{Quilter Interview} Margaret Coombs

Today as part of our Quilting Interview series I’m interviewing my Nana, Margaret Coombs. You can see a selection of some of the quilts she’s made for my family here.

1. When did you start quilting?

I first started quilting and doing patchwork about 12 years ago, in 2000. I had always done sewing (clothes and whatever else I needed!), but it wasn’t until then that I started with patchwork and quilting.

2. What made you start in the first place?

Well earlier in my life I had been very active in my garden (which is quite large and time consuming), but after talking to my doctor she suggested I look at getting a few other interests so that I wasn’t overworking myself.
I liked the look of quilting, and tried to learn from a book, but it wasn’t working for me. I saw an add for a quilt studio that was local to me, and I went there to take lessons. I haven’t looked back since!

3. Who/What inspires you?

Oh goodness, so many things! In general I really love gardens and landscapes, and the colours of those really inspire me and make me want to create things.That is coupled with different patterns and colours in fabrics (usually ones that match those landscapes I love), and they draw me to themselves and make me want to quilt with them!
In particular it’s the battik fabrics that I’m drawn to and love working with most.

4. What tips would you give a beginner?

Tip one: Get yourselves these things, and don’t start without them: A rotary cutter, ruler, and a cutting matt. They are each a must!

Tip two: Make sure the fabrics you’re using are ironed straight for cutting. You can’t cut crumpled fabric, because the cuts may not be perfect, and quilting is, in a lot of ways, about precision!

5. Who are your favourite designers/fabrics to work with?

I like Robyn Pandolph, batiks in general, and In The Beginning fabrics - in particular the Avalon collection.

6. What is your favourite quilt that you have made?

Oh dear, it’s like choosing a favourite child!
I quilt like Rachel’s quilt, Julia’s quilt, Luke & Talia’s wedding quilt, Marcus’ quilt, and Rachel & Brad’s Wedding quilt.