Sew it begins…

Question: How did I get from my first quilt to offering a custom and edge to edge quilting service?

Every journey begins with a single step, and in my case, it all started with a simple quilt tutorial called "Scrappy Stars" from the renowned Missouri Star Quilt Company. Little did I know that this humble beginning would eventually lead me to launch my own long arm quilting service. In this blog post, I reflect on how my passion for quilting grew, step by step, until it blossomed into a serious hobby or even an addiction to quilting!

Several years ago, I had some time away from work with a broken arm and while recouperating on the sofa watching YouTube, I stumbled upon the "Scrappy Stars" tutorial, and I was immediately captivated by the artistry and warmth that quilts could bring to a home. Inspired by the tutorial, I ordered some fabric cuts from Spotlight (Joanne’s equivalent in Australia) and embarked on my quilting journey. The process of cutting, piecing, and sewing those colorful scraps together ignited a creative spark within me but it was the excitment of making something so special for a member of my family that really made me an instant quilter for life.

As I delved deeper into the world of quilting, I voraciously consumed knowledge from various sources. I immersed myself in books, attended workshops, and joined online quilting communities. Each new project became an opportunity for growth and honing my skills. I experimented with different patterns, color combinations, and quilting techniques, constantly pushing myself to improve. I eventually took the essential step of joining my local modern quilt guild.

At first, I quilted all of my quilts on my industrial sewing machine. With time, I discovered the art of long arm quilting—a technique that allows for intricate quilting designs using a specialized machine. Intrigued by its potential to elevate my quilts to the next level, I invested in a long arm quilting machine and began honing my skills in this new realm. I practiced tirelessly, transforming ordinary quilts into breathtaking works of art through beautiful and intricate free motion stitching and ruler work.

As friends and family marveled at the quilts I created, I realized that my passion could be more than a hobby—it could be a service. Word of mouth spread, and soon, I was receiving requests to quilt for others. The positive feedback and encouragement I received bolstered my confidence, leading me to invest in digital quilting technology to allow me to expand my custom quilting and offer edge to edge quilting to officially launch my long arm quilting service.

The decision to start my long arm quilting service stands as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. I take pride in turning ordinary quilts into extraordinary heirlooms, infusing each stitch with love and artistry. I am grateful to the Missouri Star Quilt Company, and an international community of practicing quilt designers and quilters for providing the initial inspiration that set me on this incredible path.

From that first quilt inspired by the Missouri Star Quilt Company, my journey as a quilter has been an enriching and fulfilling experience. Launching my own long arm quilting service has allowed me to share my passion with others, and I hope to turn their cherished quilt tops into works of art that they can share with family and friends. Through dedication, learning, and a deep love for the craft, I have discovered a calling that brings joy not only to myself but also to those who entrust me with their quilts. If you have a quilt that deserves the touch of a professional long arm quilter, I would be honored to transform it into a masterpiece that will be treasured for generations to come.

Have a great day and Happy Quilting!

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HSTs and Flying Geese: Exploring Classic Quilting Techniques - Part 1