Martingale & Company – News and Extras
We recently spoke with Jane Townswick, author of Appliqué Takes Wing, Artful Appliqué, and the recently released Artful Appliqué II.
How did you first get started quilting?
Like many people, I discovered quilting in the late 1970s. My first effort was a baby quilt that I made for my next-door neighbor’s first grandchild. That experience taught me that I needed to take some classes in quilting, which I did at our local fabric shop. I loved it, and I’ve never looked back!
We recently interviewed Mary Hickey, the popular author of Comfort and Joy, Sweet and Simple Baby Quilts, and the recently released Warm Welcome.
How did you first catch the quilting bug?
In a college class on color and design, I saw some color plates of Amish quilts. I was smitten from that moment forward.
We recently interviewed Antje Gillingham, the author of Knitting Circles around Socks and Knitting More Circles around Socks.
What do you remember about your first knitting experiences as a child growing up in Germany?
The “wool” we used was 100% acrylic and it felt absolutely miserable―kind of like plastic when you rubbed a strand between your fingers. I don’t quite remember the very first things we worked on in school. What I do remember is the very first project I worked on at home: a super long, extremely colorful snake. I mean, we’re talking at least six feet. I remember knitting and knitting and knitting, and at the end I was very happy and mighty proud of my snake―until I had to seam it up. That was absolutely horrible! Remember, I was merely eight or nine years old.
Sherrill Kahn is the author of several books, including the best-selling Creative Embellishments. She recently gave us a terrific interview.
Creative Embellishments is your third book, and it’s been a best seller since its release. What gave you the idea to begin writing books?
I had always wanted to write a book. When I taught high school, I created many different projects for my students. I taught pen and ink, pencil drawing, watercolor, and colored pencil. We drew still lifes, hands, and leaves in creative ways. I thought I would write a book on drawing and shading, but ended up writing my first book about craft and painting techniques.
Cheryl Brown is the author of Fresh and Fabulous Quilts, a book that features fun, youthful designs.
Visit her terrific new website at http://quilterchic.com to read more about Fresh and Fabulous Quilts.
How did you first get introduced to quilting?
I learned to hand quilt as a young girl and did my first piecing project when I was about 16 (using cardboard templates!). I really got into quilting, though, after I was married and had my son. My mother-in-law taught me how to piece using modern methods, and I just loved it and took off with it.
Ana Paula Rímoli is the creative mind behind Amigurumi World and Amigurumi Two! Read on to see how she comes up with these quirky, adorable toys.
When you were growing up in Montevideo, Uruguay, your neighbor Marta taught you to crochet. How old were you and what was the first thing you made?
I was about six or seven years old. A lot of us kids were always playing outside in the summer, and Marta was always crocheting, so we asked her to teach us! The first things I made were a scarf and a teeny blanket for my dolls.
We recently had the chance to interview Eva Wiechmann, the popular author of Pursenalities, Pursenality Plus, Crocheted Pursenalities, and her latest book, Simple Stitches.
You’ve become an expert on both knitting and crochet. How did you get started working in fiber arts?
I grew up in Finland, where needlework was always a part of our lives. I learned to knit at the age of four and cannot recall a time when I didn’t have a project or two going. I knitted with my mother, sister, aunts, cousins, and friends. We did not have many patterns, so everything was pretty much our own design. Read more »
We’re excited to bring you this entertaining interview with Debby Kratovil, the author of Quilter’s Block-a-Day Calendar and its companion CD, as well as the recently released Supersize ’Em!
How were you first introduced to quilting?
I’ve always had a love for sewing, and when my daughters were very young I took notice of quilts (early 1980s). Since we didn’t have much money, purchasing one was out of the question. I knew how to sew and began to make small projects using simple patterns in magazines and books. Read more »
This month we have a fascinating interview with Kathleen Tracy to share with you! As quilters everywhere know, she’s the author of American Doll Quilts, Prairie Children and Their Quilts, and her newest book, Remembering Adelia.
Your first two books, American Doll Quilts and Prairie Children and Their Quilts, have been very well received. How did you first become interested in antique quilts?
I became interested in quilts in the ’80s, but didn’t actually start quilting until 2000. I came to appreciate small, primitive, antique quilts with their childlike charm, and I bought numerous small reproduction quilts for decorating purposes.
I’d always been interested in needlecrafts but didn’t begin quilting until after my daughter was born and I started making small quilts for her dolls. Doll quilts of the past inspired me with their simplicity and primitive scrap looks. They seemed easy enough for me to master. Read more »
Mary M. Covey is the author of the popular Follow-the-Line Quilting Designs, which is now in three volumes, soon to be four. She recently gave us an inspiring interview, including a great way to machine quilt with a three-year-old!
How did you first get the quilting bug?
I had always wanted to learn, because I love antique quilts. When my children went to school, I had more free time, so I took a quilting class and was just hooked! Read more »