Interview- Konda from Moose Quilts

March 2nd, 2010

Come meet Konda– she is the owner and designer for Moose Quilts. She lives in Utah {yay for us!!} Enough said- read on:

So how did you get your crafty start? Did you have anyone show you how? Story to share…

My mom was a PE teacher so I learned how to sew in 4H. She had some scraps of Hawaiian fabric from when we lived there ages ago so in high school I cut them into squares and made my first quilt. Of course, none of the squares matched, but the fabric was so great that I still love it. After I was married, my neighbor introduced me to patchwork quilts and machine quilting. From there things took off. I found out my aunt had a quilt machine so I tried that out. It was love at first sight! A few months later I had purchased one and started my own business.

How long have you been crafting?

I have enjoyed crafts my whole life. In elementary school I loved origami. Then I scrapbooked before scrapbooking was cool. Then I cross-stitched until my eyes didn't like it. Now I quilt. I started my long arm business, Moose on the Porch Quilts in 2002.

What are your goals or dreams in regards to your craft/sewing/business?

I love the quilting industry. I love doing exactly what I am doing. I hope to be part of the quilt industry for a long time.

What or who inspires you?

I love quilt magazines. I think I have subscriptions to all of them. Otherwise I see one at the store that I don't have and end up paying full price for it. I also love books on traditional blocks. I will often see a block or a pattern that will inspire something completely different. I also love playing with EQ. It lets me rotate blocks quickly, change the colorway, etc. Most of the time it feels like I am playing.

When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing?

Chasing after my 6 kids ages 4 months to 11 years old. I have also recently discovered triathlons (the short ones). I did my first one last year, and I am training for another one in May.

How many UFO’s do you have?

I have absolutely no clue.

How much time do you spend on your craft?

Besides my family, quilting is my life. If I am not actually quilting, I am dreaming about it.

What's your favorite color?

Lately it's brown.

Do you have a favorite Notion?

My 4-1/2" ruler

What sewing machine do you use?

Bernina Activa

What music do you usually listen to when you create?

Talk Radio

Do you have a favorite pattern/project?

Whatever I am working on.

What do you hate to do? sewing or otherwise.

Clean my house.

What craft have you yet to try but haven't – and why haven't you done it yet?

I would like to learn to knit. I tried it once last year, but I didn't get too far. Why? I have 6 kids, and one of them is 4 months old.

How did you come to start your business?

I had been teaching math and was looking for something I could do at home.

How do you keep your life balanced between family and work, especially if you work at home?

Let me know if you figure that one out.

Do you ever feel like you are in a rut or get burned out?

Not often.

And if so, what do you do to help yourself out of it?

Take a break for a few days or a week and then start browsing quilt magazines, fabric catalogs or see what new fabric is coming out. It is hard to be in a rut when I see what new fabric is coming.

What else would you like people to know about you?

This year I am doing a Jelly Roll quilt along that starts March 1st. I have gotten some great designers to design the different blocks. More information is on my blog if you want to play along.

Give us an update on your credentials- books, fabrics, patterns, teaching, what have you done?

I still do long arm quilting. I currently have 5 books out. Number 6 is in the works. It will be called "Simply Charming Babies & Kids." I have also started writing patterns with Northcott Fabric. The first one is out, "Sweet Baby Kate." Others are in the works. One pattern "Easy as Cake" was recently featured on Moda Bake Shop.

Links—

Blog: http://moosequilts.blogspot.com

Website: http://www.moosequilts.com

I love that she is a busy girl and likes it all!! I especially want her to be my neighbor so I can borrow all the magazines she subscribes too.