Meet Gail Peck

I'm Gail Peck and I'm a newbie with this whole quilt guild thing. Although I've been sewing since I was 13, having learned the basics in Home Ec class, for many years my main focus was on garments for myself and my brood of four sons. Along the way home decorator sewing was added to my repertoire. Although I have no photographic proof of it, I began making quilts more than 30 years ago; mostly one or so, every few years, as our needs dictated.

As a published photographer it pains me to admit that my vast photo library is crazy out of order, so most of the very recent work is nowhere to be found. Yikes!! For nearly ten years I sold art photography at markets and art festivals, however, I needed my husband's help setting up so when his job became just too demanding, I shut down my business and began looking for something new to occupy my time. A notice in the Orlando Sentinel caught my eye: Days for Girls was looking for people that sew. Although I'd never heard of it before it seemed like a charity where I might fit in and I did. Meeting Sharleen, Sarah, Beth, Leslie and others really changed my life as far as sewing is concerned. They told me about the guild and eventually I went to a meeting and was hooked.

Prior to meeting them, I only did hand quilting. Not because I am a glutton for punishment but because I found it both relaxing and easier than machine quilting which I'd tried years and years ago. Now, however, I've got the hang of it, not free motion just yet, but I'm fairly decent with a straight line.

I had the honor of helping Pam Paisley learn to put a quilt together in November 2015 which she worked on in my then sewing/photography space. Her husband got hooked as well! 

Because we have made some crazy life changes in the last four or so months, I've not begun any new projects, however, I finally completed, albeit not that great, the quilt I'd brought to Vancouver half quilted. I do love a seriously scrappy quilt and this one is just that, lending a little bit of funkiness to our new surroundings. It is so great having all these pieces to remind me of home and all of the quilts I've made for loved ones as well as charity. My plan was to hook up with other quilters during our year in Vancouver, however, two months later that is yet to happen. Fabric is crazy expensive here. Try $17.99 per meter which I've now learned is 3 inches more than a yard. I'm talking ordinary cottons my friends.

I pretty much like graphic, simple quilts, with bold color. I'm also a lover of using estate sale fabrics when I can find them. Nothing like making new with something old. Speaking of which we are having a new year with old folks!