Susan Ziegler

San Diego, California

All photos courtesy of Susan Ziegler.


Susan, tell me about your start into quilting.

I started quilting about 10 years ago.  Self taught, yikes, I have learned so much since then!

I had always sewn out of necessity.  I wanted cool clothes in Junior High and High School, so I made them.  I wanted a gorgeous wedding gown, so I made it.  I have made baby clothes, kids clothes, curtains, pillows, bedding, just about everything!  My dear friend Kathy was quilting and thought I might enjoy it, too.  We are now quilting maniacs!

 

Where do you live?

I live in San Diego, California.  But, my heart is in Texas!  I love the country life.

Tell me about your family.  What do they think about your quilting?

I am married to the most wonderful, handsome, and incredible man in the world.  We have two teenage boys, ages 16 and 14.  They see quilting as “what I do”.  My husband contributes advice (he is an artist).  My older son has even designed a quilt pattern for me.  They are all artistic, and view what I do as a creative outlet.

What other hobbies do you have besides quilting? 

Who has time for other interests!  I can tell you I like to garden and read, but with being a full time quilter...my flowerbeds suffer.  I would rather play with fabric!  I do keep up on all the quilting magazines (that probably doesn’t count).

 

What inspires you creatively?

COLOR!  I have always loved the way colors worked together, in nature, fabric, whatever!  To me, everything can be seen in an abstract manner.  Anything can be broken down into color and pattern.

 

What is your favorite color?

LIME GREEN!  To me it is so fresh and happy.  After that, I love yellow and orange.

 

What’s your favorite color scheme in a quilt? 

I have learned to appreciate all color schemes.  I myself love earth tones in quilts or thirties prints.  Probably because they remind me of my family’s homes while I was growing up and are comforting.

 

What is your favorite part of the quilting process?

The planning stage.  When I am playing with fabrics and watching how they play off of each other.  I love the pattern writing – all the math!  I love making it work.

 

Do you enjoy machine quilting?

Heck no!  There is no shame in sending it out!

 
I machine quilt small quilts or projects, but most of them I send to my long arm quilter friend (Liz Henselmeier) for quilting.  She is so creative and does a beautiful job!

 


Has quilting ever helped you through a time of struggle or heartache?  Can you share about that? 

I began designing patterns and seriously quilting right after my daddy died in June 2001.  He had been ill for some time and I had spent many days with him.  I have a need to be busy all the time, and now with school out (I was not working) and daddy gone, I needed something to occupy my mind!  I started writing quilt patterns and making quilts.  I created 8 patterns that summer.  I know he would be so proud that I took my talents and built a business out of it.

 

What is your favorite quote or motto?

“Let go, and let God.”   Attention all you power/control freaks out there (myself included) – we have to give it over and trust that God knows our purpose and will show us the way.  I lean big time on my faith, in every part of my life.

 

Do you collect certain types of fabrics, quilting tools, gadgets, or supplies?

I am so anti-gadget.  I have only 3 rulers, a cutting mat, a rotary cutter, and a shape cut plus.  I do collect Thimbleberries fabrics and thirties.

 

Do you plan out your whole quilt before you begin or do you start with an idea and let it develop on its own?

I plan my quilts completely before I start.  I write the pattern first.  Make the quilt from the pattern, adjusting as needed.

 

Do you work in a series with your quilts?  Please explain. 

Right now I am on this “8 fat quarters” kick.  I have been working on quilt patterns that only use 8 fat quarters for the top, no other fabric needed.  I love the challenge! Again, more math!

 

Do you daydream about quilts while you are doing other things? 

Doesn’t everyone?  I see quilting designs all the time.  At night, if I can’t sleep, I will design new blocks in my head, do the math, until I fall asleep.  If men think about sex every 10 seconds, I think about quilting every 9!

 

Is your best friend a quilter?

Heck, ya!  Who else would I share all my quilting ideas with!  Without Kathy, I wouldn’t have started quilting, writing patterns, or have my business.  Her enthusiasm and energy have blessed me beyond words. 

 

Do you ever teach classes?  What is your favorite class to teach?

Yes, I love teaching quilting classes, although I am not a good beginner teacher.  I tend to teach shortcuts and different ways to do things.  My favorite class to teach is when we are using the “paper bag” method of quilting.  We pull strips from a bag as we sew…you must use what you pull out!  I love to help quilters learn to let go and trust that the quilt will work out.  There is a good life lesson in there, too.

 

Is there a quilting technique, pattern, color combo, etc. that you’ve been dreaming of, but haven’t tried yet? 

I would love to learn to appliqué and hand quilt.  Maybe at some point my life will slow down enough to enjoy it.  At this time, there are too many fabrics, and too many quilts waiting to be made!

 

Do you have any tips or advice for beginners?  What do you wish you would have known when you started quilting?

That you will get better as you go, all quilts are worthy of being used.  Just as we are works in progress, so are our quilting talents.

 

Do you have any suggestions for quilters who are trying to fit more quilting time into their day?   

There is a saying on my website: “Sometimes a bubble bath, sometimes quilting”.  We need to set aside time to quilt.  It is as relaxing as anything else we do.  I skip gardening to quilt, I skip TV to quilt, I skip deep cleaning the bathroom to quilt – get my drift?  I understand a busy lifestyle; I am there with you!  I always suggest getting a kit or fat quarter pack to start.  Don’t invest in a room full of fabric!  Maybe cut out your quilt one night.  Maybe strip piece a little one night.  Take baby steps, set small goals.  There is no timetable for quilting, so don’t pressure yourself!

 


Math Girl to the rescue!!  I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Susan Ziegler as much as I have.  I love her bubbly enthusiasm and total honesty!!  I think you’ll love Susan’s website, too:

www.quiltintia.com