“What a nice surprise! Come inside!”
Vreni welcomes us today in her studio. She is here almost every day working on her projects.
Vreni, when did you start quilting?
About 25 to 30 years ago, I passed by a shop in Basel. As soon as I stepped in, I had the feeling, that this was the perfect hobby for me.
I attended a class with Karin and made my first quilt.
How did it turn out?
My first quilt was green, pink and brown for our bedroom. I never liked it too much. That is why, some years later, I tore it apart and made a small quilt for my cat. And – what a surprise! – my cat was really happy with it!
How did you discover Cotton & Color?
I was on my way back home by tram, when I saw, that there was a sign on a garden fence for this shop. I immediately told my husband, that I needed to go there! I still remember your daughter Ida, she was 3 years old then. I liked the shop, because it was small but cozy.
What are your favorite designers?
When I started, I just knew Amish, Debbie Mumm and Thimbleberries. Today, I really like the Country style like Lynette Anderson and Nordic colors from Tilda. I really really don’t care for modern patchwork.
I heard, that you have a particular tradition when making quilts!
When I finish a quilt, I always use the scraps to create a matching bag. So it has its own “home” (and it’s also better to store them). It is also nice to use them as pillow cases.
Everybody asks me: ‘What are you doing with all these large quilts?’ I have to confess, that I don’t like to make tiny handmade objects! They make me nervous!
What is your favorite sewing technique?
I mainly sew by machine, but I always try to add a personal touch by sewing by hand.
Could you tell about your other hobbies?
I enjoy embroidery from time to time. I also have this habit of decorating: four times a year, I “dress” my home according to the season! When you will come back in December, you will find my home full of Christmas quilts, candles and nits (small dwarfs from Denmark). Sometimes, I do an Open House and everybody is welcome to take a look!
And how about your husband, does he help you with the decorations?
Actually, he really enjoys it! I always make sure, that he has got his little space to escape… I already occupy 90 percent of our space. 🙂
Does creativity and patchwork run in the family?
My brother is a painter. My twin sister Denise loves to quilt. Her daughter Pia, who now lives in Salt Lake City, works as an interior designer and is very gifted! Pia took an old Swiss sewing machine with her.
What patchwork projects are you planning, right now?
Look at this book! I want to make this little doll! When I will go to our cottage in Denmark, I will bring with me this quilt top to finish while I am there.
We cannot wait to see the Christmas decoration!
Astrid
