April 2026
Peg Smeltz
Peg became interested in quilting while on a Girl Scout camping trip. After the girls were all tucked into their sleeping bags, the moms had some quiet time around the campfire. It was then that Jo Tong (another guild member) told her about the Cheshire Quilters' Guild. Her PA Dutch heritage sparked her interest in making quilts. Her husband's grandmother made many over her 92 years. Peg was just not aware there were guilds of people doing it! She joined our guild in the summer of 1992. She has spent many hours in service to the guild- as secretary, historian, newsletter chair, and two years as president. And she has also given time to the modern guild across the river. Now that she is retired, it's time to spend more time actually quilting!
1.What is your go to pattern if you need a quilt fast and why do you like making this pattern?
Answer: “When watercolor quilts became popular, and the gridded fusible interfacing was developed, I was hooked. I began using that technique, often for backgrounds. I liked the simplicity of just using squares, the ability to have them held in place for sewing, and the creativity in arranging them using many fabrics, mostly in a random layout. I also enjoy doing fusible patterns and "thread painting" the quilting. Studio 180 patterns are also my current "go to."
2. What are your quilting strengths?
Answer: “Designing my own quilts is my favorite part of this art. I have a graphic design background and have enjoyed using my computer design skills to both create squares and make unique arrangements. I love arranging the fabric patterns and the colors for a pleasing layout. I am not a prolific quilter. Finishing is my biggest challenge.”
3. How do you ensure precision in your work, especially with matching points or corners?
Answer: “For a very long time, my quilt adage was, "Quilting is the science of precision that then becomes the art of compromise." I think I believed this because my squares didn't fit together as well as they should have! I did a lot of compromising. About six years ago, I took a series of classes by Phillipa Naylor of Quilters Question Time. SHE is a perfect piecer. I have seen the light, but I am still working on it.”
4. Have you ever made your own patterns? Where did you get your ideas from?
Answer: “I have always been challenged to do architectural quilts. My quilt of the United Church of Christ in Keene was a handmade pattern. At the time I made it, I thought I would develop the pattern to sell. I decided that was too hard! But I often draft my own layouts on the computer. I certainly do get ideas from other patterns and magazines. I do not spend a lot of time online looking but many ideas just come through my fb feed that I like.”
5. Tell us a funny quilting story about your experiences in your quilting hobby.
Answer: “I was working in my sewing room late at night and vaguely remember stepping on a pin, but I didn't find it, so I didn't think much of it. Years later, I had twisted my left ankle at work, and decided to go ahead and get an x-ray. The orthopedic doctor gave me the good news that my foot wasn't broken, but asked if I had any 'other' pain in that foot. He showed me the x-ray and there, clear enough, was a quilting pin deeply embedded.”
Peg's work
