I started my first quilt during the summer of 1982. Purchasing a hoop, quilt book by Georgia Bonesteel, solid fabric and thread, I began this journey. I selected the log cabin pattern and got busy. There were no rotary cutters or self-healing mats at that time. I drew out my templates on the cardboard from cereal boxes and then outlined those onto the fabric using chalk. I cut each piece with a pair of scissors and started the sewing process using a machine that my mother gave to me when I was in high school. After I got all the pieces sewn together, it was time to quilt it.
I was self-taught, but I didn’t like how long it took me to finish quilting that quilt. I had to pack it and the hoop up and take them back to college to complete the quilting. I still have that quilt and will treasure it–because it is the first and last hand-quilted quilt that I will ever make!
I did not quilt again until a sewing friend re-introduced me to quilting with the new tools that were available — the rotary cutter and the self-healing mat. Since that time I have made everyone in my family at least one quilt, and many more for friends with weddings and baby showers. I piece all the tops on my home sewing machine and have even done some of the quilting using this machine. I got a little experience using a longarm machine belonging to that same friend and have wanted one ever since.
In July 2016 I finally made up my mind that this was going to be part of my future. After a year of careful research and comparisons I chose the APQS machine known as the Millie! My longarm has a 30-inch throat space and a 12-foot long frame. She arrived in June of 2017. I have been working with her on many practice pieces and have started a business to complete the quilting process for the people who enjoy the piecing yet do not have the time to quilt the finished project or do not have the means to do so. I am truly enjoying this phase of my life and hope that I can help others to create heirlooms for their families and friends.
