In the Spotlight ...

... today is Janet.  Janet was the co-founder of our group along with Hazel, who was in the spotlight last month.  (You can go here to learn all about Hazel.) So read on to learn more about Janet.

Who/what inspired you to start quilting?  

I saw some fabric scraps in The Skep in Farsley in 2000 and thought to myself ‘I think I’ll make a quilt – how hard can it be?’

What do you love most about quilting? 

Piecing without a doubt. I love to get lost in the process and forget about everything else except sewing. I love to experiment with improvised piecing and scrap piecing and I love to use up the scraps from a finished quilt in another improvised piece.

What is your least favourite part? 

Layering and tacking my quilts together. I like the result when quilts are tacked rather than pinned or spray basted but find the process cumbersome.

What is your favourite technique, ie hand or machine sewing, appliqué, quilting, etc? 

At the moment it is quilting using the walking foot.

What new techniques do you hope to conquer in the future? 

I would like to develop my skills in the area of quilt design.

Do you use patterns or make it up as you go along? 

I often start with a pattern or a photo of a quilt I admire, but never usually end up with a quilt that looks like the original.

When you’re starting a new project, do you have the design all worked out (on computer/paper/in your mind) before you start? 

No – this is not always a good strategy and has led to a few headaches!

Do you buy/gather all the fabrics for a project before you start? 

Not usually – I try to use fabrics from my stash!

Do you like using pre-cuts such as FQ bundles, jelly rolls, layer cakes or charm packs? 

I don’t buy a lot of these but Moda scrap bags are my downfall!

Do you have any advice for someone just starting out on their quilting adventure? 

Just go for it – don’t worry about making mistakes, don’t worry if your points don’t match, enjoy the process.

In the quilt world, who do you find is a real inspiration to you? 

Gwen Marston, the quilters of Gee’s Bend. Anna Williams, Bonnie Hunter, Elizabeth Hartman, Karen Griska and Jacquie Gering.

Below are photos of some of Janet's quilts.

                                        

                               

Teenage Angst was made for Janet's oldest son when he went to Uni, Paintbox Crumbs won 2nd place in the Cot Quilt category at the Great Northern Quilt Show in 2010 and the Modern Sampler was made in 2013.

I hope to see some of you tomorrow where we'll be learning another method of reverse applique.