Vicki Jenkin - Quilter in the Spotlight

This week we are featuring Vicki Jenkin of Horsham, Victoria, in Australia. I’m sure you will enjoy getting to know her a little better; and I know you will enjoy the photographs she has shared with us.

Please be sure to visit the forum and thank Vicki for taking the time to participate in our “In the Spotlight” feature.

MQResource: Can you tell us a little about your family.

I have been married to my wonderful and quilting-tolerant husband, Peter, for 22 years.  We have an 18-year old daughter, Shauna, who is doing her final year at secondary school.  We have a feline furball called Misty who has us all very well trained to cater to his every whim!

MQR: Where do you call home?

I live in Horsham, Victoria in south eastern Australia.



MQR: How long have you been quilting?

I started quilting about 15 years ago.  I had dabbled in a few other crafts; but once I found quilting, that was it for me.  All the others were pretty much ignored!  I did a weekend course then joined the local patchwork group and haven't stopped since. I quilted on my domestic machine for many years before buying my A1 in February, 2010.

MQR: Do you still do much piecing, or are you all about the quilting?

I have never pieced much (I am not that good at it!).  I enjoy needle-turn appliqué, but mostly I love to quilt!



MQR: Where do you find inspiration for your quilting designs?

MQR and the incredibly talented people here that generously share their ideas and knowledge are my primary source of inspiration. The internet is the most wonderful tool; I can waste an awful lot of time just looking!  I also love books and add to my library regularly.

MQR: Do you have a quilting business?

I started a business quilting for others shortly after getting my longarm.

MQR: What is your favorite part of quilting for other people?

I love the variety of quilts that come in and the challenge of coming up with designs to suit each one. I also love the way I get to really see all the wonderful fabrics as I quilt them.



MQR: What is the most challenging part of quilting for you?

Overcoming whatever is going wrong at the time!

MQR: What are your favorite quilting tools?

My Towa, my rulers, and my computer (used for inspiration and research, I don’t have a robotic system)



MQR: What is your current favorite quilting book or pattern?

Judy Martin’s “Stellar Quilts”.  I don't piece much, but her books are sure to inspire and tempt me to piece.

MQR: Can you tell us about a favorite quilting class or workshop you have taken?

Suzanne's Feather Boot Camp was wonderful, and really helped me fine tune my feathers. Now if only I would PRACTICE a bit more!

And Sharon Parkinson’s Basics and Beyond…lots of great stuff.

And the day I spent training with Tracey B. when she delivered my longarm.  She covered so much I thought my head would explode, but it mostly stayed with me and gave me a wonderful basis to start from and build on.



MQR: If you could offer one helpful tip or hint to new machine quilters, what would it be?

Learn to love your seam ripper! LOL. And don't be too hard on yourself!

MQR: What hobbies do you have (beyond quilting)?

Is there anything else?  Ok…well I do sometimes I watch motor racing (sprint cars and Aussie V8's) and cricket. I do very occasionally knit....must finish my first pair of socks one day.

MQR: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Rocky Road

  

MQR: Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks?

Not fussy, either will do.

MQR: What is your favorite beverage?

Water! A cold beer is good on a hot day too.

MQR: What is your least favorite food?

Mushrooms

MQR: What is your favorite season of year?

I like them all; variety is good.

MQR: What are your favorite books/authors?

Clive Cussler, Jeffrey Archer, Wilber Smith



MQR: What is your favorite quote?

No inspirational quotes, but I have been known to say "I like a challenge."

MQR: What is one of your goals for 2011?

To continue to establish my business and make it financially viable so I can continue to do what I love every day!

All photographs have been provided by Vicki.

Thanks, Vicki!