MAKER-GIVER SERIES Part 2 of 2. Quilter Linda has made more than 40 quilts this year … most of which are in the grateful hands of others. Check out some of her 2015 Collection.
Photo Creds: Linda Laird (Part 1 and Linda’s scenic photos here)
“You will find yourself giving most of your creations away too. It feels so good when you give one to someone and they use it.”
– Linda Laird
BIG HEARTED & Poodle Doodles: Free-Motion Machine Quilter Linda receives “centers” from other volunteers, then makes them into quilts for precious preemies through the Angels Quilt Project. Cross Stitch Center: Judi Peterson
God created, sew should we.
“I believe we all have a gift of creativity in one form or other and it would be wrong of us to keep these talents to ourselves,” says Millington, Tennessee quilt maker Linda Laird.
This year the proliferate quilter has lived out her personal passion by making more than 40 quilts, most of which she has gifted to others.
Linda has also created “about 20” American Girl Doll outfits. She is an avid photographer, published author (Oreo’s Journal) and border collie flyball competitor.
“I have made lots of little dog crate quilts and a few wall hangings but my lap size and baby quilts and crib sets have taken me to new heights of productivity this year.”
Fetch! Linda created and donated this pillow and accompanying quilt a charity auction. The set fetched $1,200 to benefit a no-kill shelter.
The talented machine quilter’s generous heart has touched Angel Quilt Project (AQP) preemies and their families, chemotherapy patients, k-9’s, personal friends and family.
“Some of the quilts I’ve made were for herding trials or flyball raffles … dog people love anything with dog-related fabrics or themes.”
“I made a lot of quilts as gifts for people battling cancer. They take the quilts with them for chemo treatments. The quilt I made for a flyball teammate’s mother was the most rewarding. She took it to every treatment. I found out after her treatments she is now cancer free,” Linda said.
Custom Comfort: Linda made this quilt for a chemotherapy patient. “They like to take them along to treatments.”
To design her creations Linda takes inspirational cue from the eventual quilt owners’ interests or life work. Linda’s friends also inspire her creations.
“Flip Flops”
“I made several quilts as gift to friends this year,” she said referencing one she made for a high school chum who wears flip-flops year round. “I found a cute appliqué and made the most colorful quilt for her. She was totally surprised.
Linda’s friend cried and said “I can’t believe you made such a special gift for me. I love it!” For Linda, that made the time and energy she put into the quilt “so worthwhile.”
Block Exchange: Linda’s Quilt-Along Sampler, made together with a friend block exchange.
“There is no better satisfaction than when a quilt is finished and I am pleased with the results of my efforts. When I give the quilt to who it’s made for and they’re happy with the results, my heart does a leap and my pride and confidence grows,” Linda said.
“It’s addictive, that feeling, very addictive and I can’t wait
to start another quilt.” Linda Laird.
“Peggy’s Quilt”. Linda also does consignment quilts, many for friends she’s known for decades. This Dresden Plate beauty has a companion quilt. because Linda’s friend asked her to make a “sister” quilt for gifting to her sister. The quilts have different sashing, borders and quilting design but but duplicated ‘petals’ of the same fabrics.
Linda’s Vitals
Married: High School Sweetheart, Kenny.
Linda’s & Kenny’s Fam: Two adult sons, three grandkids, pooches Bailey and Oreo.
Home: Countryside near Millington, TN
Years Quilting: About 14. Lifelong seamstress.
Equipment: A Singer and a Bernina Quilters Edition
Prewash or Not? Not usually.
Swears by: Fuzion erasable pens
Style: Traditional with an occasional venture out of the the comfort zone.
“English Garden” Best of Show: This Linda Laird consignment creation was fashioned using ribbons earned from the consignee’s success in the show dog arena. This quilt netted Linda Best in Show accolades at the Ripley Quilt and Needlecraft Show.
“Little Black Sheep”. 1st Place, Traditional Machine Quilting, Ripley’s Quilt and Needle Craft Show. Linda’s gift to Linda.
Adorable! Baby Shower Quilt: Gifted for Little Boy’s Room.
God created, sew should we. [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.] Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]
Christmas Idea: If you liked this story, you might also enjoy our review of The Quilt Maker’s Gift.
