Beautiful Collage Quilts from Brenda in Illinois!

Quilter’s Name: Brenda Prince Ford from Grayslake, Illinois

Name of Patterns: Rooster Pattern from Emily Taylor of Collage Quilters; Others Are Original Designs

Featured Date: 12-04-24

Hi, I’m Brenda. In 2019, I taught myself to make quilts! I have also made jewelry, hundreds of Christmas cards and many other projects. In 2024, I realized how many boxes of scraps I have from making so many quilts. I could not bring myself to throw them away, so I began searching the Internet and came across the website of Emily Taylor at Collage Quilters. I instantly fell in love with her beautiful work. She has been so helpful and supportive these past few months. I began by using one of her patterns and then moved on to developing my own. At 71 years old, I finally retired after 20+ years with Zurich Insurance. Best thing I ever did:)

In the first few months of 2024, I made the collages to donate to non-profits for their fundraisers. I have sent the collages to The Turtle Foundation in NC and the Sea Bird Rescue in NC. I have also supported 3 local Pet Rescue groups in the area.

I do not have a website or social media platform at this time.

The projects start with a simple outline on parchment paper (it can be anything, really) and then I start with the details: head, eyes, feet, and then begin to fill in the space. I like vivid colors, so I tend toward blues, purples, oranges, etc. I use Seam N Steam to put on the paper but do not press the fabric together until I am satisfied with the entire project. Once I am happy with the main piece I find a background I like and fuse the piece to the background. I then use batting and another (different) background piece and quilt over the entire piece. once that step is completed, I hand bind it for a finished look.

I have made my own Christmas cards for the past 20+ years and that too has evolved over time.  Last year I hand-embroidered over 75 hearts. This year I have made cardinals using the same collage technique on cards (no quilting).

Thank you so much!

Brenda

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