"Flower Power" by Jane Zillmer
Today I would like to feature quilter Jane Zillmer, who lives in Northern Wisconsin. Some of you might have already seen some of her original designs at various quilt shows. Above is her quilt "Flower Power", which is being featured as a series quilt pattern, beginning with the 2012 April/May issue of Quilter's Newsletter. Two of Jane's quilts were also finalists in this years AQS show in Paducah, Kentucky as well. You can check out Jane's website, and learn a bit more about this very talented lady. Please be sure to check out her archives (located on tab at the top of her home page), where you will be able to view many of her original designs. We wish her well in her future endeavors, and congratulate her on her current successes!
Laurie
I have contacted Jane, and she shared a little about herself and her inspirations:
I've been sewing and doing needle arts since I was nine years old and made my
first quilt in high school. I sewed all my own clothes and all my daughters
dresses and outfits (until they outgrew that idea). I loved to applique their
outfits and when I started quilting in earnest in 1989, I added applique to
many of my quilts too.
Quilts and quilting have become my passion, especially after retiring from my nursing career a few years ago. I love all quilts, love to read about them, see them at shows and of course make them! I design all my quilts using lots of applique and consider my quilts to be traditional. Most of my inspiration comes from nature and life in northern Wisconsin. I collect leaves, wildflowers, dead insects and sights and sounds as I go on my daily walks and these are used as quilt ideas and patterns. I'm also inspired by color and fabric and traditional quilt blocks.
A while ago, I started entering local quilt shows, then regional and national shows. It is very rewarding to see my quilts displayed at shows among all the other beautiful work and I love to share what I do with the world. I've improved my techniques knowing my quilts will be judged, and this has increased the satisfaction I derive from my quilting. I have won a number of awards too over the years.
The American Quilter's Society in Paducah, KY approached me to write a book last fall and after initial self doubt, I took the plunge, had my proposal accepted and recently finished my manuscript. The book is about applique; it will tell of my quilt inspirations and explain my machine applique technique, how I design quilts and include patterns for 7 of my quilts. All those quilts and other appliqued quilts for a photo gallery are now all in the hands of my editors. Expected publication: sometime in 2013.
I really want to share what I do with other quilters - who also share with me. I'm not looking for fame or fortune (though some money would be nice), but I really do hope I can inspire others by showing them my work. That's all.
Jane
Quilts and quilting have become my passion, especially after retiring from my nursing career a few years ago. I love all quilts, love to read about them, see them at shows and of course make them! I design all my quilts using lots of applique and consider my quilts to be traditional. Most of my inspiration comes from nature and life in northern Wisconsin. I collect leaves, wildflowers, dead insects and sights and sounds as I go on my daily walks and these are used as quilt ideas and patterns. I'm also inspired by color and fabric and traditional quilt blocks.
A while ago, I started entering local quilt shows, then regional and national shows. It is very rewarding to see my quilts displayed at shows among all the other beautiful work and I love to share what I do with the world. I've improved my techniques knowing my quilts will be judged, and this has increased the satisfaction I derive from my quilting. I have won a number of awards too over the years.
The American Quilter's Society in Paducah, KY approached me to write a book last fall and after initial self doubt, I took the plunge, had my proposal accepted and recently finished my manuscript. The book is about applique; it will tell of my quilt inspirations and explain my machine applique technique, how I design quilts and include patterns for 7 of my quilts. All those quilts and other appliqued quilts for a photo gallery are now all in the hands of my editors. Expected publication: sometime in 2013.
I really want to share what I do with other quilters - who also share with me. I'm not looking for fame or fortune (though some money would be nice), but I really do hope I can inspire others by showing them my work. That's all.
Jane
