Quilters and Quilts, Week 8 ~ Karen Powell

Karen Powell is my guest today. Not only is Karen a reader-friend quilter, she is also the Assistant Manager at Crossroads Books and Coffee in Phoenix, Arizona. Last summer, for a book signing event for Prairie Song at Crossroads, Karen decorated the book table with period pieces including a beautiful quilt made by her grandmother. Our chat about quilting prompted me to invite Karen to participate in this Quilters and Quilts Series.

MONA: How old were you when you started quilting?

KAREN: I started sewing when I was ten, made first quilt when I was 20. 

MONA: Who influenced you to become a quilter?

KAREN: My grandmother taught me many things, among them was the ability to sew.

MONA: What was your first quilting project?

KAREN: A simple block pattern with yarn ties at the corners.

MONA: How many quilts have you made?

KAREN: Nine.

MONA: Do you have a favorite pattern?

KAREN: Double Wedding Ring.

MONA: What is your favorite part of the quilting process?

KAREN: Pinning and stitching…makes for a nice time of prayer for the recipient of the quilt.

MONA: A double blessing. What do you do with most of the quilts you make?

 KAREN: Gifts, especially for weddings and babies.

MONA: Have you learned any life lessons from quilting?

KAREN: When we persevere in things and bring them to completion, others can be encouraged by our efforts. Also, I have learned to balance work and rest (for me quilting is a nice way to rest).

MONA: Good lessons. What bit of advice would you give someone who wants to start quilting?

KAREN: Give yourself grace and have fun.

MONA: Good counsel, Karen. Thanks so much for sharing your quilting story.

Have you ever made a quilt for a wedding gift or baby gift? Or received a quilt as a wedding or baby gift? What pattern?

Book Signing Event for The Quilted Heart Omnibus

 

WHERE: Crossroads Books & Coffee

WHEN: Saturday, January 25, 2014; 10 a.m. to noon

GIVEAWAY: While supplies last, receive a FREE sampler quilt kit when you come to celebrate the release of THE QUILTED HEART novellas.