Kitka Neyedli
We’re thrilled to shine the light on another one of our talented members — Kitka, sewing instructor, modern quilter and hand embroiderer. You can see more of Kitka’s work on Instagram @madebykitka
When did you join the VMQG?
It’s been a number of years now, five years maybe?!
What do you like about being a member?
Quite simply: the inspiration and friendship.
When did you start quilting, what was your inspiration?
I sewed as a kid, learning from my mom, but there was a big gap before I picked it up again. When my first born was an infant (10+ years ago now) we were invited to a wedding. My husband was to be in the wedding party and so our baby would be a "Jr. Jr. Groomsman." Despite being a sleep- and time-starved new mom, I sewed up a fancy three piece baby-sized suit complete with dress shirt, linen vest and trousers, and a stack of coordinating machine embroidered bibs. A crazy thing to do but I enjoyed the reward of the quiet moments to create, chipping away at the project one stolen moment at a time. After all that effort, the outfit was adorable but worn only once before it was outgrown. So, I switched to making baby and bigger quilts which are happily still in use today.
Fun fact about yourself (quilt-related or not)
Hmm, quilt related: Over the past 7 years, I’ve now taught 250+ classes and 800 students at The Stitchery Sewing Studio in Port Moody. That’s a lot of sewing, quilting and hand embroidery fun! It was the perfect role for me while the kids were still young. Now that the kids are older and my schedule is opening up, I will be transitioning back to other work, however I’ll continue to do the odd class/private tutorial because I love it so much.
Also, once upon a time, I was a sight guide for a blind runner. We ran side by side, linked at the elbow with a band. I used my voice to call out the terrain and the time just flew by. It was an incredible experience I will carry with me forever.
What is your favourite type of quilt to make or design?
I like a graphic punch to my quilts. Lots of negative space to play with and high contrast. My first big modern quilt I made was the Tula Pink "Anchors Aweigh" pattern – I loved the single, bold element of the anchor against the big stripes. It is the very first photo on my Instagram @madebykitka ...some 600+ posts ago.
What lessons have you learned about quilting?
I’m constantly learning, inspired by what my guild mates make, what I see around me, and especially by what my students are doing. Every time I help someone, it seems there is a new little something I also learn, usually starting with a 'why' or 'how'. That really helps to hone the process, backing it out into simple steps to build confidence and momentum. I’ve learned there is no one best way to do something, that if you are happy with it, then it is correct and 'good'. I’ve learned the value of practice, persistence and patience... with the process and myself. I find the process of making as enjoyable as the finished thing. In our big crazy world I’ve found it beneficial for me to dedicate time to slip away into a zone of making. I’ve learned I love the little things, like the sound of the little chako marker wheel on fabric, appreciating the smooth rotation of a fresh rotary blade on a stack of fabrics, seeing a huge pile of freshly chained pieces sitting patiently for my next step in the making process.
What are you working on next?
I have two WIPs I’m currently working on.
WIP #1 is a quilt top with a 'backing' of another quilt top. One side is an EPP medallion in deep purples, blues and blacks with the other side one giant crisp white Moroccan star set into a moody, modern black/purple/blue/green floral print. There are two layers of batting to this one – black cotton and wool. I’ve stitched in the ditch for most of it, up next is some hand quilting then binding.
WIP #2 is an Irish Chain design featuring lots of fussy cut Liberty Tana Lawn squares (so silky and smooth) and a solid teal linen, shot with hints of the same blue and purple as the lawn. Since the design is all squares I’m hand quilting simple large interlocking loops using a delicious teal japanese thread. With all the time put into quilting, it’s important to use the best quality you can get! I started this quilt as a demo this June when I was the featured artist at the Stitchery for the 2024 Port Moody Art Walk. It has wonderfully wobbly hand stitches from members of the public, which I celebrate!
Thanks for stepping into the spotlight Kitka!
