Featured Crafter - Nettie (a quilt is nice)

Today our 'Featured Crafter' is Nettie from a quilt is nice.

Here she answers our questions about her quilts and inspirations.

How did you end up becoming a quilter and how did you learn to quilt?

I began quilting about 10 years ago, I had a coworker who quilted, and I wanted to make a quilt like hers so bad! My husband bought me a sewing machine for my birthday soon after, and I haven’t looked back since. My mother taught me to sew a little, so quilting was pretty easy to pick up. I definitely believe the more you quilt, the better you become. I don’t consider myself a perfect quilter--if perfect points are what you want, than I am not that quilter. I love the little “mess-ups” in quilts. I think they give the quilt so much character and make it look homemade.

Tell us a little bit about your creative workspace?

My creative space is not awesome, but it works for me. I have 3 small children and we are currently in a home that is just the perfect size for us...thus leaving little room for sewing. I have impeded on their “play space” and I think they like it. They like when I am close by, so while I sew they play. We have a pretty great relationship, and we have learned to work around each other. I don’t have a design wall, and probably never will. I use the ground and constantly have kids stepping and running over my designs. It drives me nuts, but the kids think it’s so fun. I am not much of a planner when it comes to quilts, I usually just throw them together, so I haven’t felt like I NEED a design wall yet. Maybe one day when I have more space. And I can’t wait to have more space, I currently kneel down to cut, yep my cutting table is actually an old coffee table.

Which sewing machine do you use?

I use a Pfaff 2027. I have had it for about 2 years and I am very happy with it. I do wish the arm was longer so I could fit more quilt under it, but so far I have no problems with it.


Who inspires you?

I am inspired by so many people. I have a sister in law who is an awesome quilter, and she definitely makes me want to be better, I am also inspired by many online friends, first Amanda Jean (crazy mom quilts)...now there are so many online inspirations I can’t even begin to name them all. I find inspiration all around. I love to look at children’s clothes and dishes for color inspiration. I look for patterns in everyday life and imagine it becoming a quilt.

Which is your favourite from all the quilts you’ve made?

Wow, this is really hard. I don’t know if I can pick a favorite...but currently my favorite is probably one I made for my nephew ('olives' - at the top of this post) using Denyse Schmidts Single Girl pattern. I also really like the star quilt I made, and my ultimate scraps quilt (below). I also have a quilt top (green and grey - above) that I think will be my all time favorite, if I ever get it quilted

How many quilts have you made? Who do you make quilts for? Do you store quilts at home or are they all in use?

I have probably made 75 quilts (maybe, that’s a pretty rough guess). My favorite quilts to make are for new babies, not only are they quick and easy to make, but they are always well received. Everyone loves to get a quilt. I usually make quilts for family members and friends, and some to keep. If I am to give away a quilt, I must know before I start it, or it is nearly impossible to give away. I definitely make quilts with the intention that they be used, and most of my quilts are in use at my house, or folded on a shelf with easy access if needed.

Do you work from craft books (which ones), online tutorials, bought patterns etc.?

I use all of these. One of the first quilt books I ever bought is “Sweet and Simple Baby Quilts” by Mary Hickey and I still think it is an awesome book. I also love “Denyse Schmidt Quilts” by Denyse Schmidt. I look online for tutorials all the time, and sometimes I buy patterns if I can’t figure it out on my own. More often than not, I try to figure out a pattern on my own, and I am always looking for shortcuts when making blocks.


What other creative pursuits interest you?

I love making hair things for my daughter (she has the most beautiful hair). I enjoy photography and taking pictures, but definitely need to spend more time with this hobby--I think when my kids are a little older. I also like to make pillows and decorations for my home. I especially like anything that involves fabric. I think fabric is my first love, then quilting, then everything else (when it comes to creative stuff).

Thanks to Nettie for answering all our questions, keep up with her crafting at a quilt is nice.