How long I've been quilting... I have been quilting since 1983, when I bought my first sewing machine. Self taught quilting, I along with my 3 sisters (Lorraine, Huguette and Guylaine) started to exchange quilting techniques ever since and continue to progress in our quilting to this day. Each year, we challenge each other on creating a specific quilted gift with various seasonal themes, techniques, etc.

I began quilting because... I began quilting to add decorative elements in my house – bed quilts, wall hanging, drapes, placemats, etc.  I remember watching my mother putting quilts on frame and the gathering of my aunts and grand-mother around the frame, exchanging stories. As quilts were a necessity back then; today my quilts are made mostly for decorating my house and making gifts.

My quilting style is... I would describe myself as a traditional quilter but with contemporary/modern style - my quilts are often bright in colors. Today my quilts carry a number of quilting/sewing techniques – piecing, hand embroidery, appliqué, etc. I never hesitate to start new techniques.

Other quilt design contests I've entered... This is my first quilt competition. I did enter several quilts in the 2009 International Plowing Match held in my hometown – Earlton, Ontario in the district of Temiskaming.

People who inspired me... A number of people inspire me in my quilting, my three sisters, my quilter friends at the Camp Wanna Sew and in the last year, the local quilt shop Art of Fabric owner – Elizabeth Dillinger, a professional quilt artist.

I draw my inspiration from... My imagination is sparked by everything surrounding me - nature, architectural, magazine, pictures, etc.  

My Favorite techniques... Piecing and appliqué. My appliqué can be done by machine, along with the free-motion quilting process, as well by hand – mostly using the blanket stitch. For the past 3-4 months, I began experimenting painting on fabric, and will continue to expand in this area. All my quilting is done by free motion.

Colors or fabrics I'm attracted to... Favorite colors are the bright ones - orange, yellow, red, purple.

My fabric stash... My husband Raymond would say that my stash is way too much fabrics and I should start eliminating - that is the difficult part, as more fabrics tend to creep back into my drawers and shelves. My stash is mostly a mix of small to medium print fabrics, often tone on tone, but I do like to purchase fabric collections in all colors. More and more batik are beginning to take over space in my stash. My fabric purchases are in majority in fat quarter size.

My quilting community... I don`t have membership to any specific quilting group, but I do meet my quilter friends, back home, twice a year for the 5 day Camp Wanna Sew.

My other hobbies and interests... Other interests are to in-line skate or bicycle from spring to fall and an annual downhill ski trip with my husband.

I entered Quilt Design Star™ 2012 because... I entered this year competition, after following the last year participant quilt journey – Shirley Jobson. We are both attendees of the Camp Wanna Sew back home, in northern Ontario. To me this competition is to push our self, as quilter, to think outside the box, and mixing quilting techniques which add personal originality to a quilt. 

Links... A number of my quilts can be seen on my Facebook, Lisette Quilting.

What you should know about me… I work full-time at Deloitte, a professional firm, as a supply chain professional. My quilting is done mostly in the evenings and weekend. Early 2000, I offered quilt classes to kids and adults out of my house, but I have since been teaching quilting at the local quilt store.

Martinique (below) is Lisette's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Amateur Category entry quilt.

Dreaming in Teknicolors (below) is Lisette's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Amateur Category Challenge 1 quilt top, and was also the favorite in Challenge 1 - Amateur Category!

Challenge 1 - Amateur Category WINNER!

Graffiti (below) is Lisette's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Amateur Category Challenge 2 quilt top, and was also the favorite in Challenge 2 - Amateur Category!

Challenge 2 - Amateur Category WINNER!

KARMIC Astrology Wheel (below) is Lisette's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Amateur Category Challenge 3 quilt.

Amateur Category Grand Prize WINNER!