April 2025 Guild Member Spotlight

Bev joined the Cheshire Quilters’ guild back in 2021 when she was in between careers. She started to get interested in quilting again and fell in love with a beautiful sheep printed flannel and decided to make a throw sized quilt from it.  She had never had a quilt long armed before and decided to have this one done. Janice Roy did the honors and invited her to a CQG quild meeting that was being held in the parking lot at JoAnn Fabric's in Keene.  She says that she will forever be grateful for Janice for introducing her to her new career and to so many wonderful people.

Answer: “After hours and hours spent watching videos and researching the process my very supportive husband and I took a road trip to purchase my first machine.  My friend Marianne let me practice on her quilt tops as I couldn't make them fast enough to get the much-needed experience.  Within a few months I knew I was hooked.  I started working part time at New England Fabrics and word got around that I was looking for quilts to practice on so I was able to get a lot of time in on the machine.  By the end of the first year, I knew I wanted to expand my hobby.  After a second road trip I purchased a larger more industrial machine and recently added robotics.  I'm amazed at how much I can learn and the capabilities of my APQS machine.”

Answer: “I especially enjoy making quilts that I know will be used and loved.  I lean toward primitive colors and designs but get to enjoy all of the different creations that I quilt on my long arm.  They all decorate my living room so nicely!  There's nothing like the joy I get to see when I give someone's quilt back to them.  Funny, I never got this when I was working in the billing dept at the insurance company!”

Answer: “One of the most challenging quilts I've made was a replica of an Amish quilt.  The design was simple enough but I had to resize both the quilt and recreate the quilting design.  I gained a lot of experience with free motion feathers and ruler work.  I also realized how much time custom quilting involves.  Fortunately, both my customer and I were happy with the outcome.

Answer: “I love the process of quilting.  There are so many aspects involved and the possibilities are endless.  I feel like I'll never stop learning.  I've always wanted to be creating something with my hands.  Hopefully I'll be able to continue well into my retirement years.”

Answer: “I can't believe how many new friends I've made since I started quilting again.  I've also had the chance to get reacquainted with friends that I've known for over 40 years or so.  And... I’m so excited to go to my first ever retreat in April!!”