The Purple Pincushion > Info > About
All About Melody
Sewing has been part of my life since my first experiences in a 4H sewing club. The skirt and matching vest I made won a blue ribbon at the county fair and I was hooked for life! For many years I primarily sewed clothing for myself and my family. I've made a 3-piece suit for my husband, down vests for my brothers and of course lots of clothes for my daughter. When my daughter was 3 years old I began sewing for a national child care corporation, making curtains, aprons and items for the housekeeping center for large child care centers all across the United States. I have literally sewed miles of valances!
In recent years I have become interested in quilting. This appeals to my interest in recycling and using scraps and especially as a true woman's art form. Encouraged by my quilting teacher, I began exploring Longarm quilting machines. After taking a short class I decided to purchase my own machine and begin quilting as a business. In the summer of 2003 I purchased my machine and attended Longarm University. This intensive 5 day workshop launched my new business, The Purple Pincushion Sewing Company. I learned about styles of quilting, the tools of quilting on a Longarm machine, and finally learned where to apply the Etch a Sketch skills I acquired as a child!
I continue to develop my skills as a Longarm machine quilter look forward tot eh challenge each new quilt brings. I have a well stocked studio in my home including my long arm machine, sewing machines and a serger, a large ironing table, a cutting table and even my dear old weaving loom where I can use up every little scarp of fabric!
I live with my husband and daughter in a suburb of Portland Oregon and enjoy the view of greenery out of every window. I continue to attend quilting classes to develop my own art and practice new hand guided designs on my Longarm machine all the time.
All About Fanny
Who is Fanny? Fanny is the name given to my APQS Longarm quilting machine. I have developed a caring relationship with her! She takes up one entire room of our house and measures nearly 15 feet by 6 feet! She is a strong working woman! She has a 1/2 HP motor and can stitch 2400 stitches a minute. She does like tender treatment so she is cleaned regularly and sprayed with WD 40 often. She likes to be oiled daily and enjoys being talked to, at least I think she does.
