{Quilter Interview} Talia Carbis of Number 19

Today we are chatting to Talia. Talia is one of the fabulous contributors here at And Sew We Craft.

Here are her thoughts on quilting.

1. When did you start quilting?

I first started quilting in 2009.

2. What made you start in the first place?

I started going to my Nana’s craft group and I got there just in time to start a Christmas quilt! So I just kinda had to because that’s the project we were working on! I hadn’t really done any sewing for a good 5 or 6 years before that!

3. Who/What inspires you?

In regards to quilting (and lots of things), my Nana. She is the source of all my quilty knowledge, and she is really incredibly generous with her time, and with giving away quilts. She has made them for foster kids, orphans, for raffles and charities, for all her kids, all her grandkids (a 21st quilt + a quilt when you get married) and now quilts for the great grandbabies on their first birthdays!
She keeps learning new patterns and is happy to try and attempt new things, which is something I really admire.

4. What tips would you give a beginner?

Jump in and have a go! Quilting seems like a really intense thing, and I guess in a lot of ways it is, BUT if you start with small projects (you can make mini quilts out of just one ‘block’ and use them as placemats!), then you can get confidence to try bigger and bigger projects! I found being part of a group really helped me to stay on track, focussed, and have dedicated time each week to quilting.

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

Our craft group is a big Nancy Halvorson crazy! We make a panel wall quilt every year nearly! She has really beautiful soft colours.

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

Either the very hungry caterpillar quilt I made for Lior, or the “Garden Song” Nancy Halvorson wall quilt.

7. What is your must have quilting tool?

A sharp rotary cutter! Nothing more annoying than cutting a piece off and then parts of it haven’t cut through properly! Because measurements are so important in quilting, you need to make really clean cuts.

Thanks so much for answering my questions Talia!

When Talia is not blogging here at ASWC you can find her at the places below:

Twitter: @taliacarbis
Blog: http://number-19.com
http://carbis.com.au
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Number-19/280141002029101