SPOTLIGHT: Ann of "Magpie Quilts"

Happy 2013!  I'm slowly seeping into 2013 and one of my New Years Resolutions is to be more up-to-par with the "Spotlight Series" on this Quiltsy Blog.  I have some serious ground to cover since the team members have been busy-bees not only with their talents, but also getting recognized by outside media!  To kick-off the new year, I'm writing about Ann from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, who founded "Magpie Quilts".  Ann runs both her own website and also an Etsy store.  Earlier this month, Ann saw her blog views skyrocket!  Looking to uncover the reason behind the boom, she found she was featured on the blog "Totally Tutorials" with her "how-to-make" a business card  / credit card / gift card holder.  The "Totally Tutorials" feature will also bring you to Ann's own blog, which is fantastic as well - - Congratulations Ann! 

When I look through Ann's Etsy shop, I had a hard time selecting some favorites because she has many beautiful items.  I decided on these:

I also asked Ann some questions that I ask of all the "Spotlighted" Quilters. 

Start in Quilting
Ann has always wanted to quilt, but really started when her second son was born about 25 years ago.  She enjoys reading about the days of the pioneers, women who would participate in quilting bees, and the use of scraps to make something beautiful.  Hence, the quilting bug bit Ann!

The Machine behind the Beauty
Ann uses a Janome 4030.  She not only makes all her quilts with it, but also quilts her my smaller quilts.  Ann has been sewing on her Janome for about 20 years and loves that the machine needs minimal maintenance.   She rarely brings it in for service, but she is diligent on clearing out the dust bunnies.

Color and Inspiration
Ann's favorite color is blue, which is reflected in her home decor of "country cabin", but she loves sewing with modern bright colors and in modern patterns.  The quilts to which she's most drawn are those done with scraps, as opposed to a matching set of fabrics.

The Fun Question: Where would you like to go on vacation?
Ann loves to travel, but Mr. Magpie travels for work, so when he isn't traveling, he likes to stay home.  But is Ann had her druthers, she'd pack that suitcase and head off Australia and New Zealand.....or the Andes in South America.

Happy February!

Cheers! - Jennifer

My mother and I make up the Olive Street Studio design and sewing team.  I cannot remember my mom NOT sewing or quilting.  Since 2003, we've made chenille and cotton baby quilts, baby gift sets, little girls dresses and skirts, and for a second dimension, reversible tote bags and smaller handbags.  I joined the Quiltsy Team on Etsy in 2010. 
Etsy Shop: Olive Street Studio
Website: Olive Street Studio
Blog: Olive Street Studio on Blogger