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Quilt Featured: Nova Pieced by: Kathy Myers - Quilted by: Penny Dixon
Shown at: The 2018 Common Threads Quilt Show

Meet Barbara Gurevitz

I recently celebrated my 51st wedding anniversary (as of early 2021). We have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. My history with Common Threads Quilt Guild started in 2013 when I joined, then in 2017 became President.

What's something interesting about you that not many people know?

When I worked outside the home, my area of work was in the mortgage industry starting as a loan processor and working my way up to being a Senior Underwriter.

Hobbies Outside of Quilting

I like to do hand embroidery and machine embroidery; like to travel; like to read; like to collect antique "Candlewick" dishes.

Let's Talk Quilting

We sat down with Barbara and asked her about quilting. She had some great answers to our questions!

How long have you been quilting?

I started sewing clothing at the age of 13 when I took home economics in junior high school. Quilting began about 24 years ago (after clothing patterns didn't conform well) and has become a huge passion of mine. My philosophy about quilting has always been that when I begin a project, I also want to finish it myself. There are only 2 quilts of the many made that I did not quilt myself. I own a longarm - Handi Quilter Avante. I purchased it about 3 years ago after having used a Husqvarna Mega Quilter for at least 20 years.

Who taught you how to quilt?

I basically taught myself how to quilt since I had been sewing for so many years. I started by buying a kit in the Amish community and just started sewing it together.

Why do you enjoy quilting?

I like the variety, the concept, the beautiful fabrics. It helps center me.

Would you ever repeat a quilt pattern you've already made?

I have only duplicated 2 quilts - the first being one I made for my husband when he was ill and the fabric being a song his father sang when he was young. I made the same quilt for his 2 sisters and brother. The other duplicated quilt was a "king" that I broke down into 3 lap quilts because I didn't like the "king" after completing the piecing. I really do not like to duplicate a quilt!

Tell us about your first quilt.

My first quilt was a "Bargello". I saw it at Quilt Beginnings, loved the look of it, and took the class. Little did I know that this quilt had a reputation for not being easy. I thought since I had been sewing for so many years, how hard was it to put "squares" together. I learned so much from this class, and to this day, it is still my favorite quilt. In fact both of my daughters are arguing over who will claim it.