I began my pattern company in the spring of 1998 and have had great fun designing my achievable patterns for all of you. I began teaching across the United States and Canada at about the same time. In 2001, my first book, Cutting Curves from Straight Pieces was published by American Quilter’s Society and then in 2003, my second book, Dancing Quilts from Straight Pieces was published again by AQS. Each year has brought new adventures and allowed me the opportunity to meet so many of you through teaching, lecturing, trade shows or TV appearances.
Our household has changed in the years since Maple Island Quilts began. Just like all of you, we’ve been through graduations, kids moving on and out, job changes, aging parents, weddings and grandchildren. Empty Nesters describes our house very well. What’s Next is always on the horizon for all of us.
I taught and lectured throughout the US and Canada for 18+ years and enjoyed meeting so many of you and seeing your projects. While I am no longer doing any teaching or lecturing, I still have the opportunity to see your work through your blogs and social media. I always love seeing your fabulous versions of MIQ patterns and share many of them in our quilt galleries and newsletters.
Also like many of you, one of the constants in my life has always been the art of creating. For many of us it is the process far more than the project because sewing soothes the soul no matter what else is happening in life. If this describes you, I hope you have found something interesting here that you just can’t wait to try.
Piece,
Debbie Bowles
Through the fun of the internet you may find some of my TV appearances online.
Sewing with Nancy, PBS: Sew Big Quilt Blocks, showcasing our patterns BQ (Part 1) and BQ3 (Part 2).
Sewing with Nancy - Part 1
Sewing with Nancy - Part 2
American Quilter Episode 11, Bent Pieces from Cutting Curves from Straight Pieces.
HGTV and DY, Simply Quilts #622 Confusion and #749 Pagodas.
M’Liss’s World of Quilts, PBS, Series 100 #9 Snibbles.