Sheila Craig
What is your first sewing memory?
My earliest sewing memory was when I was about six and a neighbour showed me how to hand sew fabric to make a wallet; I was hooked.
Do you have a sewing mentor or idol?
I didn’t have a sewing mentor or idol, but my grandmother helped nurture my love of sewing and when her sister-in-law was getting rid of an old machine, she asked her to give it to me. Which she did along with a bag of patterns and a lot of tweed wool scraps brought back from Scotland. I had so much fun making patchwork skirts with the wool.
What are you working on right now?
Right now, I’m working on a Baltimore Album quilt — Spring. I’m also making a Maywood tote, pattern by Klum House and going to finish another WIP, my Log Cabin table runner.
Tell us something about you that will surprise us.
Not sure if this will surprise you, but I joined the VMQG in November 2019 with only a small baby quilt project under my belt. During covid I took online classes and have now finished a small 12 block sampler quilt, a king-sized Robert Kaufman pattern and a king sized 42-week mystery challenge quilt and I can now comfortably read a pattern and make most blocks. I can also see the blocks and how they break down on a finished quilt.
What is your favourite colour to sew?
My favourite colours are warm earthy colours — browns, rusts and mossy greens. That said, blue is probably my favourite colour, so I like to incorporate it.
Complete this sentence: ‘I would like to learn to sew/make…
I would like to learn more appliqué techniques and would like to be able to custom quilt one of my projects.
What three pieces of sewing equipment could you not do without?
It’s hard to pick just three favourite sewing tools and I have many, but my ¼" foot, seam ripper and rotary cutter/rulers are always on my table.
Do you like to have multiple projects on the go, or are you a ‘start and finish’ kind of person?
I always have several things on the go because it depends on my mood energy level or if I’m making something for someone or a gift. I’m definitely not a creator who finishes a project completely before starting another.
I love creating and making usable items. I also find being around other creatives energizing and motivating. The VMQG have a lot of very talented members and great leaning programs. I have learned a lot from these past four years and love being part of the guild.
Thanks for stepping into the spotlight Sheila!
