Linda Pamela Farwell
Extraordinary Quilts
I started quilting when I was in my 30’s. We lived in a camper for 16 summers when my children were growing up, and quilting became something that worked in the small space of the camper to occupy my time. My goal was to make a bed-sized quilt for each of my children when they turned 14. The quilts were a way to keep them warm in the winter. Then my goal was to sell enough quilted items to feed my fabric buying habit. As I started having grandchildren, my goal then became to make a quilt for each of them to have when they left home.
I have probably made about 100 or more quilts, as well as smaller pieces like table runners, pot holders, lap quilts, and bags. My inspiration for quilt projects comes from many sources–looking at magazines, online tutorials, quilt shows, a gift of fabric quarters, other quilters, and even driving down the road and seeing a color combination that catches my eye.
My mother has been a major influence on my quilting. Even though we have different styles, I could see that she enjoyed creating quilts and giving them away. My daughter Amanda has challenged me as well to think outside my comfort zone with different patterns and colors. I also enjoy watching Jenny Doan of the Missouri Star Quilt Company. Her tutorials make quilting look very easy, and like something anyone can accomplish.
When I select fabrics for a quilt, I sometimes start with a focus fabric and add other fabrics that coordinate. I have also been given the gift of some fabric with the challenge to use it in a project. Usually I start with what I think will work, and as I move through the pattern, I can change colors, patterns and even the focus fabric before I settle on the final design.
Fortunately, I have a wonderful fabric “library” from which to choose. There is a large cabinet in my dining room with four compartments on the bottom. My fabrics are stacked there in piles by color; however, my rainbow of inspiration has spilled out of the hutch into Rubbermaid tubs and bushel boxes. Some are still in the dining room, and the others are in the attic, but easily accessible.
When it comes to the process of quilting, I enjoy all facets of it-selecting the fabrics, sewing the blocks, assembling them into a top, sandwiching the quilt with the backing, and then quilting all the layers by hand. It is also always good to finish basting the quilt, pick up all the extra pieces, and find my dining room table again (sometimes it’s been buried under fabric pieces for weeks)!
Are you an aspiring quilter? Let me give you some advice. Enjoy it! There is no right or wrong way to quilt. You will change your style as you gain experience. It is a wonderful way to be able to express yourself!
The Fabric of Life
912 Austin Trail, Benton, PA 17814
lpfarwell@juno.com