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I'm Joan Rogers, co-owner of Patchwork Garden. As I'm sure is the case for many of you, I grew up sewing. My mom always had our sewing machine out, sewing curtains, hemming pants-it was really just another household appliance. It wasn't until junior high that I realized the art of sewing (inspired by my teacher, Mrs. Deal). Through her influence, I spent a good portion of my school years focused on clothing production of all sorts, which I have to say was very fun. Little did I know what was waiting for me one sunny afternoon in 1976 in my best friend's kitchen...

Rose, her mother, is an incredible quilter- both hand piecing and quilting. She's a resourceful woman, too, and on this particular afternoon, she was cutting out templates using the lids from Cool Whip containers. I was fascinated. Here she was, making these little shapes and designs so carefully, and piecing them together to make bigger, more beautiful designs. The way the colors and shapes came together amazed me-it really was love at first sight. From that point on, I was hooked. I still am. Deciding what quilt to make, choosing the fabric, cutting and sewing all the pieces together -that is my art, my calling, my passion, and I am so blessed to be able to make it my work as well.

I have been working in the quilt industry for the last 12 years, primarily teaching, both children and adults. It is truly inspiring to be able to pass my love for sewing on to someone else, to see one of the girls in my children's sewing class grin as she finishes a bag, or to see one of my adult students bring a project to fruition, even though she thought it could never be accomplished. Of course, l still enjoy taking classes myself - I love starting new projects and finishing old ones...I guess when you love something this much, you can't ever get enough!

I'm Beverly Phelinger, co-owner of Patchwork Garden. I, too, began sewing as a child with my Aunt Mary. Our first project was a pillowcase and I am still sewing pillowcases. I stuck to making clothing while I was in school, and I dabbled a little in needlepoint and cross-stitch, all of which I enjoyed, but when I finally discovered quilting in the mid-1980's, I knew I was hooked for life. The best part about quilting for me is the piecework-I love putting the individual colors and patterns of fabric together to see what beautiful works of art they can make as a whole. I am so fortunate to have been able to work in this industry, doing what I love, for nine years. In fact, I'd write more to you now, but my sewing machine is calling...

PATCHWORK GARDEN  |  6281 TRANSIT RD.  |  AMHERST, NY  |  14051 | (716) 810-9088  | info@PatchworkGardenQuilting.com