Mary Crowther

Walla Walla, Washington

About Mary Crowther...

I've been quilting since… I took my first real quilt class in 1994.  I made my very first quilt in High School (1975) but I only tied quilts then.

I began quilting because… I started quilting to make quilts for every child in my family and to give as gifts. I enjoy doing Mysteries Online.  Now I make quilts to enter in local quilt shows.

I learned to quilt… Taking classes and watching Quilt in a Day on PBS.

My quilting style is… Very traditional.

People who inspired me…  I grew up under a quilt. My mother, aunts and maternal grandmother were quilters. My first quilt teacher was Jo Fox who helped me make my first sampler quilt. I watched Eleanor Burns on PBS when my children were growing up so she is one of my many favorite quilters.

My imagination is sparked by… I enjoy going to quilt shows and seeing the Show and Share at Guild meetings every month.  I subscribe to at least 3 Quilt magazines.

My favorite techniques… Machine piecing and hand appliqué.

Colors or fabrics I'm attracted to... I prefer pastels and reproduction fabrics i.e., 30’s and civil war. I'm not attracted to batiks.

My fabric stash... I have quite a STASH, having worked at our local Hancock’s store when it was open, I acquired many yards. I like Eleanor Burns, Jennifer Chiaverini, Marti Michell and Robyn Pandolph fabric collections.

My quilting community… I’m a Member of the WASIQ (Washington State Internet Quilters)- Yahoo group ; Friendshipblockswappers– Yahoo group; Block Lotto- Blog; Walla Walla Valley Quilt Guild- local quilt guild. I'm also a Member of the Alliance for American Quilts.  I entered a quilt in thier auction this year. It was first shown at Paducah, and will be auctioned off in November.

My additional hobbies/interests… I collect quilting pins and lambs.  I like to take pictures and scrapbook them. I also know how to decorate cakes.

I entered Quilt Design Star™ 2011 because... To share my designs and get my designs published. I followed the 2010 Quilt Design Star’s journey through her daughter’s BLOG.

Links...  www.mary-quiltingrandma.blogspot.com

What you should know about me… I’m an empty nester, a Grandma of 17 grandchildren, I blog and I love to quilt six days a week. I make quilts for those I love and enjoy the stories that go with them.

Mama's Roses (below) is Mary's Quilt Design Star™ 2011 entry quilt.

Shoo Fly Don't Bother Me (below) is Mary's Quilt Design Star™ 2011 Challenge 1 quilt.

Beribboned Asterisk (below) is Mary's Quilt Design Star™ 2011 Challenge 2 quilt.