Pat is a “Jill” of all trades when it comes to quilting – not only does she have a passion for quilting, she is also a pattern designer, fabric designer, author, and podcast show host! Not to mention the owner of the popular quilting blog, PatSloan.com.
She was nominated as a top blogger in National Quilter Circle’s 2015 Blogger Awards competition, and won in the category of Best Traditional Quilting Blog. We wanted to get to know Pat a bit more and learn what fuels her quilting passion. Read on!
National Quilters Circle: How long have you been blogging?
Pat Sloan: I started writing online journals on my website, then created my blog in 2005.
NQC: Do you have any other blogs?
PS: Off and on I have written others. Right now my podcast has its own site so you can see who I’ve interviewed: www.creativetalknetwork.com.
NQC: What do you do when you’re not quilting?
PS: When I’m not working I love to travel and do a bit of gardening.
NQC: When did you start quilting, and who taught you how to quilt?
PS: I took a Learn to Quilt class in 1992, but I have been sewing doll clothes and then my own clothing ever since I was a kid.
PS: I have a whole post about it!
NQC: What are you currently working on?
PS: For myself, I’m working on a challenge and my Birthday Block quilt. For work I’m designing quilts for three major projects this summer – about 20 total quilt projects.
NQC: What quilt project have you been most proud of?
PS: I think my Times Remembered, which is my own personal Baltimore Album quilt.
NQC: What’s your sewing room like?
PS: My studio is the small family room that came with the house. It has a vaulted ceiling, sliding door to the deck, a fireplace (not used), and a counter to the kitchen. It’s small but I keep it tidy.
PS: A Babylock Crescendo
NQC: Describe your dream sewing room/quilting space.
PS: Well it would be MUCH bigger! I would have a place to sit and stitch, a space for all my machines to be up, a display area for finished quilts, and all my working items would be in the room.
PS: I tried a new specialty ruler and liked it. Rulers made for a specific purpose can really improve your enjoyment of doing a technique.
NQC: What’s your best tip for quilters?
PS: Learn to do fusible applique. The freedom to create shapes will astound you! My newest book, Pat Sloan’s Teach Me to Applique: Fusible Applique That’s Soft and Simple, teaches you how.
NQC: What would you say to someone who’s just getting started in quilting?
PS: Try things and never be afraid to make a mistake. You aren’t learning if you’ve not made a mistake!
NQC: Do you belong to any quilting groups, circles, associations, etc.?
PS: I belong to a chapter of my very large local guild. I also am a member of the Modern Quilt Guild, and in the past was a board member of IQA (International Quilt Association).
NQC: Do you have a favorite quilting shop or website?
PS: Usually my “new” favorite is the last one I visited!
NQC: Do you have a favorite pattern designer?
PS: Being a full time designer myself I appreciate so many of the great pattern designers out there!
NQC: Do you have a favorite fabric designer?
PS: I’m also a fabric designer, so my favorites are my fellow designers at Moda!
NQC: Whose quilting are you in love with right now?
PS: I love the longarm quilters that quilt my pieces – they add that extra layer of beauty that I really appreciate.
Want to hear more from Pat? Make sure to check out PatSloan.com to stay up to date with her quilting adventures.
Happy quilting!
Get in touch! Leave a comment or email editor@nationalquilterscircle.com.
Pat does so much for the quilting community in cyberspace. She hosts quilt- a- longs, I joined the Secret Garden QAL. She is very interesting to listen to, and I am glad she does what she does best for my benefit here in Cyber Space!
Pat is a wonderful teacher. If you have the opportunity to take a class do it! Even if her quilts aren't your style you will learn a lot! Even "seasoned" quilters can learn from Pat! ❤️