A little about Kathy Manley . . .
How did you learn to sew?
I learned to sew by accident!
Every holiday season, my mother would hole up in her sewing room with the door closed. One day when I was around 10, I opened the door and walked in. She said she was making a nightgown for my sister as a Christmas gift and I could help. I ended up making it pretty much myself. Christmas Day, I find out the nightgown was for me! Sneaky mom!
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What other hobbies do you have?
I love to garden, bake, bead. Love sports too, but that’s not really a hobby.
What is your favorite storage tip for your sewing supplies? fabric stash?
My fabric stash and tools are a mess!
I do, however, keep my threads very neat and orderly. I ordered some plastic storage bins and all thread is grouped according to color.
I keep my longarm in a room separate from my personal sewing space and that room is kept absolutely spotless.
What initially interested you in long arm quilting?
I always loved piecing the tops of quilts but NEVER enjoyed quilting them on my home machine.
I tried using a professional longarmer and was impressed with the results. At around that time, I started taking care of my grandson and a home based business just made sense.
It’s worked out just as I had hoped. I am not making a living out of it, but I never intended to. I work as much, or as little as I like and I love seeing the quilt tops my customers bring in. Amazing!
Are you the kind of quilter that plans everything out ahead of time? Or do you just dive in and start playing with fabric?
When I’m piecing and/or quilting for myself, I like to pretty much just dive in.
My customer’s quilts are pre-planned and thought out. Usually, the pattern or the fabric will tell me what to do. However, there are times, as I’m working on the quilt, when I realize it just needs more. Quilts will tell you – you just need to listen.
When you are in a your creative mood, do you listen to music,watch tv or do you prefer a quiet spot? If it is music, what types do you listen to? If watching TV, what kinds of shows?
When I’m working, I usually prefer quiet. I LOVE music and find it can distract me. I usually end up dancing! (good thing I quilt all by myself!)
What is your favorite tip for sewing? Or do you have a favorite tool to help you succeed at your projects?
I would say my favorite tip would be to learn how to iron and press properly. It can make ALL the difference between a good project and a GREAT project.
Anything else you’d like to share?
If you can, find a group that shares your passion. So many creative passions are solitary endeavors. Sharing with others just make things ever better!
