Pat Sloan Featured Quilter Kim Diehl

I LOVE MY JOB! I am able to chat with the best of the best... Today I'm delighted to interview the much talented and very clever Kim Diehl! You know AND love her work. Traditional with lots of gorgeous applique. Her style has captivated applique and patchwork quilters across the world.

http://www.kimdiehl.com

How/why did you start quilting?

I began quilting after falling in love with a sampler quilt pattern in an American Patchwork & Quilting pattern booklet.  I was just wandering by the quilting table at a local crafting and quilt shop's sidewalk sale, and I was completely smitten.  On impulse, I bought all the tools and gadgets I was told I needed, grabbed what seemed like an exorbitant amount of fabric, and figured out each new step as I came to it.  I was immediately hooked!

What is your favorite quilt thing to do? Why

I love sewing on my binding.  It lets me snuggle under my new quilt and treat myself to some guilty pleasure time while watching TV, and I figure it's my reward for persevering through the cutting stage of my project.  (Laughing)

What does your work area look like .. what is your favorite part of it.. what would you change?

I recently gave my sewing room a complete overhaul and reorganized it beautifully....it took me a few days to remember all of the safe places where I put everything, but I'm humming along now. Some people would look at it and think it's quite small (and they're right!), but I prefer to think of it as cozy.  Everything's within easy reach and I'm able to churn out tons of quilts in this little area.  I especially love my red curtains - they cast a warm glow on everything.....and hopefully make me look younger.  ; )  I love my balance of organization and "debris", which makes it a really fun place to create in. 

What is the last piece of fabric you bought

I most recently bought a beautiful black print from Jo Morton for the border of a quilt I'm currently working on...can't go wrong with Jo!

If you could only pick one word, what would it be?

Accurate!  I try really hard to avoid the "measure twice, cut three times" curse.

 

what was the most interesting trip you have ever taken? Why?

Each year, my husband and I spend a week at the Oregon coast...maybe not the most interesting destination ever, but sitting and looking at the waves while doing nothing at all but sipping a steaming cup of coffee is so soothing.

What’s your motto/advice you live by?

When it comes to quilting, I've decided that any mistake I may make is just an unforeseen opportunity to make things better.

And for FUN

snow or sun? Snow in the sunshine!

What are five things you can’t live without?

Coconut mochas, my family, coconut mochas, beautiful fabric, and more coconut mochas.....

dog or cat? Definitely DOG...I have three of them, and they're total characters.  With their constant companionship and help, it's a complete mystery to me how I get anything done.

Any exciting news?

I've been a busy girl -- my Simple Charm book with Martingale & Company was recently released and I'm blessed to say that it's been really well received, my new Homestyle Quilts book co-authored with my technical editor, Laurie Baker, is due for release in October, and I currently have three fabric lines with Henry Glass in the works.  It's more fun than I can say to spend my days "working" at what most people consider to be a hobby. 

You an buy Kim's book HERE at AMAZON

What is your favorite project?

My favorite project is always whatever new thing I'm working on.  There two different color versions of the block for my new Vintage Berry Blossoms pattern,

which will be available exclusively through my workshops.

What is your favorite spot?

My front porch, all decked out for this year's Fourth of July holiday - I spend a lot of time on my porch dreaming up quilt designs.

And a FUN page at Kim's site - Here is the link to the "Good Clean Fun" page of my website with some recipes, tips, and a handful of free quilting projects! (the tree ornament is here)

http://www.kimdiehl.com/node/23

You can buy Kim's newest book HERE at Amazon

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Have you made one of Kim's quilts?

Suggestions for who you'd like to meet next?

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Comments

[Beth]

Great interview. I was lucky enough to take a class from Kim a couple of years ago.

[Lorna]

I just finished Kim's Bittersweet Briar wall hanging and it is now over my fireplace. I love it and it was so much fun! Thanks for interviewing her...I can relate to the yorkies as I have 3.

[Deb f]

I absolutely LOVE Kim! Thanks for interviewing her Pat. I love her little pooch too- how sweet.

[Shirley in Canada]

I'm not sure I have made one of Kim's quilts, but I know I sure could! I love her style!

[Jacquelynne Steves]

It's always great getting to know more about my favorite designers and seeing what's new. Kim's work is beautiful!

[Brenda]

I love Kim's projects. I was lucky enough to take a couple of classes with her a couple of years ago. She is very sweet and funny. The kind of person who you would feel comfortable sharing a cup of coffee with and chatting away the afternoon while quilting.

[Flatlander (Linda)]

Love her work ... BIG fan!!

[Linda P]

I adore Kim's work and whether you're a quilter or not, I'd get her books just for the photos (I have them all). I could look over them for hours. I love when she posts pics of little Murphy. Great interview, Pat. xo

[Betsy]

I love Kims work. Thank you for spotlighting her today Pat.