January Star

It is New Year's Eve, and I will be posting this today, as tomorrow, we will be busy.

Barb from Bejewelled Quilts by Barb is my January Star. She lives in the America Samoa, and for three years, she will be living in what I consider a beautiful place. She is a gifted quilter, and she is always willing to share her ideas and techniques. I am proud to have her as my January Star, and if you haven't met her so far, you will be in for a treat. Here is her interview and enjoy it as much as I did.

Interview for January

A Bit About Me: I am a mother of five sons. My husband and I have travelled a lot and are now residing in America Samoa.When my last son turned 12, I had to redefine myself, as he no longer needed me. That is when I became real serious about quilting.My first interest in quilting was when I was given a quilt that my grandmother had made for me (top only). I started to practice my quilting, so I would be able to quilt her quilt in a decent fashion. First, I had to restore some of the frazzled pieces, and then I started making my sons each a quilt( only two pieces of material with batting imbetween and started hand quilting them.) I have not looked back since. I love to do crafts as well, bake, and at one time was teaching myself how to play the piano. This is the first time that I have not worked in 14 years. I am enjoying being a kept woman.You would think that my house would be clean, but it is clean enough, but not like I used to keep it. Go figure.

What Inspires Me: As I shared with you above, my grandmother was my inspiration with the quilt she left me. I remember playing with that quilt as a young girl( Now you know why it was frazzled). My mother and three sisters quilt as well and a few of their daughters. It has gotten to the point that anything I see, I see a quilt. My husband will often ask me when we are travelling, if I am designing a quilt in my head, he can tell by the way I look at pictures, tiles, tiles on the floor, carpet. Once I even ran to him, grabbed a piece of paper and pencil and went back to the bathroom to copy the tiles in the bathroom( pretty bad, huh?). I have loads of pictures from hotel carpets, airport designs, airport tile, and I have bits and pieces of paper with scribbles on them.

Then there are my blogging friends ,who with such wonderful work they put out...so amazing to me. Their kindness and generosity as well.

What I Love to Do the Most Creatively: I love applique. I would love to do needleturn better, but for now, I mostly use my machine and do blanket stitch.

My Favorite Fabric and Designer: I love Thimbleberries...totally love their fabric and designs.

UFO I Intend to Finish First: I have a flying geese quilt that I made for my third son that has been in the making for 5 years...need to quilt it. Then there is a quilt that I inherited from my best friend's mom who died of cancer. She loved my sons, so this one will go to my oldest son. In fact this friend who died....she is the one who has truly inspired me to start quilting and maybe one day, I will be as selfless as she was.

What's on the Design Wall Now: Nothing right now, I am travelling.

Who Would I Love to Meet: I would love to meet all of my blogging friends, go to their homes, see their stash, projects and finishes.

If I Had One Wish: I would wish that everyone had a passion that would make them want to get out of bed every morning and see the beauty the world has to offer.

Plans for the Future: Grandchildren...(Ha!) To do better and be better as a person, a mother, and wife.

What a wonderful interview Barb! Here are some of Barb's works of art. Enjoy the eye candy!

Thanks so much Barb, and wishing everyone a blessed and Happy New Year!