Big 5 Blog Party: Meet Mary of Molly Flanders!

Welcome to Day 2 of the Big 5 Blog Party! 

I had a ball reading all the comments yesterday. We've got a great giveaway going on so be sure to enter at the end of the post. 


Today, I'm really excited for you to meet Mary from Molly Flanders. 


She is so very talented and her use of happy colors and fabrics always pull me in. I found her on Flickr before I found her blog and was instantly hooked.  


She has amazing piecing skills and her hand quilting is lovely. Look at her wonderful work.

This just screams fun! I cannot wait to try something like this. 

How amazing is this?

Don't you love these fabulous cathedrals?!

Mary is also incredibly gracious and kind. It's an honor to be her friend. 
So let's meet Mary! 

How did you get started quilting/modern quilting?

I began quilting over 20 years ago when I made the decision to retire from teaching and stay at home.  In the beginning I simply purchased a quilt pattern and jumped right in!  I don’t recall ever feeling like it was something I could not do.  Later, I took some quilting classes and joined a quilting guild.  And I challenged myself to learn different techniques and learn as much as I could.

What is your favorite fabric line and what’s on your fabric wish list?

My all time favorite fabric line is Katie Jump Rope by Denyse Schmidt.  I love the colors and design.  Bright colors are my favorite and Katie Jump Rope works well with everything bright and fun!  On my wish list would have to be any Liberty of London fabric…it is so dear!  

What inspires you most?

I am inspired most by traditional quilt blocks done with a modern twist.  I think that is why Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke are among my favorite quilt designers.

   

What type of machine do you sew with?

I have several machines, but I always use either my Janome MC6600 or the Janome Horizon.

What is your favorite go-to tool and why?

I have the usual quilting tools….a mat, rotary cutter, straight edge.  I love special rulers and templates!  I guess my favorite ruler to play around with is the large Kaleido –ruler.  It is multi-purposed and can be used to create some very fun blocks.

Describe your dream sewing studio.

Well, anything would be better than what I have now!  I sew in my kitchen!  It isn’t that bad, actually, lots of light and I get to be in the center of all the daily hub-bub.  But I would really love to have a room with lots of natural light, room for a design wall, lots of shelving and maybe a coffee pot!

Tell us about your favorite completed quilt or sewing project.

I have many favorite quilts, but I think my most favorite is the first Dresden Plate quilt I made.  It is so bright and cheery….I think it is so “me”.

What traditional pattern do you like to put a modern twist on?

I know it has been done over and over, but I do love the log cabin block.  It really is a very versatile block and so easy to make it look fantastic!  You can feature a favorite fabric, use value to create a different look, rearrange the blocks to for a totally different quilt.

Do you have a process for choosing fabric for a project?

No, I choose fabric that I like and colors that I like.  I like to put cool and warm colors together to create excitement and I try to keep on hand fabrics that create movement.  I like lots of dots and if I find a good stripe, I buy it!

What work-in-progress are you most excited about?

I recently finished my Pickle-dish quilt {Gypsy Kisses by Kathy Doughty} and that was the quilt I was most excited about.  I don’t have anything going on right at this moment that excited me like the Pickle-dish.

What’s your favorite part of the quilting process?

I love hand quilting. So when it is all finished and I can sit and touch the quilt….I am in heaven.

What’s something we don’t know about you? ( doesn’t have to be sewing related)

Hmmm….well my dad was an artist so any type of art was wildly encouraged at our house.  We painted, crafted, sewed, and played music.  I can hear his voice in my head talking about form and shading, interest and movement.  When I look back on it – I feel very blessed.   


Mary, thanks so much for taking part in our Big 5 Blog Party!

At this time comments are closed. 

Thanks to Sew Fresh Fabrics and The Bead Bouquet for sponsoring our super giveaway prizes! 
This lovely stack of Moda Crossweaves and this charming quilting necklace might be yours.  

I know y'all have lots to say about Mary's amazing quilts so jump right in and leave one comment telling me what you love about Mary. That will give you an entry for the giveaway. 


Bonus chances: 
Follow me at Ellison Lane Quilts and leave a comment letting me know (or tell me that you already do.) 
Follow Mary at Molly Flanders and leave a comment letting me know (or tell me that you already do.)


Now, be sure to come back tomorrow to meet another great blogger! 


(All pictures belong to Mary of Molly Flanders.)