Interview with Becky from patchwork posse

I got to interview myself for my online sewing group.  It is my month to share a pattern and a little bit about myself. Enjoy!!

So how did you get your crafty start? I started when I was 8. I have a sampler that I made. My mom was a great influence.  Since then I have taken it upon myself to do it all!

How long have you been crafting? I have been crafting for a few years now. I have always done hand embroidery and x-stitching. I started with stitching for Shephards Bush and then found quilting when my first daughter was born. I have been hooked ever since! I found a few quilt groups to attend locally and did everything they put out there. I joined round robins, swaps, and other fun things. I stretched myself alot and tried a lot of different techniques and patterns. I loved doing this when I was just starting.

Now, I am a little bit more picky with the patterns, swaps and other things I do. I know what I like, and what I for sure don't.

 What are your goals or dreams in regards to your craft/sewing/business? Wow- do I really ask this of others? I loved attending those quilt groups and decided that I should start one on line. My goals are flighty. I never settle on one thing and even when I do, I jump to another. I have a hard time keeping on track. If I was to track some specifics it would be: * share my knowledge with others, * have a successful sewing group, * sell my patterns online, * sell my patterns in stores, * go to market,

 What or who inspires you? I love to read, listen, watch and find new things all the time. I give everything a try. I love colors, new patterns, designs, and loose designs- free thinking. I find that watching blogs and websites will keep you up with what is new.

 When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing? One thing I definitly am not found doing is cleaning. I have a real problem there. I straighten and wipe. I spend a lot of time with the kids and homeschool so that keeps me a bit busy. I also have a blog and LOVE to post new things, share myself and read up on what others are doing.

 Tell us about your current projects. Right now I am working on a few goodies. I am working on an online e-book Cranky Quilt. It is based on my pattern on my blog. I am also finishing up a video pattern set for the Quick Stitch Series. Can't think of anything else—but I am sure there is a ton of other things going on. I just remembered– the Round Robin series on the blog is just finishing up and Peanuts Travels is just starting.

 How many UFO’s do you have? Wha oooo Let's not make me count them ok? Seriously though, I am pretty sure that I have more tops that need to be quilted, then projects that need to be made. I am trying hard to keep up with what I make. It is one of my goals to quilt it when I finish it. That is hard I tell you!

 How much time do you spend on your craft? ok. really do I need to share that? That is a crazy question! Just like Cori from Chitter Chatter I am thinking about it constantly. I have a notebook to keep track of all the ideas. Plus, I really like to sew! Lucky for me the sewing room is in the kids toy room, so I don't feel isolated.It is a lot of hours— it is my full time job….so you get the hours.

What's your favorite color? I really like blue and tend to lean on that a lot! I have found lately though that I will use whatever. I tend to also lean towards a scrappy quilt– so anything goes.

Do you have a favorite Notion? I would have to say it is the seam ripper! I call it my 'best friend'. But really it isn't my favorite. I really like using the smaller rotary cutter.

 What sewing machine do you use? I have a Janome and love it. It does have a bit of a shaking problem when I go on retreats {I blame it on the tables hee hee}, but it goes everywhere and I love it. One falt though—the button hole stitch isn't that nice.

 What music do you usually listen to when you create? I love anything and everything. It ranges from rock to modern, to pop, to country..to whatever is on instead of commercials. Boy, I am all over the place aren't I?

 Do you also cook? I don't mind cooking, but I really don't love it. It takes time and I am a get it done quick kind of person…so there is a lot of casseroles and easy meals made. The honey doesn't do much to help out here…darn it!

Do you have a favorite pattern/project? I love my Cranky Quilt. It is free, spontanious, and definitly makes you think outside of the box and gets you beyond —is my corners, points perfect? I also love anything from Wee Wonderfuls. Dolls and little things are my downfall. I go through fazes of what I work on and dolls are always included in that.

What do you hate to do? I haven't fell in love with paper piecing {even though I designed a paper pieced quilt pattern}. I also really don't like instructions that I have to read, read, and re-read. I love quick, easy patterns with photos!

 What craft have you yet to try but haven't – and why haven't you done it yet? I have a whole cloth quilt that I would love to hand quilt. That is one thing that I have been hesitant in jumping into. Not sure why. ok. no, I think I do. I like things to be done and done quick! Hand quilting is not a quick finish. That's it. yup.

 How did you come to start your business? I started my online sewing group this January. I am new at that one, but really wanted to share a group atmosphere with everyone worldwide and not just in my community.

The other things I sell started out with –oh, that's cute. I can make my own doll with my own style. How about not making a thousand of these and letting others sew their own….thus, I started selling the pattern. Now, I love to sell patterns and see what others are coming up with.

 How do you keep your life balanced between family and work, especially if you work at home? I don't. Is that horrible? I have a hard time keeping track of myself and others. I have lists that help me keep on track. I have a list for my blog and business too. I give the kids the morning and then I get the late afternoon and evening time.

Do you ever feel like you are in a rut or get burned out? for sure! I am lucky I guess because I don't focus on just one thing that that helps me not get into too many ruts. I never have a loss of ideas, but I do loose a bit of confidence. Is it good enough? Are they really playing along? Is this worth it? When this happens I just have to remember what the purpose is– to share. To learn. to grow. This helps. I also love to go back through my idea book and find something to work on.

 Here's a bit more if you would like.

-Becky Jorgensen

Blog: http://patchworkposse.com/blog

Website: http://patchworkposse.com

Here is a quick preview of the pattern I am sharing.  You must be a member to get the pattern—

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry HotPad

pst— Share your Peanut with us!!!  Peanut Pattern Here.

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