Desire to Inspire - May Challenger's "Off the Beaten Path"

Our challenger for the May "Desire to Inspire" challenge was given Amy Hamberlin's collection #Laugh Love Quilt.  Here is what she has come up with for her project, and also a quick interview to share a little bit about her. Meet May's challenger, Jean Kritenbrink, from Council Bluffs, IA. 

Here are some of her 'getting started' pictures: 

And then this: the quilt she has designed and created is called "Off the Beaten Path." 

Feast your eyes on this beautiful quilt! 

Isn't it gorgeous? The challenge is not easy because Jean only had about 3.5 weeks to see what fabric she is working with, come up with a design, piece it, and then she quilted it! Such lovely work, Jean! 

HG: Tell us a little bit about yourself: 

Jean: I am married to my husband, Art, and we have three daughters, Angie, Wendy and Rachel.  I grew up on a farm not far from here, but have lived in Council Bluffs, IA most of my adult life and enjoy the small city atmosphere.  I work for a local elementary school as a library clerk so I get to read good kid’s books and get paid for it!

HG:  How did you start sewing and quilting? 

Jean: My mom loves to sew and started teaching me at a young age. She eventually began quilting, so when I started my first quilt I went to her for advice and help. I have also learned a lot from reading books and magazines and have taught myself many techniques. My mom and I still like to sew together and we have family sewing days when I visit. Several of my sisters quilt and now some of my nieces are working on projects. It’s fun to see the interest in the next generation. My father doesn’t sew, but enjoys woodworking, which has included many quilt racks and shelves!

HG: What do you like to do with your craft now? 

Jean: I have been teaching quilt classes for about twelve years.  I started designing samplers and other projects to teach my students different techniques and found I loved the creative outlet it gave me. Challenges like this one are great as I enjoy trying to design a quilt while working within stated parameters. I love trying out new techniques and specialty rulers as well. Several of my designs have appeared in McCall's publications.

HG: Anything else we should know about you, or that you would like to share?

Jean:  You can see what I am working on and photos from the classes I teach by visiting my blog, Jean’s Quilting Page at quiltinjeanie.blogspot.com. 

Please leave a comment below on Jean's work. And also... come back to the blog tomorrow to see what's in store for the June "Desire to Inspire" challenge.