Hi Quilters!

I'm delighted & privileged to be a member of the Material Mavens!

I've sewn & embroidered for almost as long as I can remember. I did City & Guilds of London Certificates in Creative Embroidery some years ago & I've been teaching leisure classes since then. My enthusiasm & excitement for quilting arrived gradually over the last few years as I visited various Quilt Shows, especially the Festival of Quilts at Birmingham in England which I believe is now the biggest show in Europe.

I think "Harmony" is a most appropriate first theme for us - I'm looking forward to getting to know you all and working with you in harmony for a long time!

Jane

Ever Onward: Linda Hicks

Painters are moving into the quilting world and I am one of them.

I had never considered entering the art world, but wanted and trained to be a teacher of English and history. I write about my checkered career in "About Me" at my website. I post at least weekly to my blogl  Blogging is a great motivator!

      http://lindadrawingtime.blogspot.com/     

      http://web.me.com/lindahicks/

There are exciting/challenging things happening around every corner in quilting and I want to be there. I find the two 12 x 12 groups I belong to

feed each other. Ever onward in harmony.I look forward to learning and being inspired by all of you.

Quilting Keeps Me Sane from Kym Rock

I have been so busy lately, but wanted to stop a minute........think harmony.......and introduce myself a bit better than done previously. I am a very busy 50 something year old with grown kids (6), 3 grandkids and my youngest almost out of college. I love quilting for my family. It's gotten a bit crazy as one of them is always getting married, having babies, graduating from college or something wonderful (I am very blessed) that, in their minds, is worthy of a quilt. I work long hours for a magazine with a somewhat younger group who are also always having babies, which I try very hard to celebrate with a quilt. They have come to expect one and I hate to disappoint them! What makes me super excited about all this is that I will be able to take a break from "required sewing" and quilt something I want to do for myself. Harmony.....perfect for my busy life. I just hope to keep up with the group. I began quilting about 30 years ago and have done it since then to slow my life down and relax. It is my passion and I'm thrilled to be part of this fun group.

Carolyn: The Theme is Posted

Hi Material Mavens,

Our first theme is HARMONY.

I wanted a theme that expressed my experience at a conference at Ghost Ranch (New Mexico) in June. Ghost Ranch is the home of that wonderful artist, Georgia O'Keefe.

I also wanted a theme that was broad enough for all of you to work with. I narrowed down my words to about 6. Then, I pared the list down to two words. I knew I had the right word when I received an email just yesterday from a person from Scotland announcing the title of his new book which included the word HARMONY.

I have no idea what direction the design for my quilt will take. So, like you, I will have to let the creative process unfold.

I'm excited about our collaboration and am looking forward to seeing the results of our collective efforts on September 15.

Cheers!