Anne Henrie

Gunnison, Utah

About Anne Henrie...

I've been quilting since… I have been quilting for 12 years. The first Christmas present I ever received from my husband was a sewing machine.  I don’t think my parents ever thought they would see the day when I would want one.

I began quilting because… During my second year at Snow College I put a quilt making class on my schedule. It sounded interesting, but by my third class I was addicted.

I learned to quilt… My first big project was a sampler quilt: our instructor taught us a new block every week. After each class was finished I enjoyed looking at what other quilters had done.  Even back then I wanted to gather ideas and learn from others.

My quilting style is… My quilting style is very eclectic.  I find something I love, or sometimes something I love finds me. The process of cutting and sewing fabric together in itself is a passion.  In fact, I love it so much that I often start a new project before one is completely finished.

A person who inspired me…  Growing up my grandmothers, my aunts, and my mother were all quilters and crafters.  It seems someone was always making something beautiful. I hope the buzz of color, activity, and creation that goes on in my crazy kitchen/sewing area will spark my own children’s imagination.

My imagination is sparked by… My inspiration is all around me.  From somewhere deep inside I just want to create beauty. A piece of fabric, a photograph, even a change in the weather brings something new to my mind.  I am in awe of how much creativity is inside of everyone I meet.

My favorite techniques… I love quilts that combine appliqué and piecing. I use freezer paper and starch to iron the seam allowance down before I sew it on the block. I am also a stickler for sharp points. If I have time I will make blocks a little bit bigger so I can trim them down to the perfect size.

Colors or fabrics I'm attracted to... I prefer cotton fabrics to anything else, but as far as color I use everything. If it is a quilt for me I like more neutral tones, with a bit of splash.  If I am making a quilt for my children — those are always bright and fun. Really, it just depends on my mood!

My fabric stash... My stash is everywhere in my house! I don’t have a sewing room yet, so my machine rests in the pantry, while fat quarters are stuffed in shoeboxes, and plastic containers in various nooks and crannies around the house. I haven’t put any in my husband’s toolbox yet, but it has crossed my mind. I never keep any scrap that is under 4”x4” those tend to decorate my children’s hair. If I had to sum up my stash in one word it would be . . . a mess?

My quilting community… Quilting is a passion, but it is not my only one. I am the mother to three little girls, who each have their own fabric collection. I am also a full time Kindergarten teacher. There are a lot of quilters in my school; anytime anyone finishes a project we all get together to ogle it, even if it is five minutes during recess. It gives me a quilt fix almost every week. I love everything I do, but piecing is where I find myself.

My additional hobbies/interests… I love to read, but I don’t make a lot of time for it, because when I start a book nothing else is accomplished until I turn the last page. As a teacher and a mom I love children’s books. My collection is vast but not quite as big as my fabric collection. Before I was ever a quilter I was a dancer. I still teach ballet every week. It’s another way for me to be free and creative and the exercise is great - just trying to keep off the chocolate pounds!

I entered Quilt Design Star™ 2011 because... When I read the article about Kathleen Whiting and last year's design contest I thought it would be fun to enter. I wasn’t expecting to be a finalist, I just wanted to challenge myself to design and finish a quilt. I’ve never done anything like this before; to be a finalist is so surreal. I can’t wait to see what the next challenge is going to be. 

Links... www.annehenrie.blogspot.com

What you should know about me… I grew up in a small town in Utah and still live there! In fact, I married the boy next door. I am not the only creative soul in my family, as my husband just built me a house from the dirt up with his own two hands — well he did have some help since his father is also very skilled in this area. We are grateful our house is on the same block as my mother and mother in law. This allows our children to be very close with their grandparents. Family, religion and heritage are of paramount importance in my life. My quilts show that to those I love. I hope in some small way they will continue my legacy long after I am gone.

Midnight Garden (below) is Anne's Quilt Design Star™ 2011 entry quilt.

Viola's Jewelry Box (below) is Anne's Quilt Design Star™ 2011 Challenge 1 quilt.