Happy Friday!  Today’s Featured Quilter is Leila – Leila blogs at Where the Orchids Grow, sharing her sewing and family life.  I hope you enjoy getting to know Leila better -

1. When did you begin quilting?

I have been sewing ever since I was a very little girl; I used to have an old Singer treadle in my bedroom and sewed dolls clothes on it with help from my mum of course.

I first started quilting when I was pregnant with my son. I made him two baby quilts. But my obsession with quilting came from discovering modern quilting online. I started my own blog and haven’t stopped ever since!

2. Why do you quilt?

Besides the more obvious reasons of loving all the pretty fabrics and designs I enjoy creating useful things. It makes me feel empowered to be able to create something that fills a need in my home (or that of others) I love the soft padded comfort a quilt brings.

I have this need to create; I always have been creative and come from a creative family. It is like this energy attaches to whatever media is closest for now that is textiles and quilting a few years back it was the theater and acting before that I used to draw and paint.

3. What is your favorite quilting tip?

Have fun, we all make mistakes, and perfection is overrated.

4. What was your inspiration for your Quilt Festival quilt?

My inspiration was a quilt by Setsuko Inagawa - featured in Tokyo Quilt Festival 2011. Amy from Badskirt posted a tutorial for the block on her blog.

5. Do you sew other things?

Yes mostly other things I don’t make that many actual quilts. I enjoy small patchwork projects a lot, cushions, bags, potholders etc. I love the bee’s that I am in they are challenging and I get to pour a lot of creative energy in just one block design. This year I plan to improve my dressmaking skills. I have made two Tova tops and have another Wiksten top in the making. I would love to be able to draft my own sewing patterns one day!

6. Anything else you would like us to know about you?

I used to be a cord dancer but I don’t think I could do it still!

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Thank you for sharing with us Leila!  I agree perfection is over rated – a finish is way better!

Have a great weekend everyone ~

Amy