Introducing Our New Series: Monthly Member Spotlight

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No matter how long you’ve been in the quilting community, you know that no two quilters creative spaces are the same.  We all have our own organized chaos, ideas, and systems that we know work best for us. But get us in another quilters sewing space and we WILL go wild with curiosity.

We have all been there, which is why we’re launching this new online series called Monthly Member Spotlight. It is our pleasure to introduce our first creative talent, Anne!


Name: Anne Shapiro

Facebook Name: Anne Shapiro

Instagram Name: frydayknyght

When did you join VTMQG? I joined in the summer of 2014, just as the group was starting.

What brought you to VTMQG? My friend Patrice Johns told me about some people who were interested in forming a local modern quilt guild.  At the time, I’d never heard of any sort of quilt guild, or even modern quilting.   I went to the initial meeting because I imagined it would be fun and inspiring to meet other people who love to quilt.  I had no idea there would be so many fun people who shared my passion. 

When did you start quilting? I made my first simple wall quilt about 23 years ago, to give as a gift. I didn’t get serious about quilting until about 8 years ago.

Why do you quilt?  I quilt because I love color and fabric and playing with quilt designs.  I quilt because it’s the one place in my life where I have full autonomy. This craft gives me artistic freedom, limited only by my  skills.  Also, I love making special gifts for friends and family, and for community members in need.  It may sound a little odd, but it feels like a great joy & privilege to be able to sew love and care into the quilts we make. 

This craft brings me endless joy, challenge & exhilaration.  It’s exciting to learn new skills & to try new things, even when they’re not entirely successful.

What was your most recent fabric purchase?  I bought a piece of dark green Cotton & Steel fabric from Nido.  I used the fabric to piece together a back for my current quilt, a gift for my youngest sister.

What is on your “to make list”? My next projects are large quilts for my daughters, and finishing a quilt for our upcoming wedding anniversary.  There are also some soft dolls and a Merchant & Mills top on the list.  My dream quilt is one based on a tile floor pattern we saw in a cathedral.  One day, my skills will be advanced enough for it.   

What is something you struggle with? I struggle with finding the time to do all the sewing projects on my list.  Also, my quilting skills need serious improvement.  Craftsy videos and You Tube are my main source of instruction, but it’s way better for me to work and learn in a live class.

What do you do when you aren’t quilting?  Often, I’m planning the next steps on a quilting project. When I’m not sewing or thinking about sewing, I’m an assistant teacher in the seventh grade at a local independent school, and I’m a part- time nanny for a charming little toddler.  He and I sew together sometimes. 

What kind of machine do you sew on?   It’s a Janome 6600.  I bought it about 8 years ago, and it’s been perfect!

Describe your sewing space in three words? It’s busy, cozy and cheerful. 

Where do you sew the most? Mostly, I sew using my machine, in my sewing room.  When we travel, I take along handwork projects, such as preparing hexagons for appliqué. 

What is your most useful (or least useful) notion?  The roller cutter is indispensable.

Anything else you’d like to say?  It is a joy and an inspiration to be part of VTMQG.  Every day, I’m grateful that we are all a part of this talented and upbeat sewing community.  The other members’ projects, creativity, generosity and passion have helped me to improve at this craft.  Thank you to all whose hard work keeps us going!

Show us some photos of your sewing space!

quilting set-up

 

thread holder

 

old captain's bed converted into cutting table

An old captain’s bed converted into cutting table

 

Thanks Frydayknyght for playing along and sharing with us. Your space looks so roomy, bright, and tidy. And we think we’re in love with your cutting table. It’s the perfect amount of storage and cutting space in one. Genius!

And thats wrap for our first Monthly Member Spotlight. See you next month with a whole new member and a whole new sewing space.

Toodles!