Spotlight: Marci Baker, Quilt Designer and Teacher

How did you get started designing quilts? Always an artist, or was there a “moment”?

I sewed clothes for myself beginning at age 11. I found quilting when I couldn’t get passed wearing size 12 clothes. Physically I was no longer a 12, but mentally I wouldn’t buy a pattern larger than a size 12.

To satisfy my need for sewing, I found quilting. The more I got into quilting, the more I realized I had been making quilts since I was 9- a doll quilt, a repurposed scout sleeping bag, wall hangings for my high school student lounge and more.

What do you do differently? What is your signature that makes your work stand out as yours?

I have always been intrigued by tumbling blocks. I learned how to make them with hand-piecing and thought there has to be an easier way. My math background helped me figure it out. And it wasn’t to just to add a seam. The technique that makes it easier is to strip-piece, cutting only two shapes per block and then sewing them together.

Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?

Most of my designs are traditional with a twist based on how they are pieced. Grandmother’s Flower Garden, and six pointed stars are designs that I strip-piece. I cut the same number of pieces for Grandmother’s Flower Garden. I call them “hexalongs” and sew them with straight seams, there are no set ins.

Techniques are definitely my forte. I have found what matters most for success and focus on those techniques including easier rotary cutting, binding techniques, foundation paper piecing, set-in seams, and more.

What is the most important takeaway you want readers to gain from your book(s), especially your new title, 3-D Magic! Simple Blocks, Striking Quilts?

For this book, the central concept is the importance of value in effective design. Value is the structure that makes the whole of the work. Color adds a feeling or emotion to the design.

Sara Nephew is my co-author for this book and others. She designs the quilts, we have other quilters test the patterns for us, and then I work on the technical instructions. Her background is art and mine is math. We have found our complimentary skills make it great to work with each other.

When it comes to creating, are you more of a planner or an improviser?

I would say I am a planner. I find that I will ponder many of my ideas for months or even years. Only when they are ready to be developed does it come together.

And with strip-piecing, you have to make some decisions about what the final work will be before the strips are cut and sewn. So this definitely makes me a planner, just not on a fixed schedule.

How do you manage your creative time? Do you schedule start and stop times? Or work only when inspired?

I work when I have the desire, time, and energy. Those conditions don’t always line up so my work can be sporadic. And when the desire isn’t there and a deadline looms, it isn’t that much fun. 

Are you a “finisher”? How many UFOs do you think you have?

I am a finisher with some things in my life, but quilting projects may not be one of them. I have heard, that just because it is not a finished project, doesn’t mean it isn’t done!

Sometimes, just trying the concept and realizing it wasn’t for me is a completed project. I probably have 30 to 40 projects that I have started and I would like to complete someday but have been put away for when I retire. 

Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?

I have my office with computer, sewing table, work table, cutting/pressing area, and shelves with bins of fabric. It used to be my son’s bedroom. Then I have my new used Gammill long arm machine in the basement. The space was cleared for this and we added shelves for all of my quilt samples, and another sewing table. The space underneath is full already. And I have a pressing and cutting surface where normally would be the pantograph. I use both spaces about the same amount right now.

What are the indispensable tools and materials in your studio? How do they improve your work?

I have to have my Sewing Edge, Cutting Edge, and Corner Cut tools. These are tools that I developed for providing consistent cutting and sewing.

Recently I was on a cruise where I could not set the machine up with these tools. And I found that I can not sew a straight line at all. Sewing Edge is like using a stack of masking tape or moleskin, except it is vinyl and will not wear out, or catch threads since there is not layers of sticky.

I use the Corner Cut 60 to get a perfect scant 1/4’’. Recently, I had a shop owner (who has sewn for over 50 years) tell me “These tools are a game changer! My sewing is so relaxing!”

Do you use a sketchbook or journal? How does that help your work develop?

I am not organized enough to carry a journal. I try and do you know how many books I have that have 2-3 pages and then nothing else? Too many.

How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?

I have many projects going on at one time. The unfortunate part of the way my brain works, is that if I can’t see it, I forget about it. So everything is out all of the time until it is finished, and I take time to put the pieces away.

Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?

My work is a technique. Currently I am writing a book on binding, The Quilt Binding Bible published by C&T, with a projected release date of January 2025. I am trying small snippets of many different techniques. While I am sewing one, I figure out ways to make the results consistent and easy. I find joy in seeing new ways and knowing that success is possible.

Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?

My favorite part is coming up with the idea and planning the details. Following through to a finished project can be challenging.

I did a design for foundation piecing a Flower Patch. It has nine different flower blocks and then a border with a vine that includes leaves and buds. There are probably 50 vine units around the quilt. They were boring and I could not focus to get it finished. I had a few friends who helped me complete the project. 

What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?

The best motivator for me is teaching. When I am teaching I get excited about what students can do with the simplified methods and tools that I show in class.

A lot of quilters think that 60 degree designs are too hard. In fact they are about the same as 45 degree but not as pointy – so they may actually be easier. When I have students interested in what I have to offer, I am ready to keep going. So if anyone is needing a teacher for their guild, send them my way. I have traveled across the US, much of Canada, to Brazil, and to Dubai and Oman. 

Where can people see your work?

I have several books published by C&T Publishing, ABC 3-D, Tumbling Blocks…and More, Not Your Grandmother’s Log Cabin, Stack & Cut Hexagon Quilts, Wonderful One Patch, and 3-D Magic! Simple Blocks, Striking Quilts.