How long I've been quilting... Even though I experimented with patchwork at a young age (13) with no instruction, I started seriously quilting in 1992.

I began quilting because... I first took a class at my local quilt shop and then it was “Katie bar the door”.  I went out on my own making a few from patterns, then creating my own designs.

My quilting style is... Well, I never like to do the same thing twice and I love to learn new things. So, my quilting style is that way too. I love needle turn appliqué, but the look of patchwork and the way it creates secondary designs is intriguing. I guess my style is eclectic.

People who inspired me... My Great Grandmother was a professional seamstress and helped to support her family with her skills. I believe that she passed down her creative gene and love of textiles to me, even though I never knew her.

I draw my inspiration from... I see design possibilities everywhere. I have a plethora of quilts in my head inspired by places I have been or design elements of architecture. But sometimes it’s just a stack of beautiful colored fabric that does the trick, as is the case with the challenge 1 quilt.

My Favorite techniques... I LOVE needle turn appliqué. It is by far my favorite thing to do. I enjoy hand work of all kinds and one of my most enjoyable moments is stitching down the binding by hand, putting the finishing touches on a well deserved project.

Colors I'm attracted to... My favorite color palette is blue and teal with a little bit of purple. It makes my heart sing.

My fabric stash... I have an abundance of batiks and fossil ferns that I love to have on hand for any appliqué project that comes my way. I also keep a stash of blenders like marbles and tone on tones. I love 1800s – 1900 reproductions. I do not, however, have a lot of floral and novelty fabrics. I usually buy those for specific projects and just enough for that project.

My quilting community... At the present time, I only belong to one guild. I have just moved, so very soon I will join the guild that is local to me. I belong to a Quilts of Valor Bee and donate quilting time on my long arm to them. I moderate a quilting message board at www.QuiltingHaven.com  and I am considering joining a machine quilters guild soon.

My other hobbies and interests... I am turning my yard into an urban farm, growing only edible plants. I do other hand crafts like knitting and crochet. I enjoy spending time with good friends and I am just about to become a Grandma.

I entered Quilt Design Star™ 2012 because...  I have some ideas for quilt patterns and have self published a couple. I entered Quilt Design Star™ to challenge myself to work outside my safe zone and to learn to be comfortable sharing my work.  

Links... QuiltingGypsy.blogspot.com, MyQuiltFabric.com

My publishing history... At this time I have only self published. I am looking forward to having my first design published in a magazine.

Ancient Pots (below) is Judy's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Professional Category entry quilt.

Eye of the Storm (below) is Judy's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Professional Category Challenge 1 quilt top.

My FantaSea (below) is Judy's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Professional Category Challenge 2 quilt top.

Love of the Ages (below) is Judy's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Professional Category Challenge 3 quilt.