MEET THE QUILTER: KYMONA TRACEY

We talk to Kymona of Kreative Kymona about her quilting journey, likes and dislikes, advice for beginners and more…

How H did you first get g into quilting?

My M story is so unconventional. u My M ten-year-old daughter d taught me how to sew six years ago. I booked a couplel off sewing classes for her at a convention, and she told me there was no way she would participate without me at least trying my hand at sewing. I expressed my fears, and she assured me they were unwarranted, so I decided to try sewing. I’ve been hooked ever since. We made a tote bag in that class, and of course, her bag was fabulous, and mine… well, let’s say, could only be used on a bicycle handle! After that experience, I went home and decided that I wanted to try making a quilt, and I did. I’ve come a long way since that first sewing lesson with my daughter.

What are your favourite fabrics to work with?

It really depends on what I’m creating. For some bags, leather is my go-to, but for others, cotton canvas is ideal. For quilts, I love working with both solid and print cotton fabric. For baby quilts, cuddle or Minky is fun to add for extra softness. Linen is a must for garment sewing. You can make pretty summer dresses that feel good on the skin. Second to that is knits, for leggings and shirts!

Have you ever encountered a quilt block you didn’t like?

Half-square Triangles give me a run for my money! The first one looks fantastic. The next set always comes out wrong. I’m not sure why that is. I try my best to avoid them at all costs.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from quilting?

The biggest sewing lesson I've learned is to measure twice and cut once. I know many people say this, but it’s true. I bought expensive fabric from another country once to make a jacket, and I did not measure twice. I ended up cutting the material incorrectly, and I could not make the jacket. I was devastated. The biggest lesson I learned from quilting is to give myself some grace. It’s okay if some of the corners don’t meet perfectly. It’s handmade! Take a deep breath and keep going.

Do you have any advice for new quilters just starting out?

Buy the basic supplies! You do not need all of the fancy tools to begin. A cutting mat, a rotary cutter with a sharp blade, a quilting ruler, and pretty fabric! That’s it. Start creating, learn from your mistakes and make pretty things.

What is the most recent thing you’ve been working on?

I’m working on a few projects at the moment: a linen dress, an upcycled denim project and a tote bag. Once I complete these projects, making my first rag quilt is next on my to-do list.