Quilters We Love: Susan Randall

Meet Susan Randall, an experienced quilter, quilt instructor, and member of the National Quilters Circle Ambassador program! We sat down with Susan and asked her to share a little about herself and her quilting.

A recent retiree, Susan worked as an Assistant Athletic Director for Business operations at the University of Maine for 44 years. During that time however, she was not only working, but teaching quilting classes, working on quilt projects for others, and quilting for herself. After retiring in June 2015, Susan says she now has been able to do so much more with her time, and loves it!

With her newly acquired time, Susan continues to be an avid quilter and quilting instructor. She currently is teaching two adult quilting classes. These classes are a combination of her “regular ladies” that continue to come back to Susan’s programs, as well as many new beginners. In addition, Susan teaches children’s classes from time to time.

Now, let’s get on with the questions!

How long have you been quilting, and who taught you how to quilt?
I am a self-taught quilter and have been quilting for approximately 30 years now.

What was your first quilt project?
I actually don’t remember! When I first began quilting, I started by cutting templates and ripping strips, so it was most likely a quilt with squares.

What do you like to do when you’re not quilting?
When I’m not quilting, I’m usually teaching, or playing with my grandchildren.

What are you currently working on?
Right now I am working on multiple quilts (isn’t every quilter?). My favorite is a paper pieced star, which is a technique I have taught many times.

What quilt project have you been most proud of?
I put my all into every quilt I make, so I am proud of all them!

Have you ever entered any contests or competitions? What was the outcome?
Yes, I have put two quilts into the Maine State Show, and they both received second place.

What’s your sewing room like?
I don’t just have a sewing room, I have a sewing building!

What kind of sewing machine do you have?
Personally, I use a Bernina and a Viking. But, I also have 6 basic Vikings that I use for the kid’s classes I teach.

Describe your dream sewing room/quilting space.
I love my space. My only problem is that I have run out of room… I have a HQ Avante and 12-foot frame in my studio and they take up a lot of space. My husband is going to try to find a way to help me expand next spring.

Do you belong to any quilting groups, circles, or associations?
Yes, I belong to the Maine State Quilt Guild.

Do you have a favorite quilting shop or website?
Love them all!

Do you have a favorite pattern designer?
Eleanor Burns’ patterns are the best. I use her Winning Hand pattern for my beginners, as the directions are the best and VERY easy to follow.

Do you have a favorite fabric designer? What is your favorite fabric to use?
Batiks!

Whose quilting are you in love with right now?
I’d have to say Angela Walters.

What’s a new technique or trick you learned recently?
At the Maine State Quilt show, I learned a way to use Elmer’s School Glue to put on binding with pins.

What quilting tip has changed your life?
I bought an Accuquilt and it completely changed the way I cut my fabric. I advise any quilter by a cutting device if possible!

What would you say to someone who’s just getting started in quilting?
DO NOT GET FRUSTRATED! There is nothing that cannot in some way be fixed if you make a mistake. Believe in yourself and do not be too critical of your work.

A great big thanks to Susan for sharing her quilting story with us! Want to join Susan as a National Quilters Circle Ambassador? You can apply here.

Happy quilting!


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2 Responses to “Quilters We Love: Susan Randall”

  1. Gwendolyn

    I’m new no quilt yet. Plan on starting with a simple small doll quilt. Any suggestions?

  2. Shirley Shanno

    I have trouble getting my quilt on straight on my frame. I would love some tips for this. Thanks Shirley