Quilts, Quilts and Quilts!!

My interview with Mary Marcotte, a great quilter, great blogger and a super nice person!

1. Tell us about your shop name

Fleur de Lis Quilts is the name of my shop because my ancestors were originally from France and the fleur de lis is a symbol of the French culture. I've always really liked the symbol, especially when it's depicted in very formal ornate styles.

2. How did you learn to quilt? Are you teaching any of your grand daughters to sew?

Both my grandmother and mother were quilters. I've always loved sewing and taught myself how to sew and quilt by reading and working at it. I made a few quilts when my sons were young but didn't really have time for it while raising three small boys and going to college. When the boys married and grandchildren came into my life, I made more time for sewing and quilting. I am especially grateful that I had a few years of sharing quilting with my mom before her Alzheimer's Disease became so bad she was unable to enjoy it.

3. How many quilts have you made?

In my lifetime? Goodness knows! I think I average about five large quilts a year, but there's no way I can count them all. In the last couple of months I made six small quilts for the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative. My grandchildren and daughters-in-law each have gotten at least one. I've made and donated three to our church for raffles. And I have about 10 sitting in a trunk waiting for sales. I guess I've made a few.

4.What is your favorite quilt pattern?

I love the Dresden Plate design. It's a fun design no matter what I decide to do with it. I do enjoy making Dresdens so that the finished plate resembles a beautiful flower. I've made four or five using that technique.

5.How long does it to make a quilt from start to finish?

That's a loaded question with a couple of different answers. I have a long arm machine which allows me to complete the quilting in a day, even for big quilts. Since I'm pretty fast once I get going, I can put a top together in a couple of days then quilt it in a couple of days. So, a week if I apply myself and don't get distracted. However, I once made a queen size quilt that I hand quilted and that one took months...actually years. I would take it with me on long trips and quilt on the road, but I didn't really quilt it very much at home. Estimating the time for that one is impossible. Let's just say I won't be attempting another queen-size by hand until I retire.

6. After so much work, do you get emotionally attached to any of your projects? If so, which item would you miss the most when it sells?

Oh definitely! My quilts become more than just quilts: a part of me goes into each one. However, I've solved the attachment issue--I don't put them up for sale. I'm kidding, of course, while I'm working on one quilt my brain is dreaming up the next, so by the time I'm finished, I'm ready to move on. It's rare that I become attached to a particular quilt because I force myself to think in terms of selling it or giving it to someone.

7. What project do you dream of doing when you have time?

Definitely a double wedding ring quilt. I've appreciated the work and symbolism of the double wedding ring for as long as I can remember. It's a difficult design because there are so many small pieces and there are curves to deal with. I won't even consider starting one while I'm still teaching: my life is way to disorganized for that.

Isn't Mary wonderful? I love her use of happy fun colors!
She also has really cute children's items and great purses and even pin cushion jars.
She has beautiful hand made items for every budget and need.

Be sure to check her out !     http://www.etsy.com/people/fleurdelisquilts



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