VERBENA QUILT / MEET THE TESTERS

I never get tired of saying that without the input of the testers who spend so much time testing and commenting on my patterns, it would not be possible to bring them to light. This part of pattern writing is the most beautiful and rewarding. See how your creation comes to life and how it is interpreted (and in many cases improved) by several people who altruistically dedicate part of their resources to bring this work to a successful conclusion.

Here is a small sample of his work.

Carrie Hauser

lovebuglongarming

Carrie Hauser is the longarm quilter behind Lovebug Longarming, located in Raleigh, NC, USA. When she’s not at a sewing machine, she’s listening to true-crime podcasts and playing with her dog, Maisie. Find her on instagram at LovebugLongarming.

Sarah Speers

kaizmom

I live in Duluth, Minnesota, on the shore of Lake Superior. We have fairly long winters so I’m happy to have some quilts to snuggle under! I’ve been making quilts for four years and I’m sure I’ll be quilting for many more because somehow I have acquired a stash that needs to be used up!

My Grandmother taught me how to sew when I was a child and gave me my first sewing machine. I was away from sewing for many years but am glad to have rediscovered this hobby. She crocheted and knitted many afghans and sweaters, but I like to think she’d be happy to see my quilts.

As a pattern tester for Verbena, I learned a lot (always a good thing). I love this pattern and I have started my second Verbena quilt with a third one swirling around in my head. So I’m a little obsessed with the evening outdoor party!

My name on Instagram is Kaizmom. It doesn’t seem very creative, but I’m including a picture of Kai and me on the lake shore.

Christine Backer

lopolokko

Christine is a quilter from Versailles, France and, as you can see in the photos, she is a master in the combination and choice of printed fabrics for her quilts. You may find her on Instagram @lopolokko and also on her Etsy shop, where she has recently started selling some of her fabulous quilts.

Martina Ludwig

malu27117

From Bonn in Germany, and a proud member of the Modern Cologne Quilters (since 2015); in my day job I work in the international student exchange. I have 3 grown-up children who are living in own apartments.

I love modern quilts with geometric and clean patterns but I also like traditional patterns. Solids are my favorite fabrics and of course low volumnes.

So far I have already made 4 quilts with the Capaquilt patterns and I definitely like the systematic instructions.

Mary Burroughs

embercraftcompany

From sunny California, Mary brings us this elegant version in neutral colours and she chose my favourite colour option for this pattern, the 1-colour one. I tend to use brighten tones, but I have to admit thatI love this mute version! I should try these colours more often!

May Söderlung

fabraholicquilts

From Bonn in Germany, and a proud member of the Modern Cologne Quilters, May loves colours and fabrics and the challenge in rearranging them into something new. She’s created a truly masterpiece combining purples with red and yellow.

Zeïba

sew_special_by_zm

Originally from France, I made a home for my family in the gorgeous English Countryside over 25 years ago.

I started sewing 5 years ago and it quickly became a much needed creative outlet. I initially made bags, lots of bags in cork and tweed and waxed canvas. Like a lot of people Lockdown has been a challenging time which for me resulted in a slight shift in passion, and this has led me to the wonderfully energising world of quilting.

And now I find myself inspired by and passionate about the colours, designs, history (from traditional to modern), texture and skills involved in quilting.