Meet Connie Keller
July 31, 2008Every day I know there will be something exciting happening because I work with such a diverse group of people. Today, I want you to meet Connie Keller from Texas. She is a sales rep and quilts on two Millenniums and a Liberty. If you ever have a chance to meet Connie in person you'll find that she is bubbly and cheerful all of the time. I recently learned about what she does with her tables and it so reflects the happiness in her life. Check out these pictures! Who wouldn't be happy all day if you were surrounded by such happy colors. Her zippered leaders are color-coordinated for each machine.
HK: Where do you live?
CK: My family and I (Todd, Emily, Jed and Will) live in Krum, Texas, a small community just a little north of Denton, Texas. We have a small piece of the pie there, where we have: 1 horse, Beauty; 1 goat, Margo; 5 dogs, Buffy, Maggie, Sallie, Lillie and Marley. We also have 10+ cats depending on the season J and 40+ chickens and ducks (they are so cute).
HK: Where do you quilt?
CK: I share a studio with my partner in crime Krissy Brawner (quilter extraordinaire) at Quilt Country, in Lewisville, Texas. I teach classes, rent the machines, and have SEW much FUN! SEW FUN is my business name. I do not have any machines at home because that is all I would want to do and my family still thinks they need me to cook and clean and weird stuff like that!
HK: How long have you been quilting?
CK: I made my first quilt at 11 for my new little brother. So almost 10 years now, give or take 30 years.
HK: Your favorite part of quilting is?
CK: The whole part. I just love it!
HK: How long have you been long-arm quilting?
CK: I have been long arming for 13-15 years, but FULL-TIME for 4 now!
HK: Why did you start quilting?
CK: I used to do weddings--the brides dress and the bridesmaids--but when I had kids the floor was no longer mine.
HK: What and who inspire your creativity?
CK: Everything and everybody. I was sitting in church one day and saw a pattern on a guy’s shirt and from that designed one of my most favorite patterns… it is all right there in front of me. And Krissy Brawner, my partner in crime, is way totally awesome! I depend on her for constructive criticism and to help me “keep it real.”
HK: What would you do if you had an entire day to your self without interruptions?
CK: An entire day without interruptions, responsibilities or phone calls…that would just be too weird…I need some distractions to keep me working under pressure…ya know! But IF I could have that day, I would just keep on quilting…the whole process!!!
HK: What are three things we can always find in your fridge?
CK: MILK, FRESH EGGS from my sweet chickens, and hot sauce.
HK: When you are at the long arm, what happens when to get you in the groove?
CK: I get the job done! It feels so good to be in the groove and it motivates me to keep on keeping on!
HK: When you're not quilting, what do you do for fun?
CK: I love to cook for my family and for the annual Christmas party we have (going on 19). I am putting up jam in the summer, breads in the fall. I garden just a tiny bit, and I love to be with my kids!!!!
HK: What quilt do you dream about making?
CK: IT would be so incredible to do an hand appliqué quilt, something with loads of flowers on it and extremely colorful. Lots of awesome embellishments. But it is a dream because if I am sitting still that long I am sleeping not doing hand work!
HK: Do you publish your own patterns?
CK: Yes, I have 20 patterns that I am proud to say, “I DID IT!”
Quilt 1
"Triple Trouble" was designed and made by Connie Keller.
Quilt 2
"Let's Go" was designed and made by Connie Keller.
Quilt 3
Connie's friend Carol Morrissey designed "Blue Chicken," but Connie had to make one for her blue-and-white kitchen.
Connie, right, and her friend Carol.
To learn more about Connie and her work, you can contact her at conniequilts.qc@verizon.net or visit www.quiltcountry.com.
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