What brought you into quilting? We all have our stories, just like the stories that are wrapped up into each quilt that we stitch. What is your story? Mine started at birth.
I feel like I was born with a needle in my hand. I have always been drawn to sewing and crafting of all types. My mother, who said she could barely thread a needle, marveled at my interest, and did all within her power to cultivate my interest. She spent countless hours taking me to the local craft shops in Arvada, Colorado, where I grew up. She enrolled me in summer craft classes that allowed me to explore all forms of art. I got stuck on sewing, and I still have the stuffed lion that I hand sewed and embroidered probably when I was 9 or 10. It is on display at the shop.
Once I hit junior high and enrolled in home economics class, I was hooked on sewing even more than before. I learned garment construction and soon most of my family members were given homemade and hand embroidered garments for every occasion that warranted gifts.
Quilting did not enter into my world until much later. I had always loved the look and feel of quilting but never had an opportunity to learn until I moved to North Dakota. Devil’s Lake, ND, is only 30 miles (as the crow flies) to the Canadian border. Winters are long and cold and boring. I frequented the local quilt shop off and on until I was finally approached and guided on where to start learning to quilt. I quickly went from place mats, to small wall hangings to my first quilt. Once I left North Dakota, though, my interest stopped again because I could never find that community of quilters I so desperately wanted and needed.
This is the main reason why, as the owner of Owl’s Nest Quilters, that I want to cultivate that sense of community. Community, from its meager beginnings, has always been part of the quilting experience. Although we do not get together to do hand quilting, we get together to learn, grow, share, and just be with one another.
The Nest is open and welcoming to you. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are open sew days. Come to the shop and become part of our community. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we, unfortunately, must limit attendance to 12. Please call ahead to reserve your spot or to make sure there is an opening. We want to hear your story!