Our Member Spotlight this time is Elizabeth Schneider. The Spotlight is a way to learn a little about each other and our shared love of quilting. And, each Spotlight member gets time at the next meeting to be, well, in the spotlight and share some of her favorite modern quilts or other works.

How did you first got involved in with Boise Modern Quilt Guild?
Elizabeth: I got involved in the Boise Modern Quilt Guild after I moved back to Boise in 2020. I had been following the guild on social media before we moved.

What’s your first memory of something related to quilting or sewing?
Elizabeth: My grandmother made most of my clothes growing up. Once I learned to sew in junior high we would spend about an hour each Sunday morning after church working on one of my garment sewing projects.

What’s your most memorable, or favorite, quilting project?
Elizabeth: I really enjoyed doing Cinco De Mayo, Karen Stone’s paper piecing project as a block of the month. I had a friend in another state working on it at the same time.

How would you describe your quilting design style or aesthetic?
Elizabeth: I think “modern traditional” fits my style. I have done modern, traditional and art quilting.

What colors, shapes, fabrics do you gravitate to? What do you use most in your designs?
Elizabeth: I like bright colors. Fabrics include Tula Pink, Valori Wells, Violet Craft, Kaffe Fassett. In terms of shapes I have quite a few house designs plus scrap quilts.

Is there someone or something that has influenced your quilting?
Elizabeth: The guilds I have been a part of have been the biggest influence by whom they bring in as speakers.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?
Elizabeth: I’m also a musician. I play flute and sing in church choir and play English handbells.

What do you do when you aren’t quilting?
Elizabeth: Too many things! I work part-time writing grants for the Idaho STEM Action Center. I am trying to improve my tennis game. I also make cards. And make music.

What are you working on now?
Elizabeth: I’m working on trying to finish Sue Spargo’s 2020 Block of the Month lite, Chirp. I’m also getting a head start on a graduation gift quilt.

What’s the project that you always intended to do (quilting or otherwise) but haven’t yet?
Elizabeth: I want to remake the dress my grandmother wore at my Mom’s wedding in 1961. I have the dress (it’s very cool with a Mad Men vibe) but I’m not her size. I found the Vogue pattern through an online pattern database several years ago and bought it from an Etsy shop for $75!

What’s the longest-lasting UFO in your collection?
Elizabeth: A Dresden Plate wall hanging that I started in 1995. It’s partially machine quilted. The colors are not me.

Do you have a preferred snack or beverage while you’re sewing? If so, what is it?
Elizabeth: Beverages depend on the time of the day and range from coffee or tea to an occasional glass of wine in the evening. I don’t snack while sewing.

What do you listen to or watch while you’re sewing? Do you have any recommendations to share?
Elizabeth: I listen to public radio and depending on time of day it might be classical, jazz, or news. I really like Echoes in the evening.