Interview with a Teaching Artist: Carol Devins
How old were you when you started sewing? My mom was a seamstress and I learned how to sew when I was about 10 years old. I was already doing embroidery and had learned how to knit a little. All taught by my mom.
Where do you most like to work? I have a sewing studio that—depending on how cluttered it is—should be my favorite place, but honestly, I love going on sewing retreats where I can sew with friends.
Where do you get your materials? Any tips and tricks for what to look for when selecting materials? I buy fabrics almost anywhere, but I love a bargain. One of my go to places is Mardens in Sanford, Maine. Prices are great and they seem to have decent quality fabric. I’m always looking for high quality fabrics with a great “hand.” Nothing that is too stiff or processed feeling and tightly woven.
Tell me about your favorite tool to use. My favorite tool is my Juki sewing machine. It is just straight stitch but it does the most beautiful stitch and goes super fast. I’ve had mine for 5 years and just love it.
What’s your favorite project? My favorite project has to be almost any baby quilt I’ve made for my two adorable grandsons. I did a purple sleeping dragon earlier this year for my youngest grandson. It was fun, cute, and I could use my favorite color combination: bright green and purple.
Any artists, books, website, etc. that you'd recommend new sewists to check out? I love YouTube tutorials. Even though I’m an accomplished quilter, there’s always fun, new inspiration to watch. I have a few favorite sites that I recommend: Just Get It Done Quilts by Karen Brown, Tiny Orchard Quilts, Shabby Fabrics, Jaybird Quilts with Julie Herman, and A Quilted Life with Krista Moser. They range from modern techniques to some traditional piecing, but with beautiful fabrics.
What other crafts pique your interest? I’ve just started crocheting and it has become almost obsessive as I wanted to try my hand at amigurumi animals.
What are you currently listening to? Or watching? I’m listening to a mystery series by Steve Berry. The Alexandria Link is the second book and I’m getting toward the end.
I’ve always got Madam Secretary queued up on Netflix when I’m machine quilting, as I don’t have to hear it word for word. I think I’m on my 8th or 9th full replay of the series.
What's in the trunk of your car? I always have my hand sewing in my car, at the ready. I’m working on a wall hanging with English paper pieced hexagon chevrons. Oh and my crochet bag is always at the ready.
Finish this sentence: If there were more hours in the day, I'd... spend more of them quilting and sewing projects for my family and friends.
Carol’s sleeping dragon quilt