The Big Hearted Enviana Quilting #passionproject #charity

(Image via myfrenchawakening.wordpress.com)

Ever since watching How to Make an American Quilt and more recently, Alias Grace, I've loved that quilts are imbued with memories and love and history and adventure and all round specialness.

(Gorgeous traditional quilts above clockwise via Jen Kingwell pattern on etsy, @todaysquilter on twitter and www.cabbagequilts.blogspot.com)

Today's post is dedicated to quilting and the wonderful Diana Kraak who recently finished quilting one of the pieces that will be sold for charity in favour of TEARS.

I first met Diana a few years ago when she lovingly quilted a throw I had made up using vintage embroidered tea towels and napkins (yes, I also got all of the tea towels and napkins at charity shops.) She took such care in selecting a design that would work well with the look and feel and her expertise and knowledge about her quilting machine is something to behold.

(The very first vintage tea towel and napkin quilt Enviana made for me)

When I came up with the concept of using fabric samples to make up pieces for charity, she was the first person I thought of because her work is SO BEAUTIFUL. 

I love the idea of using scraps and discarded fabric to make up gorgeous things. The image on the right uses mens dress shirts. (Images clockwise via www.themoernquiltguild.wordpress.com, Pintrest and Pintrest)

Inspired by the French quilting style that I'm crazy for (top right), Diana made up the 100% linen and cotton quilt on the top left. It would be perfect for a double-bed guest bedroom or as a throw to add colour to a country-style lounge (Image right via Pintrest.)

I asked her to give me some background and whereas I'd normally work it into the post, I really loved her answers in interview style.

So, without further ado, I give you Diana Kraak from Enviana Quilting...

FN: How long have you been doing machine quilting 

DK: I started sewing at the tender age of four years old with my grandmother.  Quilting did not interest me until 2002 and then the bug bit. I joined a group to meet people little did I know that it would stimulate a creative passion.

FN: What kind of machine do you use (long arm?)  

DK: Initially I used my sewing/embroidery machine to quilt but my interest in long arm quilting was aroused at a visit to the International Quilt Festival in New Zealand.  It was then that I started researching the subject and this lead me to the purchase of a Nolting Pro24 Longarm Quilting Machine to which I added Intelliquilter, a quilting software.  I was also blessed to become the Southern African Agent for both Nolting and Intelliquilter.  Nolting has a range of machines to serve both the hobbyist and Commercial user.

FN: Do you do quilting yourself? (i.e. putting the little pieces together).  

DK: Yes, I do quilt myself, doing both traditional quilting and just simply using bits and pieces to create some art.  In addition, I enjoy creating whole-cloth quilts.

FN: What do you love most about what you do?  

DK: For me, the love of fabric and colour, seeing the skill of others and being able to enhance their work gives me endless pleasure.  I now work with a group of ladies, teaching the art of quilting.  The reward for that is seeing their eyes light up as they too realise that they are capable of learning new skills and creating items using scraps of fabric.

FN: What is the best way for people to get in touch with you? 

DK: My mobile number 0833883444, website www.envianaquilts.co.za; facebook: EnvianaQuilting Studio.

In addition to being a "Master Quilter", Diana's other passion is Toastmasters. She is passionate about the supportive learn-by-doing environment that it fosters, resulting in improved communication and leadership skills. She gets much joy out of seeing the transformation of people as they home their skills and how this translates to their live as their self-confidence grows.

Thank you so much Diana for your big heart and eagerness to help. You are an absolute LEGEND!!! 

Till next time nerds
x

The Epic and Wonderful Diana Kraak.