Love of Quilting - March/April 2012 - (Page 57)

hen industry superstar Nancy Mahoney isn’t quilting, designing, teaching, or writing, she’s. . . well, that’s a good question! Nancy is a woman on the move. For over ten years, Nancy Mahoney has been making waves in the quilt world with the books she publishes with Martingale & Co., such as Treasures From the 30s (2010) and Quilt Revival (2006). Nancy also teaches her techniques and shares her knowledge from coast to coast, earning fans and accolades along the way. And when she’s not on the road, she’s busy designing fabric for P&B Textiles. Before all that, however, she was making quilts. That’s how it always begins, isn’t it? “I’ve been quilting for twentyfive years,” Nancy says, noting that the best part of the world of quiltmaking—aside from the quilts, of course—is the people. “I have friends from many different countries that I wouldn’t have met if it weren’t for quilting.” Nancy’s design work has been a major component of her growth and skill as a quiltmaker, and, in fact, that’s where she finds herself to be the most rewarded in her day-to-day work life. “I'm designing quilts for a new book right now,” Nancy says. “I love designing quilts and playing W with fabric choices to achieve the right look.” Although she can clearly work in any palette she’s given, a look at Nancy’s quilts and fabric designs show an unmistakable affinity for passionate purples, rich golds, and some warm greens and browns thrown in the mix. For Nancy, a genuinely warm and pleasant person, quilting really is about process and people. The best advice she can give a newer quilter is simple: “Take a class!” As she sees it, getting out of your studio and into a classroom is the best thing you could do for your quilts and your social life. “Classes are a great way to learn new techniques and make new friends,” she says. “The world of quilting is huge, after all, and finding your ‘people’ is half the fun of exploring it.” Once you feel like you’ve got a few buddies to help you with basting and sharing opinions about your latest patchwork, Nancy believes it’s all about the process. Having fun in the process is key for her—if you don’t enjoy making each quilt you make, what’s the point? Nancy’s projects take up most of her time, but she still has quiet time with her parrot and her husband at home in Palm Coast, Florida. Maybe the parrot can help tackle some of her email correspondence. . . Posies for Adeline Rhythm & Blues Modern Maze WEB EXTRA Go to www.FonsandPorter.com/ quiltstarnm to view Mary’s interview with Nancy and a slide show of her studio and quilts. March/April 2012 Fons Porter’s Love of Quilting 57 http://www.FonsandPorter.com/quiltstamm http://www.FonsandPorter.com/quiltstamm

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Love of Quilting - March/April 2012

Love of Quilting - March/April 2012
From Liz & Marianne
Contents
Sew Many Tips
Shop Hop
This Old Quilt
Floral Explosion
Churn Dash
White Labyrinth
Northport Crossing
Sew Easy: Quick Triangle-Squares
Sew Easy: Trimming Oversize Triangle-Squares
Project: Table Topper
Sew Easy: Quick Hourglass Units
Sew Easy: Cutting Pickle Dish Pieces
Quilt with the Stars
Fan Dance
Sew Easy: Bias Strips for Appliqué
Three Tours
Neutral Chic
Quilting the Quilt: Bitty Border Quilting Ideas
Trellis of Mums
Antique Baskets
Quilt Chat
Quilter’s Bookshelf
Sew & Tell
Behind the Seams

Love of Quilting - March/April 2012