1. Tell us about you: Name, Location, etc.
Sue R: I am a lifelong South sider (yep..a major Sox fan) I have been teaching for the Chicago Public Schools for twenty years, most recently as a kindergarten teacher. I have been married to Charlie for 32 years. We have three fabulous daughters, Brenna (30), Kerry (27), and Meara (25).
2. When/How did you get into quilting?
I’m not sure why, but quilting just crept into my consciousness through the years. I have a very dear friend who lives in Wisconsin (quilt country) and when I would visit her during the summers I would see books on quilting. I was so attracted to the color and designs….Finally, in 2002, I got a sewing machine when my youngest daughter took a clothing class in high school and I learned to operate the machine and made my first quilt. It was a wonky Jan Mullen quilt pattern. I was also very influenced by Gwen Marston and liberated quilting. Soon after I took a basic quilt making class with Mickey Depre at a local college. I have also taken a class in hand quilting and free motion quilting.
3. Show us a couple of your projects
The pictures include a colorful contemporary shape quilt for my kindergarten;
a whimsical raw-edge appliqué fish wallhanging;
a baby quilt of liberated stars a al Gwen Marston;
a batik sunflower appliqué quilt;
a quilt made with charm packs and Kona cotton solids and the ever present black and white fabric.
4. What (if any) other crafty activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy making bags and crazy T-shirt appliqué. I also enjoy mixed media creations! Paper, fabric, paint, collage etc. I like to create…just play! I’m not good at following patterns and precise directions…
5. What quilt are you most proud of and why?
I have given away 98% of the quilts I have made..but I keep wall hangings for me! So I guess I like my wall hangings the most!
6. Who inspires you most in your quilting?
The Gees Bend and other African American quilts inspire me the most. I like the bold design, color, and surprises! They are visually exciting. I’m fond of bright “busy” quilts!