Who is Pam and how did she get into this?
I was born into a world of fabric. My mother learned tailoring as a teenager working in a clothing mill during WWII. While I was growing up, she not only made all our family’s clothes, but she sewed for other people as well. Mom, though not a quilter, also made all our window coverings and even reupholstered a sofa or two. Early in her marriage my dad went with her to buy a new sewing machine. The salesman showed them a few affordable models. In passing he pointed out a beautiful industrial Bernina, but indicated it was no doubt out of their price range. Despite being true, this offended my father so much that he insisted they buy the Bernina. I’m sure they were paying for it for years, but it was my mother’s pride and joy.
A Machine of My Own
I dreamed of the day that I would have a machine of my own. It happened on my 5th birthday. I became the proud owner of a miniature cast iron hand-cranked Singer sewing machine. Actually, right away I realized the limitations of this machine. It sewed a chain stitch and had no bobbin. The chain stitch pulled right out unless you tied the thread ends. I wanted a REAL machine, not this toy.
A "Real" Machine
I will be forever grateful to my mother for having the foresight to buy me the machine of my dreams when I was 10 years old. For my birthday I received a vintage Singer Featherweight! Over 40 years later I am still sewing on it. Mom was ahead of her time as these machines are now highly collectable. I sewed many clothes on this machine throughout Jr. High and High School. Even now it is my “go to” machine for quilting retreats and workshops.
Long Arm, Here We Come!
My Studio and APQS long arm machine. I have have a beautiful view into my wooded backyard.
Since my mother wasn’t a quilter, I didn’t start quilting myself until after I was married. I started making machine appliquéd and quilted wall hangings in my early twenties. These I sold at local craft shows during the 80’s and 90’s. I pieced my first full-size quilt around that time as well. I started hand quilting it but it took so long! Unfortunately, it was never finished. I made several attempts over the years to machine quilt on my own domestic machine,(my own industrial Bernina) but found maneuvering a large quilt in such a small space very frustrating and the results were less than pleasing.
For years I had admired long arm quilting machines whenever I came across one at a quilt shop or show. I finally took the plunge in 2006 and bought a new, top of the line APQS Millennium with stitch regulator, loads of throat space, on a 12-foot table. I now can easily accommodate any quilt up to 110” wide. Heaven! Since launching my business in June of 2006, I have finished hundreds of quilts for customers from all over the United States. I have become quite adept at free motion quilting contributing to my unique and organic style. Though others “quilt by computer”, my work is all hand guided. I don’t follow any printed patterns, but instead “draw” with my machine with little or no marking. My edge-to-edge designs are original creations by me. For custom work, I often incorporate the use of acrylic templates to create perfect circles, and other shapes.
For many years I taught public school general music and band, but now quilt full-time. This year David and I will celebrate 35 years of marriage. I couldn't have a better supporter. My family also includes two grown sons, Scott and Brian and my daughter in law, Robyn (Scott's wife).
Quilting is my passion and I am always investigating what is new. If I'm reading something, it's usually a quilt magazine or blog. Though I have a lot of experience working on traditional quilts, and do a mean feather, I welcome experimenting with fresh modern designs as well. Contact me at pamsquilting@gmail.com and let's get you started on your way to quilt finishing!
For years I had admired long arm quilting machines whenever I came across one at a quilt shop or show. I finally took the plunge in 2006 and bought a new, top of the line APQS Millennium with stitch regulator, loads of throat space, on a 12-foot table. I now can easily accommodate any quilt up to 110” wide. Heaven! Since launching my business in June of 2006, I have finished hundreds of quilts for customers from all over the United States. I have become quite adept at free motion quilting contributing to my unique and organic style. Though others “quilt by computer”, my work is all hand guided. I don’t follow any printed patterns, but instead “draw” with my machine with little or no marking. My edge-to-edge designs are original creations by me. For custom work, I often incorporate the use of acrylic templates to create perfect circles, and other shapes.
For many years I taught public school general music and band, but now quilt full-time. This year David and I will celebrate 35 years of marriage. I couldn't have a better supporter. My family also includes two grown sons, Scott and Brian and my daughter in law, Robyn (Scott's wife).
Quilting is my passion and I am always investigating what is new. If I'm reading something, it's usually a quilt magazine or blog. Though I have a lot of experience working on traditional quilts, and do a mean feather, I welcome experimenting with fresh modern designs as well. Contact me at pamsquilting@gmail.com and let's get you started on your way to quilt finishing!
My collection of toy sewing machines
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Decorating with antique pincushons
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More fun finds. Ebay can be very dangerous!
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