Here's a little bit about Annette of Wild Cotton Ltd.
Annette began quilting in 1997 as a hobby. She started out making two quilts for her boys, got nearly finished but began wondering if she was actually doing it right. So she attend an applique class and discovered she was indeed on the right track after all.
How did you get started with machine quilting?
I was getting RSI in my hand from hand quilting and I moaned & groaned for 2yrs! Malcolm said if we're going to pay that much for a machine, it has to pay for itself. I have been professionally quilting now since 2006.
Can you talk me through the quilting process?
I use a Gammil Quilting machine, it's computerised and I do mainly edge to edge quilting. I program in the pattern and details, it takes a while to set it all up. Malcolm is my 'technical support person'. We've both done classes in the States and he's learnt how to pull the whole machine apart, oh and maintain stuff!
What's your favourite part of quilting?
I enjoy all aspects of quilting, it's my passion! I get to fondle fabric on a daily basis!
What sort of threads do you use?
I use two different brands from the States, one 100% cotton and the other is polyester because of the range of colours available.
What sort of batting do you use?
I only stock what I like using, from 100% cotton, wool blend, and a polyester.
What are working on for you at the moment?
I attended a 'Millefiori" class by Chris Kenna in January at Symposium, Palmerston North, and so I've been steadily making this low volume version.
I did ask her a couple of curly questions too, things I've always wondered about...
What if you don't actually like a quilt?
I like all of the quilts, 'cos it's fabric! Some of them are not to my taste but they are all lovely. I'm getting the chance to fondle the fabric AND get paid for it!
Have you ever unpicked?
Oh yes. I'm a professional 'unpicker' especially if I'm not happy with what I've done and it's for a paying customer.
Can we see some of your quilts?
... and I see you have a few 1930's quilts on the shelf there, which is your favourite one?
And finally, any tips for us when we bring our quilts to you for quilting?
Well, ensure your backing is big enough (hey, I know I have been guilty of that one!)
I've noticed that some people, especially beginners, haven't learnt how to do a few things properly - I talk this through with them when they come to pick up the quilt. Also, I've noticed they may have been taught "how to make a quilt" but have no idea about that final process of adding the binding, so I give them a quick lesson.
Annette's very 1st quilt
How did you get started with machine quilting?
I was getting RSI in my hand from hand quilting and I moaned & groaned for 2yrs! Malcolm said if we're going to pay that much for a machine, it has to pay for itself. I have been professionally quilting now since 2006.
Can you talk me through the quilting process?
I use a Gammil Quilting machine, it's computerised and I do mainly edge to edge quilting. I program in the pattern and details, it takes a while to set it all up. Malcolm is my 'technical support person'. We've both done classes in the States and he's learnt how to pull the whole machine apart, oh and maintain stuff!
measuring up the quilt
deciding on thread colour
deciding on quilting pattern
What's your favourite part of quilting?
I enjoy all aspects of quilting, it's my passion! I get to fondle fabric on a daily basis!
What sort of threads do you use?
I use two different brands from the States, one 100% cotton and the other is polyester because of the range of colours available.
such a gorgeous array of colour!
What sort of batting do you use?
I only stock what I like using, from 100% cotton, wool blend, and a polyester.
55yr old golly
What are working on for you at the moment?
I attended a 'Millefiori" class by Chris Kenna in January at Symposium, Palmerston North, and so I've been steadily making this low volume version.
I did ask her a couple of curly questions too, things I've always wondered about...
What if you don't actually like a quilt?
I like all of the quilts, 'cos it's fabric! Some of them are not to my taste but they are all lovely. I'm getting the chance to fondle the fabric AND get paid for it!
Have you ever unpicked?
Oh yes. I'm a professional 'unpicker' especially if I'm not happy with what I've done and it's for a paying customer.
Can we see some of your quilts?
This is my "girlie" quilt... only got boys in this house!
- all my scraps, the original is on my bed.
... and I see you have a few 1930's quilts on the shelf there, which is your favourite one?
I'd say this one, "Simplicity" because it's got antique hand quilting on the flowers
and a scrappy binding.
Wooden cotton reel collection - from my mum, Malcolm's mum
and then {a pause} I bought some on Trade Me!
and then {a pause} I bought some on Trade Me!
And finally, any tips for us when we bring our quilts to you for quilting?
Well, ensure your backing is big enough (hey, I know I have been guilty of that one!)
I've noticed that some people, especially beginners, haven't learnt how to do a few things properly - I talk this through with them when they come to pick up the quilt. Also, I've noticed they may have been taught "how to make a quilt" but have no idea about that final process of adding the binding, so I give them a quick lesson.
Thank you so much Annette, it was really great getting to know you a bit better!
6 comments:
An interesting post - thanks for sharing Annette with us.
Gotta love that thread collection. Thanks for the tour, I'm looking forward to seeing your finished quilt.
Loved reading this, thanks Linda. Your modern wedges quilt is looking lovely - can't wait to see it done!
always nice to meet another quilter! you are fortunate to have such a lovely longarmer to help with your quilting.
Yes, those threads are certainly a wonderful wall of colour! Annette has almost a 3mth waiting list just now, everyone wanting finished quilts b4 Xmas I guess! So we won’t see my two quilts for a while yet! Linda
Only just catching up with posts! Lovely to see this one on Annette, she has quilted a few for me too. I love her "girlie" quilt!
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