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Bryan House Quilts

Make Modern Triangles: Member Spotlight #17

Block of the Month Program· Modern Triangle Quilts· Sewing with Triangles· Uncategorized

8 Mar

Make modern Triangles member spotlight: Debbie U.

Welcome Debbie U. to the Make Modern Triangles Member Spotlight! Debbie is best described as an eclectic quilter who likes traditional, modern and artistic genres, which you’ll see plenty of in her gallery below!

Make Modern Triangles’ member spotlight is on Debbie U. this week. Debbie is best described as an eclectic quilter who likes traditional, modern and artistic genres. When you browse her quilt gallery below, you will see many techniques inside those genres, including machine embroidery in the hoop, machine applique, hand quilting and hand dyeing fabric. She even does fabric folding with triangles! (Can you spot which one?) Wow!

Her other interests are also varied including extensive travel to new places, which inspires her love for colorful, bright quilts.

Make Modern Triangles BOM Wildflower design made by member Debbie U.
Wildflower BOM design made by Debbie U.

QUILTING Faves

What is your favorite quilt make of all time?

Judy Niemeyer quilts are some of my favorites: Bali Wedding Star, Glacier Star and Tropical Flowers.

What are your favorite parts of quilting?

The process of choosing fabrics, piecing and free motion quilting.

Favorite quilt make: a Judy Niemeyer design made by Debbie U., our Make Modern Triangles Member Spotlight this week.
Favorite quilt make: Glacier Star designed by Judy Niemeyer and made by Debbie U.

Spotlight on Learning IN MAKE MODERN TRIANGLES

When you joined Make Modern Triangles, what did you want to learn and/or accomplish?

Playing with the patterns that the triangle shapes can create and having fun with them. Debbie made the Wildflower BOM in 2021.

What has quilting taught you about yourself?

As a retired CPA, I enjoy numbers, math and the geometrical possibilities with making quilts. I also love seeing the surprise and enjoyment of a recipient receiving a quilt gift for the first time.

Lots of small triangles make a modern triangle quilt in this Pollinator quilt design made by Debbie U.
Pollinator quilt made by Debbie U.; English paper piecing techniques.

What do you like about quilting with triangles?

The interesting patterns the triangles can make.

What’s next on your learn-to-do list?

Constantly working on improving my long arm quilting skills.

Do you belong to a quilt guild?

I’ve been a member of the national Modern Quilt Guild for the past four years.

Color My World design by Wendy Williams and made by Debbie U. “This was a new challenge for to make a circular quilt.”

HER FOCUS ON MODERN and Paper Piecing

What is your next project?

I am currently making a triangle quilt “Tessellation” by Nadia Kehnle and Alison Glass. It is a really fun quilt with lots of ways to make it my own.

Original modern design made by Make Modern Triangle member spotlight Debbie U.
Original design and made by Debbie U.

Original modern improvisational design with strip piecing by Debbie U.
Original modern improvisational design with strip piecing by Debbie U.

Debbie’s SEwing Space

Describe your fabric stash.

Enough to fill a room and then some: What can I say? I LOVE fabric and lots of it!

Machine embroidery in the hoop, machine applique and long-arm free motion quilting modern art quilt - made by Debbie U.
Machine embroidery in the hoop, machine applique and long-arm free motion quilting – made by Debbie U.

Describe your sewing space and what you like about it.

My sewing space is a room on the main floor of my house that used to be a children’s playroom. It is not as large as I would like but functions well for me.

Inspiration everywhere

Where do you find inspiration for your quilting?

I’ve always gravitated to colorful art and fabric – I’ve been influenced by many things. For instance, my home has lots of colorful art besides my quilts. Nature, sunny climates and colors influence me, too. I also enjoy going to regional and national quilt shows, including QuiltCon and the Houston Show.  And I’m inspired by what I see online (Pinterest) and in magazines and quilts shops.

Many of my projects are made up of MANY small pieces. I like the challenge and the results which is why I tend to do a lot of paper piecing projects. I also have been dyeing fabrics to see what I can create with using many dye colors.

Tropical Flowers design by Judy Niemeyer; modified and made by Debbie U.
Tropical Flowers design by Judy Niemeyer; modified and made by Debbie U.

​When you’re not quilting, what other interests do you pursue?

For one, we have traveled all over Florida, Georgia, South and North Carolina, Washington DC, Mexico and Nepal as well as living in Washington State, Florida and the Bay Area in California. When Covid is behind us we plan to travel around the US, Europe and Africa. Also, I enjoy gardening, reading, walking and playing with my grandson.

 

Lollipop Trees quilt design; made by Debbie U. with machine applique and hand quilting.
Lollipop Trees quilt design; made by Debbie U. with machine applique and hand quilting.

Quiltagami style baby quilt made by Debbie U. Includes triangle fabric folding.
Bali Wedding Star foundation quilt design by Judy Niemeyer; made by Debbie U.
Bali Wedding Star foundation quilt design by Judy Niemeyer; made by Debbie U.
Original quilt design and made by Debbie U.
Original quilt design and made by Debbie U. (Editor’s note: Could we call these shapes ‘curved triangles’ instead of clamshells?!)

Wow! That is a large body of work..and when do you find time to sleep, Debbie?!

Thank you, Debbie, for sharing all of colorful, inspired quilts with us. Beautiful!

Related links about Make Modern Triangles

  • Member Spotlight Gayle K.
  • Member Spotlight Wendy R.
  • Make Modern Triangles
  • Tame Triangles with 5-Step Process
Previous Post: « 10 Fun Photo Ideas for Quilt Blocks
Next Post: Sparkler BOM Month 2 Member Makes »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. rebeccabryan says

    March 11, 2022 at 11:29 am

    Wow! Debbie, it’s such a pleasure to be a small part of your creativity! <3

  2. Maureen says

    March 11, 2022 at 12:20 pm

    Debbie your work is fantastic! I have been to Africa 5 times and going again in November 2022 (if covid allows). I love Africa and am sure you will too. Keep quilting and safe travels.

  3. Lonnie W says

    March 11, 2022 at 11:22 pm

    Fabulous work! I am also a retired CPA….and I love the geometry and math of quilting.

  4. Wendy Rice says

    May 13, 2022 at 6:33 am

    Your many pieces quilts are amazing. Very nice colors, but they all look like a lot of precision piecing. Very nice.

Trackbacks

  1. Make Modern Triangles Member Spotlight #18 - Bryan House Quilts says:
    March 16, 2022 at 2:01 pm

    […] Last week’s Member Spotlight: Debbie U. […]

  2. How to Organize Foundation Piecing Quilt Projects - Bryan House Quilts says:
    March 19, 2022 at 6:46 pm

    […] Member Spotlight: Debbie U […]

  3. Sparkler BOM Month 2 Member Makes - Bryan House Quilts says:
    March 23, 2022 at 11:15 pm

    […] Make Modern Triangles Member Spotlight #17 […]

  4. Make Modern Triangles Member Spotlight #20 - Bryan House Quilts says:
    April 18, 2022 at 3:31 am

    […] Featured Member Debbie U. in the Spotlight […]

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About

Hey there! I’m Rebecca, an author and teacher and freezer paper piecing evangelist. I’m also the founder of the Make Modern Triangles Quilt Club.

Disclosure

Just so you know, my site includes affiliate links from which I (it’s me! Rebecca!) receive payment or compensation. Something to consider as you peruse my website. Thanks!

Latest on Instagram

Does anyone else just love this feeling? ✨ Walk i Does anyone else just love this feeling? ✨

Walk into the sewing room, shut the door behind me, and suddenly all other problems disappear. 

A feeling we all know too well. 🙌

What are you sewing right now? Let me know in the comments! 💕

#quilthumor #quilterslife #quiltteacher #modernquilter
Comment ‘FREEZER’ to take my free class! Keep read Comment ‘FREEZER’ to take my free class! Keep reading for tip number four... 👇

Always print your templates at 100% scale.

Before cutting your fabric, measure the 1-inch test box on your template.

Even being slightly off can affect the accuracy of your blocks later on and lead to some BIG oopsies. 😅

This is one of those tiny steps that saves a LOT of frustration later... Speaking from experience, and more re-done blocks than I could ever count! 

Follow along @bryanhousequilts for more freezer paper piecing tips that will make your quilting life easier and more enjoyable along the way. 💕
Comment ‘FREE’ and i’ll send you straight to my fr Comment ‘FREE’ and i’ll send you straight to my free class where I’ll teach you the life-changing technique that made me fall in love with quilting. 💕 

You’ll even leave with a free modern triangle block pattern to start sewing on your own! 🪡

Drop ‘FREE’ below and start the new creative hobby you’ve been dreaming about. ✨

#modernquilting #paperpiecing #foundationpaperpiecing #quiltingtechnique #quiltteacher
1️⃣ Make a test block. I know it’s tempting to s 1️⃣ Make a test block. 

I know it’s tempting to skip this step... I cannot tell you how many times I have skipped making a test block and ended up regretting it later. If I had just made the test block, it would have saved me HOURS and HOURS of seam ripping and re-sewing, so take my advice and just always make the test block! 

I have never regretted making a test block, but I have regretted not making one. 😅

2️⃣ Celebrate the ta-da moments.

I’m not talking about just the finished quilt. I mean EVERY moment along the journey that feels like a win. Picking your colors and fabrics, sewing that first block, the points that line up, arranging blocks onto the design wall... Celebrate as much as you can along the way. 

I think too many quilters rush past these moments because they’re just focused on the finish line, but quilting isn’t one big “ta-da!” It’s a bunch of little “ta-da” moments stitched together.

3️⃣ Learn the freezer paper piecing technique.

I’m not kidding when I say it completely changed my quilty life... The more I quilt, the more I realize that frustration doesn’t make a quilt more valuable. Struggling doesn’t make you a better quilter. A good process gives you more confidence, helps you enjoy the sewing, and frees up a lot of your time to keep quilting. It makes you want to come back tomorrow and sew another block! 

Quilting is meant to be enjoyed and there’s so much to learn along the way. These three things have been HUGE along my quilting journey, and I know they can make an impact on yours too. 

What’s one thing that has completely changed your quilting journey? Share in the comments. ✨

#modernquilting #paperpiecing #foundationpaperpiecing #quiltingtechnique #quiltteacher
When I say I’ve tried it all, and quilting was the When I say I’ve tried it all, and quilting was the only thing that stuck, I MEAN IT! 😅

👉 Tried gardening, and all the plants would die before I got around to them. 
👉 Tried crochet, and discovered I can’t count that high (or just don’t want to!)
👉 Tried making kids’ clothes, and they always grew out of them before I could finish. 

But quilting? THAT’S my bread and butter. 

It was my mom who got me into quilting many years ago, and I’ve even been teaching quilting for over a decade. 

I’ve built a community of thousands of quilters from all over, at all ages and all skill levels. 

And the most important part of what we do is have FUN. 🙌

Comment ‘FREE’ if you want to learn and have some fun along the way, i’ll send you to my free class to get started. 💌

#modernquilting #quiltingtechnique #quiltpattern #quiltdesign #quiltersofig
FREEZER PAPER PIECING TIP NUMBER 3 ⬇️ Always prin FREEZER PAPER PIECING TIP NUMBER 3 ⬇️

Always print your templates at 100% scale. Most printers are accurate, however, the template size may be off by a smidge with some printers.

Make a test print on printer paper. Measure the 1-inch scale box to check accuracy. Run a test when this happens by changing the scale setting a percent at a time, then remeasure the scale box until it’s the same size as the original template. Like I said, it happens, but not often!

Some quilters find that freezer paper shrinks after it runs through a printer. Another reason to check the scale box! You can’t turn down the printer’s temperature, but you can pre-shrink it by pressing it onto parchment paper. Peel it off, and you’re ready to try again.

Even being slightly off can affect the accuracy of your blocks later on.

This is one of those tiny steps that saves a LOT of frustration later. 😅

Follow along @bryanhousequilts for freezer paper piecing tip number four coming next week! 💕

#modernquilting #paperpiecing #foundationpaperpiecing #quiltingtechnique #quiltinggma quiltteacher
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Does anyone else just love this feeling? ✨ Walk i Does anyone else just love this feeling? ✨

Walk into the sewing room, shut the door behind me, and suddenly all other problems disappear. 

A feeling we all know too well. 🙌

What are you sewing right now? Let me know in the comments! 💕

#quilthumor #quilterslife #quiltteacher #modernquilter
Comment ‘FREEZER’ to take my free class! Keep read Comment ‘FREEZER’ to take my free class! Keep reading for tip number four... 👇

Always print your templates at 100% scale.

Before cutting your fabric, measure the 1-inch test box on your template.

Even being slightly off can affect the accuracy of your blocks later on and lead to some BIG oopsies. 😅

This is one of those tiny steps that saves a LOT of frustration later... Speaking from experience, and more re-done blocks than I could ever count! 

Follow along @bryanhousequilts for more freezer paper piecing tips that will make your quilting life easier and more enjoyable along the way. 💕
Comment ‘FREE’ and i’ll send you straight to my fr Comment ‘FREE’ and i’ll send you straight to my free class where I’ll teach you the life-changing technique that made me fall in love with quilting. 💕 

You’ll even leave with a free modern triangle block pattern to start sewing on your own! 🪡

Drop ‘FREE’ below and start the new creative hobby you’ve been dreaming about. ✨

#modernquilting #paperpiecing #foundationpaperpiecing #quiltingtechnique #quiltteacher
1️⃣ Make a test block. I know it’s tempting to s 1️⃣ Make a test block. 

I know it’s tempting to skip this step... I cannot tell you how many times I have skipped making a test block and ended up regretting it later. If I had just made the test block, it would have saved me HOURS and HOURS of seam ripping and re-sewing, so take my advice and just always make the test block! 

I have never regretted making a test block, but I have regretted not making one. 😅

2️⃣ Celebrate the ta-da moments.

I’m not talking about just the finished quilt. I mean EVERY moment along the journey that feels like a win. Picking your colors and fabrics, sewing that first block, the points that line up, arranging blocks onto the design wall... Celebrate as much as you can along the way. 

I think too many quilters rush past these moments because they’re just focused on the finish line, but quilting isn’t one big “ta-da!” It’s a bunch of little “ta-da” moments stitched together.

3️⃣ Learn the freezer paper piecing technique.

I’m not kidding when I say it completely changed my quilty life... The more I quilt, the more I realize that frustration doesn’t make a quilt more valuable. Struggling doesn’t make you a better quilter. A good process gives you more confidence, helps you enjoy the sewing, and frees up a lot of your time to keep quilting. It makes you want to come back tomorrow and sew another block! 

Quilting is meant to be enjoyed and there’s so much to learn along the way. These three things have been HUGE along my quilting journey, and I know they can make an impact on yours too. 

What’s one thing that has completely changed your quilting journey? Share in the comments. ✨

#modernquilting #paperpiecing #foundationpaperpiecing #quiltingtechnique #quiltteacher
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