Welcome Melody, it’s lovely to have you on the BellaOnline Quilting website. I know our readers will love to hear all about you. So let’s start.
Where do you live? Country or City environment?
I live with a view of a small fishing lake. It’s in the suburbs about 15 miles from Seattle, but it feels like the country.
Where were go born and where did you grow up?
I have spent most of my life in the Greater Seattle area.
How and when did you become interested in quilting?
I have sewn all my life, early on mostly making clothes. I am not sure when I became interested, but the first quilt I ever made was my own design for a baby in 1978. I made every mistake possible and loved every minute of it.
Melody Crust Website
What is it that attracts you to quilting and fabric crafts in general?
I love the feel of the fabric.
How did you learn the basics of quilting?
I’m good at trial and error.
What is your favorite creation and why?
Xishaungbanna (shee-shaung-banna)
Dimensions: 71” w X 56” h, Southern China, the brightly dressed women, and happy people all impressions of a visit to this region of China called Xishaungbanna.
What would be your favorite part in the process in creating a quilt?
The process. I love the idea of starting a new project. Seeing where it goes. The sewing as my design is created with my hands. The quilting both designing and execution.
What other hobbies do you have besides quilting?
I love to travel!
Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere!
Do you have a favorite color and do you tend to a certain color preference?
Red is my favorite, but I am very drawn to all bright colors.
Do you enjoy machine quilting?
Yes
Has quilting ever helped you through a time of struggle or heartache? Can you tell us?
I quilt when I am happy, sad, anxious. I find quilting to sooth my spirit anytime.
Do you have a collection? Not fabric related?
Yes, I love to collect vintage rhinestone jewelry.
How do you go about planning your next project? Where do you start?
I keep notebooks of visual images of things I like. Some quilt related some not. I look through them when I am thinking about a new quilt. Sometimes it is something I see or a color that drives the design.
Do you ever teach classes? What is your favorite class to teach?
My favorite class to teach is the one where I am standing. I love all my classes that’s why I teach them.
Do you have any tips or advice for beginners?
Sew more, trust your own instincts!
How do you fit time to quilt into your day/week?
I try very hard to sew every day when I am home. I usually have more than one project going at a time so that I can piece, quilt or embellish and time the mood strikes.
What do you wish you would have known when you started quilting?
How much fun I would have over the years. How many good friends I would make. How many places I would visit.
Where do you see yourself in patchwork and quilting in ten years from now?/i>
Making quilts!
Thanks Melody for speaking with us. If readers would like to see more of Melody’s work go to her website listed below.
