to get some info and attended a presentation she led on modern quilting. The guild was rather small back then, but I knew I had found "my tribe".


Whose techniques/style/philosophy do you most admire in the modern quilting community?

I love many different styles, techniques and the work of many quilters in the modern quilting community. I'm a huge fan of Jacquie Gering, I really like the style of Cheryl Brickey of Meadow Mist Designs and of Yvonne Fuchs of Quilting Jetgirl. 

 

Do you have any favorite quilting related social media accounts that you follow?

There are probably too many to list!


Where do you look for inspiration or ideas for your quilting projects?

I look at blogs, Instagram and modern art. A friend of mine just retired and she took up painting - she's amazing and her work is giving me all kinds of ideas for quilt designs!


What is your favorite project that you have completed?

I think my favourite finish is my CrossCut Quilt made during a QAL with Debbie of A Quilter's Table. I love the design, the colours I chose and I especially like my quilting on this one.

CrossCut Quilt

What would you consider to be your quilting ‘superpower’?

I'm really fast! I get very little time to quilt between my day job, the kids, the house and my grand-babies. I've learned to make the most out my time in the sewing room and use many time-saving techniques such as chain-piecing.


What is your favorite part of the quilt making process? Why?

I love the quilting part of it. Sometimes I love to spend hours stitching FMQ designs on the quilt and sometimes, I like to keep it simply and just stitch wavy lines with my walking foot. Either way, I just love it!

FMQ and walking foot quilting

More FMQ and some ruler work

What project or technique is next on your “to try” list?

I recently installed an app on my iPad which allows you to "play" with Josef Albers' colour explorations. I would love to make a series of small quilts inspired by his work.

Missing the U Quilt

What is the best quilting tip or technique you’ve discovered?

The best tip I ever learned was Cinzia's binding technique. I use it for every quilt I finish and it works perfectly every time!


What is the best bit of quilting advice you’ve ever received?

I love Angela Walters and I think the best quote from her is "A finished quilt is better than a perfect quilt top". I don't stress over how I'm going to quilt my quilts and I don't freak out when I mess up anymore - I just want a finished quilt that my family and friends will get to enjoy for years.

HST Quilt

Describe your creative process in three words:

I don't think I can describe my creative process in 3 words! I'm not even sure I would refer to my process as "creative". I make quilts!


Describe/share pictures of your creative space:

My sewing room in the basement of our apartment so I refer to it as my woman cave. I have a huge TV in it, a huge table where I can board baste quilts and of course, lots of room for everything I need. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the lack of wall space - I need to pin my design wall to the dining room wall when I design.

My Juki TL-2010Q

Member Spotlight: Fiona Nanson

Here we go with another Member Spotlight! This month, we are featuring our Guild Secretary: Fiona Nanson.

Your social media coordinates (blog/website, Facebook, Instagram, etc):

Fi Nanson on Instagram and Facebook. No blog or website.


What did you study in school and/or what do you do for a day job?

I studied Neuroscience. I teach and research Psychology and Neuroscience specializing in autism.


How long have you been quilting?

A long time…but off and on…I made my first quilt about 16 years ago. I made a denim and flannel rag quilt (my ex still has it).  I made a whole bunch of rag quilts, while I was working on my thesis. I made a Christmas tree rag quilt, a Mickey Mouse rag quilt and a strawberry rag quilt to name a few. Then I made a quilt for my ex brother in law's wedding gift. It was a pixelated sunset. It was beautiful. I cannot for the life of me find a photo of them. Following the sunset, I didn’t make another one for a number of years. I make a lot of clothes from wedding dresses to skorts and PJs. I often have a list that has been requested that tends to push my quilt projects down the list.

What first got you interested in modern quilting?

I was looking for inspiration to get back to quilting and stumbled on to a modern quilting magazine. I liked everything in it.


How did you find the MMQG and why did you decide to join?

I was looking for a quilt class in Montreal in English that wasn’t too traditional. I found the website and the rest is history.

Whose techniques/style/philosophy do you most admire in the modern quilting community?
I love bright colours. I love the idea that you don’t have to follow the rules when you are making something. I adore the creativity. The idea of taking something that has guidelines and rules and making it your own.


Do you have any favorite quilting related social media accounts that you follow?

Honestly, no. I follow several but I don’t have a favorite other than the people from our guild. I know those people so those are more interesting.



Where do you look for inspiration or ideas for your quilting projects?

I make quilts for other people. I have never kept one for myself. I know silly but true. So when I start, I have an idea for that person.


What is your favorite project that you have completed?

I love my Eskimo quilt. I love Inuit art. My mother has a have a collection of sculpture and Inuit art that she has bought and been given. I adore all of her pieces. I made the Eskimo quilt for her after we visited an artist in the north. It means a lot to both her and me.

What would you consider to be your quilting ‘superpower’?

Procrastinating…..I have so many things planned, started, but unfinished it must be a super power.


What is your favorite part of the quilt making process? Why?

The planning and design, the finding the fabrics. I love drawing them out planning them but, I have a hard time finishing….I get there but it tends to take me a long time… I think I hate binding so much that that is really what holds me back.



What project or technique is next on your “to try” list?

I am working on a “dimensional quilt”. It is like paper origami. All the shapes are squares it is enterally created by folding and the squares into curves, triangle and rectangles. It is fun, confusing but fun. I am also going to hand quilt something I have been working on for a number of years. It is all being done by hand and I hope to have it finished this winter.

What is the best quilting tip or technique you’ve discovered?

The binding techniques from our guild members. If I had not learned from Cinza I would never have bound the quilts. I am looking forward to adding the new ones from the last meeting to my next finishing…when I get there.


What is the best bit of quilting advice you’ve ever received?

Mistakes are just a part of the design. It has helped me with so many projects. I am a perfectionist 99% of the time and learning to accept errors as part of the quilt.



Describe your creative process in three words:

Embrace the entropy.


Describe/share pictures of your creative space:

Nope…I moved this summer it is not set up in a way that I feel I can show to others.

Member Spotlight: Stephanie B.

Here we go with another year of Member Spotlights!  For our first spotlight this year, I'm super happy to have our very own guild President, Ms Stephanie B!

Enjoy!
Izzy

Your social media coordinates (blog/website, Facebook, Instagram, etc):
Blog: http://queenofwandsstudio.blogspot.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qowstudio/

What did you study in school and/or what do you do for a day job?
My school years were spent studying art... originally I had wanted to study history, but I have such a bad memory for names and dates, I figured that probably wasn’t a good fit for me. So instead I went into art, eventually ​finding my way to photography. This was in the very, very early days of digital photography and editing software so most of my work was done on film and in a darkroom... I enjoyed it, but it also made me deeply appreciative of the “Undo” feature in Photoshop! ;) I still have a soft spot for black and white photography.
My day job is an unexciting office job, doing scheduling for a large call centre. Completely unrelated to what I studied, I work a lot with Excel, formulas and reports... everything is digital and every Monday I start the process all over again. I think that is why I have come to enjoy sewing and quilting so much. It exercises my creative muscles, I have something tangible to show for my time and once a quilt is made, it stays made! Until I come up with an idea for the next one... ​

How long have you been quilting?
I first tried my hand at quilting about 13 years ago, and I was horrible at it. I mean, _really_ terrible. It was for a fibre arts class I was taking at Concordia, and it was such an unpleasant experience I swore off sewing completely for a few years. Then in 2007, I wanted to make a handmade Christmas gift, and I decided to give quilting another try. That one didn’t turn out so great either, but I stuck with it and after a lot of YouTube videos and trial and error, I think I’m starting to get the hang of it.

What first got you interested in modern quilting?
I was drawn to modern quilting pretty much from the start. I can appreciate the skill and technique of traditional quilts, but I just can’t get excited about all that beige or tiny floral prints. ​Sashing isn't my idea of a good time. ​
So when I came across Elizabeth Hartman’s Tokyo Subway Map quilt (sometime in 2010?), I knew that was the kind of quilting I could get into. Then when I saw the Gee’s Bend quilts for the first time, I was absolutely blown away, and I knew I had to learn. Being self-taught, it was a little intimidating at first, but I love that modern quilting embraces and celebrates the off-kilter and the imperfect​ - that suits my style just fine.

How did you find the MMQG and why did you decide to join?
I don’t remember exactly, but I came across the MMQG online… probably searching for quilting resources around Montreal. At the time the guild was meeting up in Laval, which was too far for me to get to after work in the evening, so I kept an eye on the blog and when they moved the meetings to St-Henri in 2013, I decided to go check it out. I didn’t know anyone, but the group was so nice ​that ​I joined and have been a member ever since!

Whose techniques/style/philosophy do you most admire in the modern quilting community?
I don’t have a particularly strong opinion when it comes to technique or style, ​I have lots of different things I like. In terms of philosophy, however, I am firmly in the camp of Maddie Kertay. She a former quilt shop owner who champions inclusiveness and support in the quilting community, and has a great post called “You can have sex on my quilt” that wonderfully sums up my thoughts on the quilting process and end product. (Plus she has a cat named Ruth Bader Kittensburg).

Do you have any favorite quilting-related social media accounts that you follow?
I really enjoy following Amy Ahlstrom, Libs Elliott, Katie Pedersen, and the Social Justice Sewing Academy… their Instagram account is incredible, I love their use of quilting and sewing in their activism.

Where do you look for inspiration or ideas for your quilting projects?
If I am looking for a pattern to work from or a technique to learn, I enjoy browsing Pinterest or Instagram. There are some incredibly talented designers out there and sometimes its fun to buy a pattern and just follow instructions. If I want to come up with an original design though, I tend to just look around. I have an hour commute to work each day, so I spend a lot of time people watching and looking out of windows. I get ideas from the architecture, patterns and colors I see… Montreal is a great city for design inspiration.

What is your favorite project that you have completed? Why is it your favorite?
Usually the current project I'm working on is my favorite, but of all the quilts I've made I think my first quilt (unofficially named the 'Tim Burton quilt') is my favorite. I still sleep with it every night (as do the cats) and it has become very soft over the years of washings. It is a bit wonky, there are parts I would do differently if I were to make it now… but looking at it I can still see every design decision I made and every seam ripping lesson I learned, and I love every stitch of it.

What would you consider to be your quilting ‘superpower’?
Pro-craft-inating… is that a superpower? I can get an amazing amount of crafty/quilty things done when I *should* be doing something else.

What is your favorite part of the quilt making process? Why?
I actually really like collecting (hoarding?) patterns, ideas and supplies. It might not be part of the quilt making process, per se… but when inspiration strikes, I really love to sit down and pull a project together using what I have on hand. Piles of books, patterns and ideas, and a healthy stash of fabric waiting to be turned into a quilt… I love that. There’s so much possibility there!

What project or technique is next on your “to try” list?
I think it’d have to be free-motion quilting. I usually do straight-line quilting, but I’m getting a bit bored with the same few patterns, I need to branch out and do something more interesting. I just need to find the right project to practice on.

What is the best quilting tip or technique you’ve discovered?
Nesting your seams! While I’m totally a fan of improv and imperfection, I also find it incredibly satisfying to sew a perfect corner. When I’m trying to pull off a nice, sharp corner on a block, I use the nesting seams technique I learned from Sew Can She. Total game changer, for me.(https://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/2014/5/17/quick-quilting-tip-nesting-seams)

What is the best bit of quilting advice you’ve ever received?
​Patience. I hate that word and I am possibly the least patient person in the world, but I have to grudgingly admit that it comes in handy from time to time. My tendency is to rush through the making process to get to the end product (and then move on to the next project), but I have learned that I'm not happy with the end product if I rush the process. So, quilting has taught me to slow down and take my time; also to enjoy the process rather than just get through it. Yes, I may have to rip out that whole line of quilting or redo some seams, but in the end I'm so much happier with the end result, so it's worth it.

Describe your creative process in three words:

(Well, okay, *mostly* nothing ;)

Describe/share pictures of your creative space:

I use half of our spare room for my sewing space. It can be a bit tight when working on a big project, but it works. ​

I recently got some bins to try and organize my fabric a bit better... all it has done is made me realize what colors I am lacking and go buy more ;)

And a few of my quilts:

Member Spotlight: Nathalie Forget

Pour le mois de mai, notre membre vedette est Nathalie Forget.

1. Vos coordonnées de médias sociaux (blog/site web, Facebook, Instagram, etc):

Je n'ai pas de blog et je ne me sers pas beaucoup des médias sociaux pour publier ou communiquer. Je les utilise plutôt pour m'inspirer. Mes adresses:
https://www.pinterest.com/forget0440/
https://www.instagram.com/forget.me.knit/
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/forget-me-knit

2. Qu'avez-vous étudié à l'école et/ou que faites vous comme travail?

J'ai complété un baccalauréat en sciences informatiques en 1984. J'ai travaillé par la suite au développement et à la gestion de solutions informatiques pour plusieurs entreprises, mais surtout pour une institution financière. J'ai pris ma retraite et suis revenue à Montréal en mai 2015 après 29 ans d'exil à Toronto.

Member Spotlight: Cinzia Allocca

We are back with another Member Spotlight!  This month, we give you the co-founder of the Montreal MQG: Cinzia.

Your social media coordinates (blog/website, Facebook, Instagram, etc): 

IG: @2psquilts
Blog: deuxpetitessouris.blogspot.com

What did you study in school and/or what do you do for a day job?     

I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and worked as an educator in a daycare for several years (I also like to say that I have a ‘secondary’ degree in art as I took as many art classes as I could throughout my school years).

For just over a year now, I have been working for Camelot Fabrics in merchandising and product development.

How long have you been quilting?    

I made my first quilt about 19yrs ago, by copying a store bought one. I had some sewing experience and decided to try making a quilt. A couple years after that, I took a quilting class at a LQS.

What first got you interested in modern quilting?    

Like most people, I suppose I first ‘discovered’ it online through blogs and flickr.  It was refreshing to see quilts made with fresh colors, clean, minimalist looks, and improv (and SOLIDS!!! Which I first saw on sewmamasew.com). Discovering improv gave me the permission to do things my way. It allowed me to make something that was completely my own. It’s not just the ‘making’ part that I like about quilting. To me this is just my medium of choice through which I explore my creative ideas. I love the freedom.

How did you find the MMQG and why did you decide to join?

Josee and I ‘met’ online and we were both looking for a local group of modern quilters. Since there wasn’t one, we decided to start a guild. What really gave me the push to do so was the announcement by the MQG about the first Quiltcon. I knew then that this was going to be more than a trend and I wanted to be a part of it. It’s one of the best things I ever did! I love my peeps!

Whose techniques/style/philosophy do you most admire in the modern quilting community?  

My favorites are Gwen Marston, Sherri Lynn  Wood, the Gees Bend Quilters

Where do you look for inspiration or ideas for your quilting projects?    

Lately I have been very interested in modern, abstract and minimalist art. I am currently crushing on the work of Paul Kremer (@paulkremer if you wish to follow him). He is Texas-based painter. He plays a lot with bold shapes and colors and negative space.

What is your favorite project that you have completed? Why is it your favorite?    

My favorite is usually the last big project I’ve completed. My current favorite is “Finding Harmony”. It’s one of those rare projects that I’ve enjoyed making every single step of the way. It holds a lot of meaning for me. My quilts are like my journal through which I work out my innermost thoughts and feelings. I worked through a lot with this one.

What would you consider to be your quilting ‘superpower’?    

Binding!!! I love making and applying it. I can hand sew a pretty good and fast invisible stitch! I find it very relaxing.

And I can thread and knot 25 needles in 6min.44seconds. Anyone want to challenge me?

What is your favorite part of the quilt making process? Why?   

I love starting something new. The best is when inspiration strikes suddenly and I happen to have a couple of free hours to get it going and things start to flow freely. There always comes a point where I start to struggle/question where I’m going, but I’ve learned to push through. 

What project or technique is next on your “to try” list?   

I am currently working on a series of small abstract quilts. A series is something that I have been wanting to try for a long time – to explore a single technique/style/color scheme through many works. In my series, I am delving into my improv strip-piecing technique. I want to see how far I can take it. 

I have also always want to make a large whole cloth quilt. All hand quilted of course. 

What is the best quilting tip or technique you’ve discovered?     

Don’t worry about perfection. Especially when learning something new. Just do. Over and over again, and you will get better.  I promise! 

What is the best bit of quilting advice you’ve ever received?     

Do it because you enjoy it! I decided to ‘give-up’ machine quilting large quilts because I just didn’t enjoy it. But not before I gave it a good chance. 

And the second is to slow-down! When we are constantly on social media seeing what everyone is making, we are under the illusion that everyone is more productive than we are and that we somehow need to keep up. I’ve learned that I would rather make less but more meaningful pieces. It gives me the chance to be more intentional with what I make and have a closer connection to my work. Most of us are doing this as a hobby anyway, so what are we trying to keep up with anyway? 

I try to apply this to my life in general too – Simplify, simplify, simplifly (or maybe I should say “Play, Explore, Edit” see next question). 

Recommended reading/viewing: 

• Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less (written by Greg McKeown)
• The Art of Stillness : TED TALK by Pico Iyer
• The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo (yes, she is a little, shall we say ‘out there’, but she makes some really good points). Get rid of stuff!!!  Unclutter your space, your mind your soul!!! 

Describe your creative process in three words:  

Playing, exploring, editing. 

Describe/share pictures of your creative space:

I recently moved into a new home, and although this home is smaller than my old one, I have the basement all to myself! It did take awhile to get accustomed to a new space. I found that, as it has a different layout than what I was used to, my flow was interrupted.

Sewing Station

My cutting table is an old drafting table that I scored at a garage sale. Pegboards are great for organizing tools/notions!

I couldn’t live without my design wall. It’s where I audition all my ideas!

I have a desk area where I work on my laptop. A radio for good music! Can’t live without it!

I love that I have room to keep my large quilting frame assembled at all times. I can switch from machine work to hand quilting as the mood strikes. And, yes, I have been known to sneak in a power nap in my little corner there!

I feel blessed to have this space and the time (however limited it seems sometimes) to pursue my passion. Thank you for letting me share it! 

Member Spotlight: Jennifer Frei

We are back with another Member Spotlight! For December, we introduce you to Jennifer Frei. If you have questions for Jennifer or comments on her spotlight, please leave us a comment!

Enjoy!


What did you study in school and/or what do you do for a day job?

I studied sociology in school – not terribly creative. I’ve always done creative things but apart from a painting class, I never studied art. I work at the Montreal Children’s Hospital as a research coordinator in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It’s a lot of fun but can be a bit heavy at times which is why I enjoy coming home to quilt and make!

How long have you been quilting?

I started quilting about 7 years ago but I’ve been sewing ever since I was little. My mother is a seamstress by trade and she was always making things. Years ago she took up quilting but at the time I wasn’t really paying attention. It wasn’t until I got a bit older that I decided to try it out too and shortly after starting my first quilt a few of my friends started getting pregnant so I quickly moved on to baby quilts and was hooked!

What first got you interested in modern quilting?

My first quilt was pretty traditional and even as I was making it I found myself bored with the colours and fabric patterns. It wasn’t until I started looking for patterns online that I discovered different colour palates and designs. I was drawn to the bright colours and updated takes on traditional patterns. I think that’s still my favourite. I like to make things are that not traditionally modern but are modern traditional.

How did you find the MMQG and why did you decide to join?

I was having trouble finding nice fabric/supplies in and around the city and was doing some online investigating. I had come across the MMQG website was surprised by my luck, I had no idea we had guilds in Montreal. I was all set to head to a meeting when there was a snowstorm and I chickened out. It wasn’t until a year later that I finally made it to a meeting – this time in the spring!

Do you have any favourite quilting related social media accounts that you follow?

I’m an Instagram and Pinterest junkie but apart from our wonderful guild members, I don’t follow anyone in particular. I tend to search for ideas and click on pretty images that inspire me but I don’t follow particular designers or artists. I’m an equal opportunity quilting absorber!

Where do you look for inspiration or ideas for your quilting projects?

I have to admit that prior to joining the guild I looked through magazines or online to recreate quilts that I thought were pretty. Now I tend to see quilt ideas in everything. A few months ago I was at a medical conference and one of the presenters was showing some graphs of her data and all I could see was a really cool quilt! I have yet to recreate it but I made a mental note.

What would you consider to be your quilting “superpower”?

I’m not sure I’d call it a superpower but I’m pretty good at binding. I like hand-binding but I’ve been getting better at machine binding as well (a technique I only use on small projects like placemats or mug rugs).

What is your favourite part of the quilt making process? Why?

I like piecing. I like seeing my quilt transform from pattern on paper to a real, material quilt. And I find it fun to cut up all the little pieces and put them back together (I also like puzzles so…). I could make a million quilt tops but when it comes to quilting them they hang around for far too long before I *finally* force myself to finish them.

What project or technique is next on your “to try” list?

I have yet to confidently master the non-appliquéd circle. I think we agreed that the 2016/17 year was going to be the year of the circle and I fully hope to embrace it. The Cheryl Arkison workshop really helped to demystify some of the techniques.

What is your favourite project that you have completed? Why is it your favourite?

I think it’s a tie between two baby quilts I made. The first one had to be neutral because we didn’t know the sex of the baby and I love how calming it felt. The second was an appliqué circle quilt that was both grid-like and circular and I had a lot of fun arranging the squares so that the colours worked together. I also love my Libs Elliot “Weight of Love” quilt but that’s not finished yet (see previous comment on quilting/finishing quilts).

Describe/share pictures of your creative space:

When I bought my condo a few years back I had an extra room that I confidently set up like a guestroom which had a desk where I could work from time to time. Suffice it to say that no guest has ever spent the night in that room – my quilting has taken over.

Member Spotlight: Claudia Pedroso

For November, the MMQG member in the spotlight is Claudia Pedroso.  Claudia has been a member for a couple of years now and is our new Treasurer.  Claudia is also our Welcome Wagon for new members so please feel free to ask her any questions you might have about the resources available to you as a new member.

Thank you so much for agreeing to play along with us Claudia!  :-)


What did you study in school and/or what do you do for a day job?

I am the controller for a management company whose focus has shifted in the last few years from capital venture to philanthropy. It’s one of the reasons I am enjoying my new role with the MMQG as treasurer - taking my two favourite things, quilting and accounting, and combining them – it’s a perfect relationship!

How long have you been quilting?

I believe it was around 2002 although I have worked with needle and thread since I was very young. Embroidery, sewing, crochet, knitting… And yes, I was that geek who joined the sewing club in high school and would voluntarily spend lunch hours in the Home Ec classroom!

My first quilt:

What first got you interested in modern quilting?

I always had issues with the fabrics and patterns I would see in conventional fabric stores and magazines but it wasn't until I joined the MMQG that I realized that my tastes were different from what was out there and that there was a brand new world about to open up to me. 

How did you find the MMQG and why did you decide to join?

I have known Cinzia Alloca, co-founder of the MMQG, for over 25 years and she invited me to come to a meeting to check it out.  Once there, realizing more what modern quilting was about, seeing the beautiful show and tell items that night was all I needed to see this was where I belonged.  Seeing so many people as passionate about quilting as I was - also a real treat. 

Where do you look for inspiration or ideas for your quilting projects?

Since discovering the concept of improv in modern quilting, I try to look for inspiration in everything I see, whether it be a scenic beach, a painting on a wall in a restaurant, or even a vase in the office of a bank employee.  Mostly though, I get inspired by what the other members of the guild bring to the table, their work, their stories, their techniques…

Scenic Beach:

Restaurant (Bad Date!):

What is your favorite project that you have completed? Why is it your favorite? 

This is a tie between the quilt I made my daughter that was the first time I let myself be inspired by the fabrics I chose and also "changing" a pattern to include only elements I liked and dismissing elements I did not like (sashing….yuck) and my Beachball quilt, only because the colours are so happy and I use it at the beach!!

Arianne's Quilt:

Beach ball quilt:

What is your favorite part of the quilt making process? Why?

I think my favourite part of the quilt making process is a tie between the beginning of assembling a quilt and the binding of it.  It is exciting to see something that was only ever in your head start to take form in front of your eyes and then to see it finished when the binding comes on - and , I must confess, I actually enjoy the feel of the fabric beneath my fingers when I am sewing on the binding.

 

What is the best quilting tip or technique you’ve discovered?

Mitering the corners when applying the binding was an "ah ha" moment for me at a workshop I took with Cinzia.  She taught me a whole bunch of other things at that workshop but the corner miter….it was as if the sun had risen after 10 years of rain!!

Describe your creative process in three words:

Usually involves wine!

   

Other quilts:

Sister Silvia's Sunshine Quilt (To chase away the winter blues)

Tia Arminda Tumbling Blocks

Mom's Healing Quilt

Member Spotlight: Josée Carrier

Pour le mois d'octobre, nous avons le plaisir de vous présenter Josée Carrier, une des fondatrices de notre guilde et la personne qui s'occupe si bien de nos nouveaux membres!

1. Vos coordonnées de médias sociaux (blog/site web, Facebook, Instagram, etc):

Blog : http://thecharmingneedle.com/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/thecharmingneedle
Flickr : https://www.flickr.com/photos/thecharmingneedle/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thecharmingneedle/
Pinterest : http://www.pinterest.com/charmingneedle/

2. Qu'avez-vous étudié à l'école et/ou que faites-vous comme travail?

J'ai étudié en ingénierie et j'ai travaillé en développement logiciel pour une compagnie en animation 3D. Après la naissance de mon deuxième garçon, j'ai décidé de prendre une pause dans ma carrière pour être auprès deux. J'ai beaucoup apprécié ces moments privilégiés avec eux.

J'ai également profité de ce temps à la maison pour explorer mon côté créatif. C'est pendant cette période que j'ai commencé à faire de la couture et de la courtepointe de façon régulière. Cela a été des années bien remplies : j'ai créé mon blog, fondé notre guilde avec Cinzia Allocca, rédigé des patrons pour diverses publications, fait de nombreux projets de couture et de courtepointe ...  Puis, j'en ai profité pour en apprendre plus sur divers sujets qui me passionnent (le design textile, la programmation graphique et le développement web).

D'ailleurs, je fais actuellement un retour sur le marché du travail en tant que pigiste en développement web (http://joseecarrier.ca/fr). Eh oui, mes deux garçons sont à l'école (1ère et 3e année), alors ma petite pause est maintenant terminée. Il y aura certainement un peu moins de temps pour la couture dorénavant, mais il y aura toujours des idées pour de nouveaux projets qui vont trotter dans ma tête.

3. Depuis combien de temps faites-vous de la courtepointe?

Je fais de la courtepointe depuis 6 ans. J'ai fait ma 1ère courtepointe pour la naissance de mon premier garçon en 2008. Mais je l'ai fait sans savoir que  ça se nommait une courtepointe. Pour moi, c'était une couverture piquée. J'avais utilisé une bourre de polyester. C'est seulement en 2010 que j'ai commencé à faire de la courtepointe.

4. Qu'est-ce que vous avez d'abord intéressé à la courtepointe moderne?

J'ai vraiment découvert la courtepointe lorsque je me suis mis à chercher des  tissus pour la décoration de la chambre de mon 2e garçon. J'ai découvert les imprimés modernes et les collections de designer. J'ai été accrochée et à partir ce moment, j'ai commencé à me renseigner sur la courtepointe. Ça correspondait au début de Modern Quilt Guild et des groupes de partage (Fresh Modern Quilts) sur Flickr. J'avais choisi l'imprimé Zoology de Michael Miller Fabrics pour la chambre de mon garçon. Et voici la courtepointe que j'ai fait avec les retailles en 2010.

Puis, voici la première courtepointe que j'ai conçu :

5. Comment avez-vous trouvé la MMQG et pourquoi avez-vous décidé de devenir membre?

J'ai trouvé The Modern Quilt Guild, puis Cinzia Allocca par l'entremise des groupes sur Flickr. Comme elle était de Montréal et que j'aimais son style de courtepointes, j'ai décidé de la contacter. On a pensé fonder une branche de la Modern Quilt Guild à Montréal. Après s'être suivies pendant quelques mois sur Flickr, on a décidé de se lancer. La première rencontre de notre guilde a eu lieu en Mars 2012. Et depuis ce temps, aucun regret, beaucoup de plaisir et de belles rencontres! Voici une de mes courtepointes faite lors du premier challenge organisé par The Modern Quilt Guild :

6. Quelles techniques/style/philosophie aimez-vous le plus de la courtepointe moderne?

J'aime profiter de chaque projet pour apprendre de nouvelles techniques et mon défi est toujours d'essayer de les utiliser de façon créative. J'aime beaucoup les formes géométriques. Je suis beaucoup plus à l'aise avec celles-ci qu'avec le style improvisé. Cela dit j'apprécie beaucoup ce style, même s'il n'est pas naturel pour moi. Dans mes courtepointes, j'aime jouer avec l'asymétrie, les couleurs unies de différents tons, l'utilisation de quadrillage alternatif, l'utilisation de l'espace négatif. Et de façon générale, j'aime beaucoup jouer avec les couleurs. Voici la courtepointe, la plus représentative de mon style.

7. Quels usagers de médias sociaux reliés à la courtepointe moderne suivez-vous?

J'ai suivi beaucoup de blogs au début dont celui de Rachel Hauser , Malka Dubrawsky, Jacquie Gering, Elizabeth Hartman, Alissa Haight Carlton, Ashley Newcomb, … J'ai appris beaucoup à la lecture de ces blogs. Je continue de suivre la plupart d'entre-eux, mais de façon beaucoup moins régulière. La personne que je suis avec le plus d'intérêt est Carolyn Friedlander. Ses projets et ses collections de tissus sont pour moi très inspirants. Sur Instagram, j'aime bien suivre les projets de personnes plus près de moi comme les membres de la guilde.

8. Où allez-vous pour de l'inspiration ou des idées pour vos projets de courtepointe?

Les nombreux blogs sur la courtepointe moderne font parti de mes sources d'inspiration. Je crois que notre communauté en ligne a sans aucun doute propulsé la créativité de chacun. Souvent une courtepointe qu'on a vu en ligne peut être la source de départ, puis après les possibilités sont infinies. Mais je cherche également mes sources d'inspirations dans d'autres domaines : le design graphique, les motifs géométriques, le design et l'art en général. Et mon outil favori pour trouver ces sources d'inspiration est Pinterest.

9. Quel est votre projet favori que vous avez terminé? Pourquoi est-il votre préféré?

Je crois que c'est ma courtepointe Sous une pluie d'étoiles qui a fait parti de notre exposition Vitrine sur la courtepointe moderne.

J'ai vraiment apprécié chacune des étapes de création : du choix du bloc de départ au piquage. J'ai utilisé des couleurs qui étaient différentes de mes palettes habituelles. Et je suis bien contente du résultat.

10. Qu'est-ce que vous considérez comme votre 'super pouvoir' dans la courtepointe?

Je crois que mon 'super pouvoir' est la facilité avec laquelle je peux écrire des patrons. D'ailleurs, j'aime bien créer mes propres patrons lorsque je réalise des projets.

11. Quelle est votre partie préférée du processus de fabrication de courtepointe? Pourquoi?

Pour faire suite à la question précédente, la planification est sans aucun doute la partie que je préfère, incluant le choix du design et le choix des tissus.

12. Quel projet ou technique est le prochain sur votre liste "à essayer"?

La prochaine technique à essayer est d'utiliser mon cadre à piquer :

J'en ai fait l'acquisition au printemps dernier et je n'ai toujours pas eu l'occasion de l'essayer. Je crois que ça va simplifier beaucoup le piquage de mes courtepointes. J'espère que je ne serai pas déçue...

13. Quel est le meilleur truc ou technique que vous avez découvert?

Le meilleur truc? J'ai tellement appris de trucs depuis que j'ai commencé à faire de la courtepointe, plus particulièrement depuis qu'on se réunit comme guilde. Il est difficile de trouver le meilleur. Disons le dernier, un truc de Debby Soll pour les appliqués à la main. Je me sens un peu gauche dans cette technique, mais depuis que Debby m'a suggéré d'utiliser de petites épingles à appliqués comme celles-ci : Clover applique pins, je suis beaucoup plus à l'aise.

14. Quel est le meilleur conseil que vous avez reçu concernant la courtepointe?

Je dirais certainement l'utilisation d'un mur de design. La suggestion de prendre du recul pour évaluer la disposition de la courtepointe et l'agencement de tissus est sûrement un des meilleurs conseils que j'ai reçu.

15. Décrivez votre processus créatif en trois mots:

Explorer, dessiner et réaliser. Je commence toujours mes projets par la recherche d'idées et de palettes de couleur. J'aime aussi faire des croquis au début de mes projets pour explorer différentes idées sur papier. Selon les projets, je ferai un schéma de la courtepointe à l'ordinateur. Puis, la partie la plus gratifiante est de voir cette courtepointe prendre forme.

16. Décrivez/partagez quelques photos de votre studio ou espace de couture:

Je fais mes projets dans une petite pièce qui est à la fois ma salle de couture et notre salle de lavage. Je suis bien heureuse d'avoir un espace dédié où je n'ai pas à ranger à chaque fois que je termine de travailler sur mes projets. Et, j'apprécie beaucoup la lumière naturelle qui entre par la fenêtre de la pièce. Voici quelques photos.

Si vous voulez en savoir plus, il y a plus de détails sur mon blog : http://thecharmingneedle.com/2015/07/sewing-room-updates.html.