Congratulations to QNNtv's 7th Member Of the Month (MOM) winner:
Annica Gustafsson
MOM for January 2007
My name is Annica Gustafsson from Sweden. I live in Älmhult, a little village with app 7000 inhabitants. Älmhult is in the south of Sweden, in the region Småland famous for the big dark spruce forest and the stoney ground. Älmhult is the home of IKEA the big furniture company.
My Hobby
I have always been interested in sewing, earlier on mostly clothing. I discovered quilting about 6 years ago and by a coincidence I ended up at a quilt show. When I came in the room and saw all quilts, I was caught and thought "This is my hobby".
After that I bought a starters book, cutting math, rotary cutter and a ruler, discovered the Internet and all there was to find I started with my first project. It was a big quilt, in Log Cabin, and I finished it! Now I was definitely caught. I came in contact with other people interested in sewing that met and made quilts. I joined their group and we established a local guild for quilting and it's called "KVILTÄNGLARNA" (QUILTANGELS). We have 18 members and meet every 14 nights, bringing our sewing machines and fabrics then we sew and help each other, and we even have time for a coffee break.
The photo below shows small pieces that we have exchanged, of which I made a cushion.
Our guild has had exhibitions, where we show what we have sewed. We have had different themes, for example angels and autumn and this year's theme is hearts. We sew a quilt together, one block from each, and then this quilt and other projects we sew are given away in a lottery on the exhibition day.
Other activities the guild participates in are trips to fabric stores and fairs and we also invite teachers to show and explain new techniques.
Blocks
I am curious on all the different techniques to cut/sew. I am finding new ways all the time and of course, want to try them all, but it is not always easy if you must have a special ruler. I only have a couple and have tested paper piecing (very fun), square in a square (fast and easy), crazy curves, and Quiltsmart to mention some. I have no special favorite, and believe all are fun and smart.
Fabric
One of my favorite fabrics is batik, but I try to use all the different kinds of fabric. I have even colored fabric in my microwave oven.
Other Sewing Stuff
Lately I have begun to sew bags of all sizes; big, in between and small. It is unbelievable how much you can do yourself. Some of the designs I have made come from purchased patterns, the internet and even my own designs.
Colors
I am most fond of blue. I think it matches everything and can combine with most colors.
My Sewing Room
Just a corner in a room, but it works.
Computers
I am interested in computers and all you can do with them. I have purchased EQ6 and started to test designing my own patches which are fun to draw. My occupation is drawing plans and maps, so this is especially fun for me.
Internet
When I am not sewing I am on the internet. I have joined three Yahoo groups: ElectricQuiltScandinavia, QuiltoLappteknik and Quiltsnack and I learn a lot from them.
Would you like to see my webshot?http://community.webshots.com/user/symaskin2003
Would you like contact me? annica.gustafsson@almhult.com
THANK YOU Internet for all I have learned and QNNtv for all good programs.
Hej och kram till alla quiltare i Sverige som jag lärt känna genom min hobby lappteknik.
Annica
Thank you Annica and congratulations!