Meet Our Members: Beth Salistean

Everyone, Beth. Beth, everyone. 
Now that introductions are out of the way, let's learn more about Beth. 

Beth Salistean lives and works in Omaha. She has a son at Creighton Prep, a rescue dog named Snickers, and a cat named Birdie. She got into quilting in her early 30's with her sister, aunts, and cousins.  Her sister, Chris Juliano, is her sewing partner in crime. She's been a member of OMQG since January.

Tell us about the first quilt you made. 
My first quilt was in High School for Art class.  I fell in love with the process and it took me about 10 years to come back to it.  It was a pretty small quilt and done in fabrics I would never pick out today.  But I am glad for the experience because of how much I enjoy quilting today.

How would you describe your style? What are your influences? I would describe my style as modern.  I enjoy light, bright, and cheery.  I am influenced by the fabric.  I try and let it tell me what would make it look best.  I also stalk Instagram and Pinterest for ideas.

How often do you sew/quilt?  I usually sew on the weekends.  

What is your proudest quilting moment?

My proudest quilt moment is probably a recent mini quilt I finished for a swap on Instagram. What I had pictured in my head actually translated into the fabric. Now I need to make one for myself :)

What inspires you right now? Any goals or new challenges?

Right now I am inspired by the swaps on Instagram.  I have signed up for a few and hoping I can make all the deadlines. I want to challenge myself creativity and that is one of the reasons I joined the OMQG this year.

What is your best advice for a beginning quilter? Only rule I would follow is the 1/4" seam allowance the rest can be fudged.

Thanks, Beth! Here is a sample of Beth's work. You can see more of her work if you follow her on Instagram at @bsalistean

Meet our Members: Brooke Erickson

Everyone, say hi to Brooke!

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am a Mom with a wonderful family, a terrific husband, and a couple of dogs that really fill my days.  One of the best things I ever did was work in a quilt store. I met so many lovely people and made some fabulous friends. I have been a member of OMQG for 2 years am always inspired every month- if only there was more time!

Tell us about the first quilt you made: The first quilt I ever made was a "puff" quilt.  Each square had layers of flannel and polyester batting in them so they looked like little biscuits and then they were sewn together.  They were so soft!  My son could have cared less about it but my friend's daughter wore out 3! Including my sons!  Boys-I tell you!

How would you describe your style? I would have to say that my style is definitely more modern than anything else.  I really like the negative space for quilting. Oh to have the talent of Angela Waters!

Any quilting fails? There are lots of quilting fails. Part of the growing process. Sometimes when quilting, my head and hands don't speak the same language.  I have learned to be careful when making that bold thread choice- sometimes it bites back. 

Inspiration? Collages.  I am fascinated with Laura Heine collage quilts and am working up to creating my own.....someday. 

What is your best advice for a beginning quilter? My best advice for a beginning Quilter would be to ask questions of everyone. Utilize those quilt shops!  We all have an opinion or a way of doing something that just may click for you. 

Thanks, Brooke!

July Meeting

Just a reminder that our July meeting will be Tuesday, July 11 at 6:30pm at AccuQuilt since the first Tuesday of the month falls on July 4. We will be swapping 1 hour baskets. You can purchase the pattern (it's only $1!) here on Craftsy. The more members that participate the more fun it will be. Remember how much fun we had swapping mini quilts white-elephant style at our December meeting?

Don't forget to bring your show and tell donation items for Youth Emergency Services. We hope to see you there!