Kristie Mattson

Marion, Iowa

About Kristie Mattson...

I've been quilting since… I have been quilting off and on for over 12 years.  Sometimes circumstances
in my life have made me put quilting aside for a while, but I always come
back. I love the way the fabric comes together to make a picture or
pattern. It is very soothing and feeds the creative spirit.

I began quilting because… I began quilting as an activity that I did with my mom.  We were both
beginners, but interested in trying.  We would go to beginning quilting classes and enjoy each other's company as we worked on quilts and other quilted projects.

I learned to quilt… My quilting knowledge is pieced together from various sources.  I started
with a beginning quilting class through the adult school of the city I lived in. I then added skills as I took classes from local quilt shops. My mom also helped me and encouraged me.

My quilting style is… I am more of a "big picture" quilter- I like how all the parts come together to form the picture or pattern.

A person who inspired me…  My mom inspired my original interest in quilting.  My husband has been very supportive with my quilting and has encouraged me in my design process.

My imagination is sparked by… I am inspired by places we've traveled, my son and his take on life, beautiful photographs of places around the world, and by geometric shapes in architecture.

My favorite techniques… I'm enjoying different styles of appliqué these days.  I also enjoy piecing new block patterns together.

Colors or fabrics I'm attracted to... I'm attracted to bold colors and bright hues.  Though I see the beauty of pastels and neutrals, bold colors lift my spirits and stir my imagination.

My fabric stash... My stash consists of cottons in a variety of colors.  I have many fun, playful prints and bright batiks.  It's not the largest stash, but does take a tall bookcase to store it.  I'm making an effort this year to use at least one fabric from my stash on each project I make.  That way I can add more to the stash without much guilt.

My additional hobbies/interests… I enjoy reading and scrapbooking.  I also enjoy traveling with my husband and son - especially camping in our new state.

I entered Quilt Design Star™ 2011 because... I entered Quilt Design Star to push myself in my designing and quilting.  I am very excited to face the challenges put forth and to try new designs and have them come together.

What you should know about me… We recently moved to the Midwest from California, right after my son was
born. Quilting has been a great way to meet people and to adjust to our new
life here.

Card Games at the Zoo (below) is Kristie's Quilt Design Star™ 2011 entry quilt.

Refractions of Starlight (below) is Kristie's Quilt Design Star™ 2011 Challenge 1 quilt.

Star and Stripes (below) is Kristie's Quilt Design Star™ 2011 Challenge 2 quilt.