For the last several years I have included a “Featured Quilter” section in my monthly newsletter, highlighting one of my clients. It’s been such a fun way to learn more about one another and create a community around my awesome quilting friends. I’ve been told that it is the best part of my newsletter. I’m not sure what that says about my other content, but you’d better believe I’m going to continue including it! For fun I thought I’d share my most recent Featured Quilter here on the blog. So without further ado, let me introduce you to Susan and a few of her amazing quilts!

Quilt pieced by Susan GahlsdorfQuilt pattern is Timeworn Inscription and fabric is Artisan. Both by Pat Bravo for Art Gallery Fabrics. — Quilt pieced by Susan Gahlsdorf
Quilt pattern is Timeworn Inscription and fabric is Artisan. Both by Pat Bravo for Art Gallery Fabrics.

Timeworn Inscription Quilt Pattern

I’m Susan Gahlsdorf, quilt maker, native Oregonian, OSU graduate, and 40 year resident of Salem. During this time my husband Dave and I raised our boys, Oliver and Wendell, and I served my community as a Certified Pubic Accountant in government finance.

I have been sewing most of my life and I especially love making quilts. Years ago, I hand quilted each one. Although I enjoyed the process, I had so many projects and ideas it became difficult to keep up. And like most of us, life got busy with family, volunteer work, managing a home and a career. Sometimes I wondered what it would be like to dedicate my time to sewing.

Now that I am retired I sew a lot. When I get inspired, each step is a joy; selecting fabrics, learning new techniques, cutting, sewing, then turning each project over to Heidi who brings out the best in each one. Bless her!!! I met Heidi through my longtime quilting friend, Dixie, who referred me. If it wasn’t for Heidi I couldn’t complete all my projects. She quickly learned my style, which helps tremendously when deciding quilt designs. And she understands my quirks, like the fact that even the most symmetrical quilt has a definite top and bottom.

My quilting fascination came from my grandmothers who were both quilters. They’d wrap me in them at night and teach me to sew by day. I have treasured family heirlooms from the 30s, my own vintage creations from the 80s-90s and now, after a 20-some year break, I am back to quilt making.

I enjoy learning new techniques and am drawn to modern designs, although I have made a few traditional quilts. I wish I could pull together something uniquely mine but I am a left-brainer. Technique comes easier than creativity. So I’m a replicator. I get inspiration from Pinterest. Typically I’ll use a pattern, but sometimes it’s fun to figure out how to make a pattern, calculate yardage, research fabrics, then bring something to life that was once just a picture.

Friends ask what I do with all the quilts I make. I just can’t have enough. Each bed needs a quilt and each quilt needs a companion at the foot of the bed. And I like to change them out every couple months. I stack quilts on ottomans and chests and drape them over couches and chairs. I love displaying a new quilt. It just freshens the decor.

I do best when I can balance my quilting hobby with other interests such as golf, snow skiing and travel. I try to have an active lifestyle. Every couple years my husband and I indulge in a cycling tour to Europe. The culture, history and surroundings have inspired a few quilts. While I enjoy all my interests, I find it takes self-restraint to structure this balance in my life. There’s just never enough time to make quilts!