B.Q. (before quilting in my life.)

Wife, and mother of four children. Part-time accounting clerk. Home DIY person, dealing with wallpaper, paint, curtains, and upholstery. Dressmaker for self and children, even husband! First mate and cook on our various family yachts. Housekeeper, no cobwebs or dust in my house!

A.Q. (after quilting entered my life.)

All of the above - with the exception of lack of dust and cobwebs! The family soon found out how the vacuum and washing machine worked, and even asked if the cobwebs needed dusting! Now, I can hear your laughter as you remember your BQ and AQ days. So, take a walk down memory lane with me.

The start of it all.

I cannot resist fabric or book shops, so the family was not concerned when I bought home, 'Quilters' Newsletter' March 83 issue. As the youngest of our four children was to have his 8th birthday later that year, I jumped right in and made him a quilt. For those of you who may still have that issue; it was the kite quilt, which I added to! (See photo.) Little did the family or I know how quilting would become such a passion in my life. Quilts soon appeared on the beds, walls, and even the family yacht.

Contemporary style quickly became my first choice. I enjoy drawing simple abstract designs, then colouring-in with pattern and fabric. I work with cotton fabric, both commercial and hand-dyed by NZ artists, though silks and lightweight furnishing fabrics find a place too. The last few years I have been embellishing with simple machine free-motion embroidery and lots of quilting.

My quilts have been exhibited in NZ, Australia, USA, France and Japan. Several quilts have been sold in Japan, and gained a 'Judges Award' in France, become a finalist in 'The 5th Nihon Exhibition, given an 'Award of Distinction' in the 6th Nihon Exhibition'. Invited exibitor in the '30 Distinguished Quilt Artist of the World 2003' in Japan, Tokyo. I have gained several major awards in NZ national shows, and sold various quilts through sole and joint exhibitions held in NZ. Published in 'how-to-do' and coffee table books, displayed in our 'New Zealand Quilter' magazine and various other magazine articles.

I have been teaching throughout NZ for over 20 years. This I really enjoy, as I get to meet like-minded people and travel this scenic country of ours. My greatest pleasure in teaching is when a student picks up on my suggestions and techniques, then goes on to become an award winning quilt maker. Great thrill!

In hind-sight, the few dollars spent in that book shop have given my life pleasure, mental challenges, great people, travel in NZ and overseas, and best of all, colour! So, my advice to you? Never walk past book or fabric shops if you desire colour in your life!