Week 40: Craft Diva Bizzy Lady - Active in the Quilting Community

Hello! We are on day 5 of my 52Quilters takeover. I love being active in the quilting community. I belong to 2 guilds, The Detroit Area Modern Quilt Guild (DAMQG) and the Great Lakes African American Quilters' Network (GLAAQN).

I am a member of the American Quilters Society (AQS) and the national Modern Quilt Guild (MQG). I am currently the secretary of the Detroit Area Modern Quilt Guild for 2016.

I have had the pleasure of co-chairing a quilt show where over 200 quilts were displayed. I have planned a weekend quilting retreat which entailed finding a location, securing instructors, and planning activities.

I enjoy attending quilting conferences such as AQS Quiltweek and Quiltcon. I have been attending AQS Quiltweek which is usually in August for many years. I attended Quiltcon in Austin, TX and I am looking forward to attending Quiltcon 2017 in Savannah, GA in February.

It is always a pleasure mix and mingle with quilty friends both old and new. Being active in the quilting community has also allowed me to broaden my quilting relationships nationally and internationally. This week being part of 52Quilters is another means of me being active and reaching out to others who enjoy quilting like I do.

Happy Quilting!

Lynette aka Bizzylady
Website - www.thecraftdivas.com
Instagram - @craftdivabizzylady
Email - bizzylady@thecraftdivas.com

Week 40: Craft Diva Bizzy Lady - Modern Quilting

HI! on day 4 of my 52Quilters take over. I learned quilting thinking there were rules that had to be followed when creating a quilt. I learned how to construct the traditional blocks like rail fence, log cabin, flying geese, etc. There are beautiful quilts made using traditional blocks and techniques. Although I followed the rules I learned, I did not really feel a connection to my creations that is until I discovered Modern Quilting. I remember attending a lecture by Jacquie Gering. Talk about freeing. I was always a little quirky and I enjoy my individuality. I like being a little different. I was already hooked on quilting but after getting into Modern Quilting I found a renewed passion for it.

I joined the Detroit Area Modern Quilt Guild and began to follow the national Modern Quilt Guild. I now feel a connection to my creations and feel that I am able to really express myself creatively through the quilts I create.

Wonky Log Cabins created from workshop by Jacquie Gering

Please feel free to visit me at -
Website - www.thecraftdivas.com
Instagram - @craftdivabizzylady

Also, if you have any questions, comments or just want to say Hi!, you can contact me at bizzylady@thecraftdivas.com.

Happy Quilting!

Lynette aka Bizzy Lady

Week 40: Craft Diva Bizzy Lady - Instagram Themed Swaps

HI! on this day 3 of my 52Quilters take over. I participate in my share of IG themed swaps. I enjoy the challenge of having to create something for someone else with limited knowledge of what they like, outside of your normal aesthetic, and within a certain time frame. IG themed swaps (if you have never participated in one) require you to sign up, at which time the swap organizer will assign you a partner and provide you with their information (likes, dislikes, allergies, preferences, etc.). Based upon that information, you will create a mini quilt or other handmade item for them. Not only are you assigned a partner but someone else will receive you as a partner and will create something for you. I am a gambler and if you choose to participate in a swap its a gamble on the receiving end because you never know what you are going to get or might not get if the person you are assigned to for some reason or another is unable to get you your swap item.

Here are  a few swaps I have participated in and items I have created for my assigned partners -

Theme - Muppets

Theme - Golden Ages (I recreated the movie poster from the movie Rebecca staring Laurence Olivier)

Theme - Rainbow Mini Quilt (my swap partner loves cats)

Theme - Music Lyric

Theme - Happy Birthday Walt Disney

All swap partners are secret until revealed. One swap I happen to receive as my partner, my bestie Craft Diva Diva Dane. What fun it was to discuss the swap and my progress with her and she not know I was talking about what she would be receiving in the swap. Knowing her as well as I do, I was able to really make something I knew she would love, no gamble at all. Here are the items I made for her in the Rupaul Drag Race themed Swap.

I am really enjoying sharing the week with 52Quilters followers.

Please feel free to visit me at -

Website - www.thecraftdivas.com

Instagram - @craftdivabizzylady

Also, if you have any questions, comments or just want to say Hi!, you can contact me at bizzylady@thecraftdivas.com.

Happy Quilting!

Lynette aka Bizzy Lady

Week 40: Craft Diva Bizzy Lady Fusible Applique Class

HI! on this day 2 of my 52Quilters take over. I consider myself to be a professional student. I spent more than 20 years in an Information Technology career. Over the years, I obtained many certifications and in order to maintain those certifications, I was constantly in the role of student. During 6 of those 20 years, I had the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with others as a technical instructor. I now have the opportunity to use my experience as an instructor in my quilty world.

This past weekend, I co-taught a class teaching a fusible applique technique. There are many variations on this technique and after many years of taking classes and creating pieces, The Craft Divas have developed our preferred method along with tips and tricks. The class project was creating Pebbles Flintstone. Class participants could choose between 2 patterns.

Most participants were able to complete Pebbles prior to leaving the class and only had to secure the applique by satin, blanket or straight stitching the pieces at home. Then they could create a wall-hanging, baby quilt, pillow or any other item for a completed project.

It is very rewarding to be able to share with others what I love to do. I can't wait to see what final piece each participant creates.

Happy Quilting!!!

Lynette aka Bizzy Lady

www.thecraftdivas.com

IG - @craftdivabizzylady

bizzylady@thecraftdivas.com

Week 40: Lynette Holliday aka Bizzy Lady of The Craft Divas

Hi,

What an honor and privilege to be sharing myself with 52 quilters’ followers this week, week 40.

I am a crafter at heart. Growing up, I crocheted, did latch hook, made key chains, and more. My mother sewed when I was young and from her influence along with taking sewing in Jr. High School, I sewed and designed many of my outfits as a teen and continued to sew as I got older and had my son. Making clothes was not something I was passionate about so when my son was about 4 years old I stopped sewing. I remember the last thing I made was a clown costume for him. I got rid of all my sewing stash and paraphernalia.

In later years, I did pick up my up my crochet hook again. My granddaughter was in Girl Scouts and in helping her to earn her creative badges specifically one for crochet, it led me to getting the crafty bug again. She earned her badge and moved on to other things but I continued to crochet. I enjoy creating my own designs. I began to participate in craft shows and sell items I designed. I was featured in the local paper Lifestyle section for a hat I designed.

Over 10 years ago, my best friend took a sewing class at Joann Fabrics with an instructor who was also a quilter. The quilts intrigued her so she almost immediately turned her attention from sewing classes for clothes to quilting classes. She “told” me I was joining her in taking quilting classes which I did as I was “told” and I was hooked. Since I had gotten rid of my sewing machine and supplies many years earlier, I had to go out and buy another sewing machine along with rebuilding my fabric stash - what a drag right ;-). However, I was not only hooked but I developed a passion for it.

As a new quilter, I started out buying patterns and making for the most part traditional quilts.

As I became more involved in the quilting world, I discovered the possibilities of what could be done with fabric were limitless. Seeing what others were doing in the name of quilting amazed me and I wanted to be a part of it.

Dancing Ladies – work created from Dianna’s Dance© Applique Wall Hanging Pattern

I discovered that quilting allowed me to express myself creatively and led to me describing myself not only as a quilter but also as a fiber artist.

Title - “I’m Different” Created and Quilted by Lynette Holliday

I really enjoy making portrait quilts. Starting with the inspiration portrait, moving through the creative process and seeing the end result is very fulfilling for me as a fiber artist.

 

Portrait quilt of my son – “Andre”

I love exploring the quilting world, talking about quilting, learning new things and sharing what I have learned and experienced. So I am really looking forward spending the week with you doing what I love.

Please feel free to visit me at –

Website – www.thecraftdivas.com

Instagram - @craftdivabizzylady

Also, if you have any questions, comments or just want to say Hi!, you can contact me at bizzylady@thecraftdivas.com.

Happy Quilting!

Lynette aka Bizzy Lady

Week 38 - An end to a great week!!!

As my week here at 52Quilters comes to an end, I wanted to thank everyone for following along on the blog, Instagram and Twitter!!  I have had a fun week posting and hope that you have enjoyed it too!!

I thought as I went out this week, I would share with you some pictures of my workspaces at home. My family jokes that I will soon be taking over every room of the house.  In reality, my quilting business takes up two rooms.  My future hope is that I could have one room that would hold everything for my business and quilting fun!!!

Where do you sew/quilt?

I had thought I would post some pictures of some of my favorite customer quilts that I have quilted, but it seems that I have way too many favorites and I wouldn't want to leave anyone out.  In place of that, I am going to post a few quilts that I have of my own.  I don't get to piece near as much as I used to, as I am always busy quilting for others or teaching.....but that's okay, because I love doing those things too!!

Self designed mini whole cloth on Radiance Fabric

Entry for the Alfred Shaheen Exhibit at MQX

One Block Wonder 

Mini quilt

Quilt made from Gyleen Fitzgerald Facebook Mystery Quilt

Splash Quilt 

Vintage Linen Mini Quilt

Mini Quilt for a Instagram Swap - Pattern by Debby Kratovil

Shadow Trapunto mini

 I have a busy Fall.  I am teaching locally, and at the Original Quilt & Sewing Expo in Schaumburg, Illinois in October and then at Hayes Sewing Center, Wilmington, DE in November.  I am busy preparing teaching proposals for next year, in addition to teaching at MQX New Hampshire (class offerings will be listed soon) and Birds of A Feather.  If you want to check out where I will be teaching, make sure you check out my website.

If you enjoy ruler work on your long arm or domestic machine, be sure to keep an eye on my website store, as I have two new rulers coming out later in October.  These will be in addition to my existing rulers (shown below).  I also have workbooks that are great learning tools to help you learn designs for free motion quilting.

If you would like to continue to follow me, my information is below!!  Thanks again for being a part of my week!!!!  Happy Quilting!!

Jane Hauprich
On Instagram:  @janestitchbystitch
On Facebook:  www.facebook.com/JanesStitchByStitch
On Twitter:  @janestitches
Website:  www.stitchbystitchcustomquilting.com

Special Moments in My Journey!!

In looking through all of the pictures that I have of quilts I have either quilted for myself or for customers, I thought it would be fun to share some memorable moments with all of you!!

A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to go and take a class with Kaffe Fassett at Olde City Quilts in New Jersey with a friend of mine.  I had quilted the quilt above for a customer of mine (she used Kaffe fabrics) and I took it with me for a show and tell time.  

Here is the quilt that we made for the class.

Two years ago, I submitted a quilt to AQS Paducah and it was juried into the show....woohoo!!  So, of course, I had to make the trip to Paducah to see it!!  What a delight to see it hang there.

I stopped in to Edyta Sitar's booth.  She noticed my contestant ribbon and much to my surprise, she asked me to take her to see my quilt!  OMG!!!!!  

In Spring 2015, I attended Spring Quilt Market for the very first time!!  It was a ton of fun and I had a great time and met so many great people!!

Earlier this year, I became a Handi Quilter National Educator, and my trip to Salt Lake City was amazing!!  We were greeted in style!!

I also have to thank a few people .....Jamie Wallen, Lisa Calle and Linda Hrcka.....they all gave me great advice on teaching when I reached out to them, and were so helpful and encouraging!!  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!  My only hope is that I can pay it forward.

Recently, Alex Veronelli (Aurifil) visited my local quilt shop (Peggy's Sewing Center) to present a lecture.  What a treat that was!!  The presentation was so informative and it was so exciting to meet him in person!!  My friend, Ellen, made this quilt for his arrival!!  He absolutely loved it!!!

While meeting all of these people and doing these wonderful things has been great, it is the relationships that I have with my customers and quilt friends that keep me going!!  I couldn't do it without the encouragement they all give to me!!!  My gratitude also goes out to my family, for all of their support and encouragement!!!  We have four generations here....and I am so grateful for that!!

Until next time.....Happy Quilting!!!