An interview with Judy Hanson

Judy Hanson also did handwork on the quilt, and even took some of the squares with her on vacation so that she could finish it in time for Phyllis Whitney's birthday!

Q. How long you have been quilting and what got you started?
A. I've been quilting for about 5 or 6 years, although I've been sewing for 30 years. I've always wanted to create quilts as I've been an admirer of the beautiful patterns, designs, and colors. In the beginning, I used a sewing machine to create log cabin-style quilts for my grandchildren. At that time, and due to the use they'd be getting from the children, I used a polyester fiberfill and hand-tying to make the quilts more resilient. Now I'm am hand sewing my quilts and using the more traditional cotton batting.

Q. Is there a particular style of quilting in which you specialize? If so, what do you like about that method?
A. I especially enjoy appliqué because I feel that you can do more with a design -- its all hand quilted and the pieces are so pretty!

Q. How long have you been part of the Friendship Quilt Group and what do you like about it?
A. I have been with them going on three years. Each month we work on squares that result in a finished quilt for one of our members. This gives each of us a new quilt every year! This month, the group is working on my quilt; my third one from the group. We just finished a quilt for another member that looks very old fashioned -- like it came off your grandmother's bed!

Q. What are your thoughts on the book jacket quilt? How was this different from your other quilting experiences?
A. The book jacket quilt was special as it was created for someone special! The challenge of designing quilt blocks from book jackets and making the design recognizable was fun. It was different because of what it was and who it was for -- a tribute to a famous, talented person. Knowing that she likes it and displays it as a work of art pleases me.

Q. I know that you make quilts for your family and friends. Can you tell me about some of them?
A. I have eight grandchildren and I've nearly finished making a log cabin-style quilt for each of them. I've also made lap size quilts for them and for Christmas, I used Christmas fabrics and a warm velour backing on each of them. My oldest grandson still has the first Christmas quilt that I made for him when he was 4 or 5. I enjoy all the different quilts that I create and have a great time with them. Right now, I'm also working on a lap quilt for a neighbor boy who spotted a fire in our yard while we were away and had his mom call the fire department. The quilt design consists of jars on shelves full of bugs, frogs, crayons, and fish. He's allergic to many things so this quilt will bring the outdoors indoors for him.

Q. Is there anything else you'd like to tell me about yourself?
A. Besides quilting, I also knit and crochet, and do a bit of furniture refinishing for my own use. I've been a real estate broker in northern Massachusetts for more than 20 years, and I enjoy golfing and shopping for antiques.

Judy Hanson is delighted to share more of her experiences on quilting and being part of a Friendship Quilt Group. You can reach her via e-mail at gwhanson@attbi.com.

Jane Morrow created the patterns for the quilt and you can read my interview with Jane here.