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 This week we are featuring quilter Viki Kirby
of Westpoint, IN. I’m sure you’ll enjoy
getting to know her; and I know you’ll enjoy viewing the photographs of the lovely quilts she
has shared with us.
Please be sure to visit the forum and thank Viki
for taking the time to participate in our “In the Spotlight” feature.
MQResource: Viki, please tell us a little about your family.
I have been married 34 years to an engineer
and have two daughters, ages 25 and 26. Margot is a portrait
photographer, thus the artsy portrait of me. Olivia graduated in May with
her Master's degree in library science. She is still searching for
work. I have a bird that loves to sing when she hears the shower or the
longarm machine running. Leviticus is my cat, and he is often called ooze
kitty because when you pick him up he goes limp and just oozes in your
arms. Lydia is the lab, and I have to say I am sorry to have named her
Lydia. It sounds way to much like Olivia and sometimes I get the two
names mixed up. 
MQR: Where do you call home?
Home is Westpoint, Indiana, on five acres
surrounded by woods and a newly-planted orchard. I gave up gardening
because the deer would clean it out every year. They especially love
strawberries. I love flowers and used to work for a greenhouse, so I have
20 rose bushes and every kind of hosta grown as well as ferns, hydrangeas,
peonies - well you get the idea.
MQR: How long have you been quilting?
I’ve
been quilting seven years total. I worked three years at a quilt shop
where I learned how to use the machine. On a trip to Paducah, my husband
and I looked at machines, as he was always trying to get me to go out on my
own. I was too terrified I wouldn't have customers so refused to give it
a go. As I was trying out an APQS, he came up and asked which of the
machines I preferred and I said "This one". He laughed and
said, "Good, that's the one I just bought you." Thus began my
own business, with me shaking in my shoes. 
MQR: Do you still do much piecing, or are you all about the quilting?
I love piecing but find little time to do
it. There is nothing like putting together colors to make a design.
I make quilts and put them in a trunk for wedding presents and baby gifts. When
I get an invitation, I just go and pick out one that best suits the
occasion. I love the quilting as well, and I "need' to continually
learn new methods and ideas. If it isn't fresh, I get bored.
MQR: Where do you find inspiration for your quilts and quilting
designs?
Chats, webshots, blogs, classes and shows.
MQR: What is the most challenging part of quilting for you?
Saying no, I can't do that for you by when
you want it. Twice I ended up quilting all night to meet the
customers’ wants. 
MQR: What are your favorite quilting tools?
Tools? I don't need no stinking
tools. Actually, the only tool I use is Megan's Best straight edge when I
have to do SID.
MQR: What is your current favorite quilting book or pattern?
My favorite piecing pattern is Snail's Trail,
and I have yet to actually make one. My current favorite book is “Pieceful
Scenes” by Angela Madden. I look at that book so often and plan my own
quilt and drool over hers. Someday I'll really do one. My favorite
longarm quilting pattern is feathers. I'll put feathers on everything. 
MQR: Can you tell us about one memorable quilting class or workshop
that you have taken?
Jamie
Wallen's Thread Fusions was total inspiration. Deloa's Borders and
Sashings gave me dozens of very useful patterns that I often use. Carla's
Quilt Whisperer was incredible, and I feel I was set free at the end of
it. It really sparked my imagination, and I look forward to every quilt
(well, almost) and coming up with a unique design.
MQR: If you could offer one helpful tip or hint to new quilters, what
would it be?
Don’t say "I can't" My dad
used to say, "Can't never did anything."
MQR: What hobbies do you have (beyond quilting)?
Hiking and camping, antiquing, auctions,
flowers. 
MQR: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
A dip of Zanzibar chocolate on top of a dip
of Pralines and Cream.
MQR: Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks?
I like salty pecans on my sweet chocolate
sundae. 
MQR: What is your favorite beverage?
Strawberry, pineapple, coconut smoothie or
100% cranberry juice.
MQR: What is your least favorite food?
Lima beans
MQR: What is your favorite time of year?
Spring,
when everything comes to life and fall, when the cold kills it all back
again. I like fresh starts. 
MQR: What are your favorite books/authors?
Bible, Les Miserables, Harry Potter
MQR: What are your favorite movies?
PS,
I Love You, Belezaire, Princess Bride, and the first Pirates
MQR: What is one of your goals for 2010?
To
enter a quilt at MQS
MQR: What is your favorite quote?
May
I live my life in such a way that when my feet hit the floor in the morning,
the devil says, "Darn, she's awake!"
All photographs have been provided by Viki.
Thanks so much, Viki!
Please don’t forget to visit the forum with any questions or comments
that you may have for her.
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