Emily Johnson - Secretary

I have never really been a sewer, but a dear friend of mine was an avid hand and machine quilter. On our monthly visits (retreats) at her house, I watched as she was always working on a quilt for a grandchild, friends or someone in need. We were kindred knitters and work mates for over 20 years. On one of our get-togethers, she asked if I wanted to attend a quilt show in Brandon; that was the bait and I was hooked.I did not even own a sewing machine at the time.She lent me books; I read and studied, but being a hands-on learner, books only went so far. So, I enrolled in beginning quilt lessons in Steinbach at the heritage site. As most of you know, and I found out trying to complete my first quilt (queen size) by hand in eight months, it was not going to happen. So, machine shopping I went. Now my eyes were opened, sewing machines and technology (my second love) had met, and I was hooked.I asked for a sewing machine for Christmas, and my husband started me on my new hobby.

Next came workshops on machine piecing, using a sewing machine, quilt basics, and the sewing trials and errors that have followed. In three years, I attempted mostly baby quilts and a few hand quilts, but I still think of myself as a beginning quilter, and I am still learning.

I attended an MPQ meeting at the invitation of a friend in the fall of 2010 to get more information on quilting. I heard they had a wonderful library and I love books. I have a quilt library of books, more sewing stuff thatn I sometimes know what to do with, but I am always excited to try new things. And yes, the "Stash" - who would have thought that fabric was so addictive? - not me, but now it's all I think of.

I have learnt that my love is quilt design and art quilts; so, I am beginning a journey in that direction even though I still love very traditional quilts. I have many skills to acquire yet, like binding, but I no longer hate sewing and I look forward to many years of projects and UFOs. Who would have though that there so many quilting terms? A fat quarter?

MPQ has provided me with the chance to see so many incredible quilts, to improve my skills and increase my creativity in so many ways. I look forward to many years of learning from the talented members who are willing to share their talents and skills with others.