Make Modern Triangles member spotlight is focused on Karen S. this week, who has been a member of several programs during the past year. When I asked Karen to describe her quilting ID, she said, “it’s a combination of traditional, artistic, modern and kitsch, as the spirit moves me.”
Apparently, 1) Karen has many quilting lives, and 2) she will try anything that involves fabric!
You’ll see her quilt adventures in the gallery below as she explores the many sides of quilting. And you can tell she is having fun! Her sewing space (ahem, spaces plural!) give her room to do it all.
MODERN QUILTING MAKES
What are your favorite parts of making quilts?
I love all parts of quilt making. I can match a task to my mood…if I am feeling quiet, appliqué or binding while watching a TV series like ER suits me. Then if I’m feeling more energetic, I cut fabric or piece blocks. Choosing a color palette and fabric to go with a design taps into my creative zone.
My favorite part of quilt making is seeing it all come together at the end and I do my own ‘show and share’ with friends on Facebook. They have even ‘loved’ what I think is the worst quilt I have ever made!
Do you belong to a quilt guild?
I have been in several area quilt guilds…the longest membership in a local guild was over 20 years. With Covid, I have replaced that membership with becoming a member of a couple different online groups that I have been really enjoying, like Rebecca’s Make Modern Triangles Club and her Playful Color Quilt Guild. Online groups are more stimulating because they have introduced me to new ideas and new techniques – I am a perpetual student and love to learn new things
What do you like about quilting with triangles?
I like the versatility of using triangles – I can move them around into different and surprising configurations – and their clean and precise angles.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ON INSPIRATION
Where do you find inspiration for your quilts?
I save pictures of quilts posted on Facebook, online or at quilt shows to my phone. When I am out and about I take picture of scenery I pass by on the freeway, my roses, plants, family, animals and birds. Most of the pictures saved on my phone roll are things I love that inspire me…it might be shapes, it might be a color combination…a sunrise or sunset…a storm cloud…anything that makes me catch my breath.
What would you like to learn next?
I want to spend some time with triangles. I have not done much with them yet, and looking forward to making my first triangle quilt with Make Modern Triangles.
Karen’s Sewing Space and StASH
Where do you sew and create?
Due to the pandemic, I now have several sewing spaces because I don’t like being confined to just one space. When taking a Zoom class, I have my ‘take to classes’ machine next to my computer which is so convenient. I use a sewing machine kept in my family room for piecing and light machine. I keep my larger cutting table set up in the garage – out of the way of house traffic! My larger Juki works best in the back bedroom for quilting larger quilts – with a TV of course.
“Most of the pictures saved on my phone roll are things I love that inspire me…it might be shapes, it might be a color combination…a sunrise or sunset…a storm cloud…anything that makes me catch my breath.”
Karen S., Make Modern Triangles member
Describe your fabric stash.
I have sorted my fabric by color into bins. As the bins fill up, I plan to go through the bins to eliminate fabrics I no longer like. I tend to use my stash for a project, and might buy some additional fabric if needed.
What is your next project?
I am finishing up a portrait quilt of my daughter the day she met her new puppy. My next project is going to be one of Rebecca Bryan’s BOM Make Modern Triangles club quilt patterns…which one is to be determined!
Thank you, Karen for sharing your quilt love with our Make Modern Triangles Member Spotlight edition!
RELATED LINKS AND TUTORIALS
Marilyn W. Featured Member in the Spotlight
Featured Make Modern Triangles Member Karen S.
Learn more about Make Modern Triangles Membership
Shirley M. Featured Member Spotlight
How to Organize Foundation Pieced Quilt Projects
Incredible work Karen! We are so glad you’re a part of our communities! <3 Rebecca