Coffee Talk: Member Interview

Coffee Talk "Tuesday": Elizabeth Richards

This week we are featuring our committee chair Elizabeth Richards. She is an enthusiastic member who is always trying something new and exciting. She quilts in every category and style and never limits herself. Elizabeth's blog is a Pieceful Life and is a member of the Little/Mini Quilts Flicker group where she posts some of her beautiful works. So let's get to know Elizabeth a bit!

Hello Elizabeth! It's so good of you to agree to be interviewed, Thank-you! So how long have you been quilting or sewing?

I began sewing when I was 10 but started quilting in 1995. I became interested in quilting whenI had my first baby in 1983. I made all the bedding for the nursery but my quilt was more like a comforter and it was tied rather than quilted.

I can relate to that, my first attempt at quilting was far from perfect but just seeing what you can create now I'm guessing you eventually caught the quilting bug and only got more amazing. Many beginners tie their quilts until they feel experienced enough to try something more challenging. Did you ever have a quilt project go terribly wrong? What advice would you give to someone just beginning modern quilting?

I have lost interest in many projects and I have learned to give them away, or set them aside for another day. My advice is enjoy the process, from picking out the pattern and the fabric to the end result, a handmade quilt. Don’t worry if your piecing or quilting isn’t perfect, because quilts are made to give comfort, warm hugs, a little beauty, and joy….. that sounds like perfection to me!

 

That is some great advice, and something everyone should remember when they feel frustrated! I know a lot of us have struggled with wanting to get it perfect and forget the bigger picture. What is it that eventually brought you to modern quilting rather than a more "traditional/classic" style?

I honestly like the freedom in modern quilting. I like to reinterpret traditional blocks with modern fabrics, I enjoy the simplicity of solid fabrics and no borders, and I also like improvisational piecing.

 

Your quilting style is very free in my opinion, you seem to like not limiting yourself. Who inspires you most in the world of modern quilting? And which fabrics speak to you most? Any book recommendations?

I like Ana Maria Horner for her design and improvisational style. Elizabeth Hartman's blog Oh, Fransson! is one of the first modern bloggers that I discovered in 2010. I would recommend her blog, she has many wonderful patterns for sale and free tutorials, along with loads of inspiration. Rachel Hauser at Stitched in Color also has some great tutorials, and online classes. As for fabric designers I am a Kaffe Fassett and an Amy Butler fan from way back, and also Ana Maria Horner. I really like bright fabric that goes so well with solids.

Those are definitely some inspiring modern quilters and fabric designers! I also frequent some of those blogs. What are some quilt patterns or styles you are currently experimenting with or would like to try?

I want to try some of the new specialty rulers. I am currently having fun using the Quick Curve Ruler.

I have also had some fun with the Quick Curve ruler. Which quilt creation that you've made so far are you most proud of?

The picture below is my favorite quilt. It is an original design made with Kaffe Fassett fabric. I am not sure that it makes me proud, but it certainly makes me happy : )

That is very colorful and happy! I'm glad you shared it with us today. Thank-you again for letting us get to know you a bit better and for taking the time to sit down with me. I'm sure you'll be sharing more of your exciting creations with us at upcoming meetings!