| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How did you get started quilting? | I started by making traditional quilts for family which gradually morphed into art quilts |
| How old were you when you made your first quilt? | I was a late starter due to a busy life as a Mum and a dance teacher…so not til the ripe old age of 55 |
| Who taught you to quilt? | After many enquiries re classes and times that didn’t suit…. I finally enrolled in a 4 week beginners course with Miss Sampsons Drapery in Swan Hill….and I was hooked! |
| What do you like best about quilting? | I love so much….the opportunity to be creative….the tactile feel….the colour ….the texture created by quilting….and the ability to lose myself in the almost meditative process. |
| How do you decide what pattern to quilt? | I rarely follow a pattern as I seem to have an overly creative mind….my dilemma is too many ideas and which one is to choose? |
| Do you have any quilt tips you could share? | Don’t procrastinate, have a go, try to be confident…. after all it’s only fabric/thread/paint. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and get that idea down onto fabric by any means/technique you can. Don’t get hung up on the ‘RULES’! |
| How many quilts have you made and for whom have you made quilts? | I’ve lost track as i’ve made traditional quilts/challenge quilts/workshop quilts for teaching purposed…. bust most importantly are the quilts I make for the love of it…. to challenge myself and the desire to improve as an artist. |
| Where do you quilt and on what HQ machine? | I’m lucky enough to own a HANDIQUILTER SWEET SIXTEEN and have a dedicated sewing room….although the painting often happens in the kitchen or outside on our deck. |
| How much time do you quilt every week, day? | I try to stitch almost every day….alhtough that’s not always possible….it’s usually happens after dinner….9pm-midnight….so maybe 15-20 hours per week including designing/preparation/drawing/painting. There’s always a project in my head. |
| What advice do you wish someone had told you when you started quilting? | That it’s addictive and theraputic (although I probably wouldn’t have believed them)…..take as many classes as you can learn techniques etc. I’ve learnt a lot by my own mistakes as I’m relatively isolated in the country, although these days I take workshops with significant tutors to improve my work. |
| Do you have blog or Instagram to follow: | Do you have blog or Instagram to follow: I’m on Instagram: @raylenerichardsonart and Facebook: @raylenerichardsonart |
