Riley, Quilter In the Spotlight

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Written by Suzanne Earley

Riley's Closeup This week's quilter in the spotlight is Riley aka RileyBigShoes.

Please make note that Riley dressed up for us today, and instead of her running shoes, we get to see her brown heels.

If you would like to leave a comment, ask a question or beg Riley to show us a picture of what she really looks like, you can head on over to the forum (you do have to have a forum account. A post can be found here for discussion about this article.

(Click the Read More link to read the article!)

MQResource: First, tell us about your family!

I am married to the best husband on the face of the earth. We’ve been married for 37 years and have three adult children, two girls and a boy. Our eighth grandchild was born Easter Sunday. We have seven granddaughters and one grandson (he is #7 of the eight). We think our grandson’s future wife will be blessed, because by the time he gets married, he ought to have learned how to get along with girls. We are very blessed that all of our grandchildren live in our town. Diamond Feathers

MQR: Where do you call home?

I have lived in southwest Iowa all of my life.

MQR: How long have you been quilting? How did you get into it?

I remember playing as a child with my grandmother’s cardboard templates and scraps of fabrics. It’s such a strong memory. When my kids were little, I made many of their clothes but as they got older that became “uncool”; sewing took a backseat to the other responsibilities of raising a family. I took up quilting again in 1997. I quilted on my dsm, loved it, bought a large throat dsm, loved that, finally jumped off the deep end and bought my longarm in 2004. I really, really, really love that.

MQR: Do you still do much piecing, or are you all about the quilting?

I do still piece, but I am mainly about the quilting. It’s my favorite part of the quilt building process.

MQR: Do you have a quilting business? If so, what is your favorite part of quilting for other people?

Yes, I do have a quilting business. I think I’d have to say that my favorite part is getting to see everyone’s quilt tops. They are so varied (I am such a stick-in-the-mud and so seldom get out of my colorway comfort zone…) and so different from what I make for myself.

I have a variety of customers. Some who buy new fabric for their quilts and others use up their old scraps. It’s such a fun thing to see their very different quilt tops.

MQR: What is the most challenging part of quilting for you?

I would have to say that my biggest challenge is getting the tension right. I have tried to really educate myself on this, and think that I FINALLY have a grasp on it.

MQR: What are your favorite quilting tools?

My favorite tool is the Internet. I live in a sparsely populated rural area; the Internet makes it possible for me to be connected to others in the quilting world.

I also like Linda V. Taylor’s 4” X 8” ruler, Miracle Chalk, and Marvy markers. I use these three things on every single quilt.

MQR: What hobbies do you have (beyond quilting)?

My other hobbies are golf, golf, and golf. I would be on the golf course 24/7 if my back would permit it. Unfortunately, I injured it several years ago and am not able to golf like I would like (quantity OR quality, lol).

Quilting is a wonderful hobby for those of us who have a very short attention span and are easily distracted (aren’t you glad you weren’t my elementary teacher?). When I get tired of piecing, I can start selecting fabric for my next project. Or start designing my next project. Or quilt for a while. Or cruise the Internet looking at inspiration for my next project.

MQR: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Clam shells

New York Vanilla. I am a very boring person.

MQR: Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks?

Yes. First one, then the other, then the first one again. And so on, and on and on and on.

MQR: What is your favorite beverage?

Water. Did I mention that I am a very boring person?

MQR: What is your least favorite food?

Olives. I dislike them so much that I have to avert my eyes when I walk down their aisle in the grocery store.

MQR: What are your favorite books/authors?

Carolyn Keene, author of the Nancy Drew books (still favorites after all these years).

To Kill a Mockingbird

Elizabeth George Speare

I also love reference books of any kind.

Wedding Quilt MQR: What are your favorite movies?

Meet Me in St. Louis

The Desk Set

Holiday Inn

White Christmas

Notting Hill

MQR: What is your favorite quote?

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”. Franklin D. Roosevelt

This quote came about during WWII, when things were looking very bad for the United States. This was the President’s way of encouraging everyone to stay the course. To me it epitomizes the spirit of the Greatest Generation, and reminds me that although I may not have everything I think I need in order to begin, I can do what I can. Right here and right now.

MQR: What is one of your goals for 2008?

To break 100.

A quilting goal? To become absolutely excellent at tension and starts/stops.

All photographs were provided by Riley.

Cedar Creek Quilting

cedarcreekquilting at hotmail.com

Don't forget, you can visit the forum here if you would like to comment.

Thanks for playing along, Riley! Tune in next week to see who will be the next Quilter In the Spotlight!

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