Marilyn is a prolific quilter and enthusiastic member of our Guild. Be sure to scroll down for photos of Marilyn’s handiwork.
How did you first get involved with Boise Modern Quilt Guild?
Marilyn: My good friend Laura Pukstas suggested we attend a meeting and join. I usually do what Laura suggests so I joined. I’m very happy that I did because I have met so many interesting people.
What’s your first memory of something related to quilting or sewing?
Marilyn: When I was in the 6th grade, I received a Barbie doll and a canopy bed for her. I decided she needed a new bedspread and canopy topper so I got on the bus in Waterloo, Iowa and rode it to J.C. Penney to buy some fabric. I had never used a sewing machine but how hard could it be. My dad helped me with the threading and away I went. When it was time to add “puffiness” to the quilt I didn’t know what to use so I went downstairs to the dryer and cleaned out the dryer lint for the batting. I still have the quilt the topper, and canopy bed.
What’s your most memorable, or favorite, quilting project?
Marilyn: When I was in high school my mother suggested we make a quilt out of the leftover fabric from dresses I had made. My mother sewed up the whole quilt and had the ladies at church tie the quilt. There were a few blocks leftover that I recently made into 2 table runners for my daughters. Both of my daughters love the quilt that my mom made.
How would you describe your quilting design style or aesthetic?
Marilyn: Whatever I find interesting at the moment. I do like a challenge, it’s hard for me to make the same block over and over again; sampler quilts are a favorite.
What colors, shapes, fabrics do you gravitate to? What do you use most in your designs?
Marilyn: I love bright colors, blues and greens, oranges and reds, nothing drab. Tula Pink and Elizabeth Hartman fabrics are my favorites. I enjoy using Kona when it comes to solids.
Is there someone or something that has influenced your quilting?
Marilyn: My dear friend Laura has had a definite impact on my choices – she pushes me to try new things.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
Marilyn: I enjoy putting weird fabric on the back of quilts – skeletons on the back of a floral for example.
What do you do when you aren’t quilting?
Marilyn: I might be taking a nap or having a glass of wine.
What are you working on now?
Marilyn: Currently I’m working on Moda Blockheads every Wednesday, a row-by-row quilt using Bonnie and Camille patterns, finishing a quilt top that contains hand embroidered blocks from the 1930s, to name a few.
What’s the project that you always intended to do (quilting or otherwise) but haven’t yet?
Marilyn: I want to make a double wedding ring using new technology. Still hopeful.
What’s the longest-lasting UFO in your collection?
Marilyn: My oldest UFO is about 30 years old. It’s made from mostly JoAnn’s fabrics before I knew about real quilt shops.
Do you have a preferred snack or beverage while you’re sewing? If so, what is it?
Marilyn: I always have a mug of water by my side, I snack on something crunchy like pretzels or crackers, Starburst jelly beans, a glass of wine…
What do you listen to or watch while you’re sewing? Do you have any recommendations to share?
Marilyn: I have a tv in my studio so I turn it on – HGTV, Lifetime, Hallmark, anything mindless. Sometimes I put on an old movie. I recently had on True Lies, and The Tourist.
