I think it’s a reminder to spend time with myself and do something that makes me happy and gives me joy. It’s like my separate space where I don’t have talk to anybody, I don’t have to be on like I am at my job. Because it’s the guest room; my dog hangs out on the bed, and the sun is very beautiful comes through my room. I think it’s just my check out space where I just dive in. My hands have to be busy; I can’t not be busy…
That’s Jen Grudza. Project Coordinator for Moontower, quilter, bag-maker, dog parent to Mr. Winston, and wife. She is my new crafty inspiration and muse. I’m drawn to her because I relate to her need to make soft or yummy things to give away, like hugs. Recently she has been exploring a functional style with durable materials like canvas, leather, and cork, and upcycling old jeans. Her beautiful handmade items involve slicing intricate patterns and following complicated directions – that I’m anxious to get a lesson on now that I bought my first paper-piecing quilt pattern.
Names mentioned in the episode:
Niku Arabai taught a quilt class at Stitch Lab
Jen made Denyse Schmidt’s Single Girl Quilt Pattern and took it to Gina Pina at Canopy to quilt it.
Chawnie Kimber teaches math in the NE; Jen took her class through the Quilt Guild and is inspired by her tiny mathematical pieces
Flash tattoo at Quiltcon by Stacy Martin Smith in Austin.
Some links of things mentioned in the episode:
Helm boot for outer wax, Tandy leather + photo of waxed canvas bag
Paper piecing – there are two kinds: english and foundation; The example she brought in is of a tattoo quilt pattern
Labels for handmade works by Wunderlabel
Carolyn Friedlander fabric with architecture and botanical designs – I already made my Christmas wish list of her re-released lines
Quiltcon is coming to Austin Feb 20 – 23, 2020
Hawthorne Threads – environmentally friendly fabric printing
**Note: Gunner was mentioned in the episode and as passed away just before the episode posted. My heart goes out to his family and friends.**
Chatty Crafties 