Desire To Inspire: September-ish Edition

Thank you all for participating in the Jaftex 85th Anniversary Blog Hop. We are thankful for having wonderful fans. Special thanks goes to Janome Sewing Machines, Aurifil, Schmetz Needles, American Patchwork & Quilting, Martingale and our talented roster of designers and bloggers for the event. The winners of the giveaway will be announced in a couple of weeks.

For those of you going to Quilt Marktet stop by our special birthday booth for demos by our designers and more celebrations. Stay tuned for more details or sign up for our newsletter to keep up with the latest company news.

We are getting back to our regular schedule around this blog by introducing you to our latest Desire To Inspire challenger. Just a reminder that if you are interested in being a Desire To Inspire challenger, you are welcome to send us a submission for consideration. See details below.

Today we are pleased to present you with the latest Desire To Inspire challenger and project. We sent her Delphine Cubitt's latest collection, Cute As A Button.  

Let's meet our September Desire to Inspire challenger Bethany DeVries.

Where do you live? 

I'm originally from Ontario, Canada, but currently reside in Orangeburg, South Carolina!

Tell us about your family.

BD: I have a wonderful husband of thirteen years, Jim, who doesn't have one creative bone in his body, but supports all my endeavors! He's a keeper, for sure. We have two boys; James is 12 and in seventh grade, and Tobey is 8 and in third grade. With school, band, and football, these two keep us busy, but very happy! 

How long have you been quilting? 

BD:  Well, I've been sewing since I was 10 years old - 26 years! I first started out sewing clothing and was determined to become a fashion designer. But life happened - and that was ok! After James was born, my mom (who had been quilting for years now) persuaded me to try it - I have been hooked ever since! 

What's your favorite technique? 

BD:  Well, learning to chain piece was an amazing discovery! Made things so much easier and faster! But I suppose it's my favorite tool that I can't quilt without: The Angler 2 - best tool out there - I have perfect 1/4" seams every time! 

Who taught you how to quilt?

BD:  I give every ounce of credit for my knowledge of sewing and quilting to my mother, Hattie VanDyk. She is my best friend, quilting buddy and the most amazing quilter I have ever come across. She has her own studio where she quilts professionally on her Gammill Machine. Many projects we have created together in her studio: it is still one of my favorite places on earth.   

Do you belong to any quilt guilds? 

BD:  Nope. I don't. I should be, but a busy life gets in the way sometimes. Hopefully someday I can be :) 

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Thank you so much Bethany! We have enjoyed seeing your project and meeting you too.

Have a great weekend.

- HG