Quilt Makers, Authors, and Fabric Designers
While Tammy started sewing clothing, a visit to a quilt show with her mother-in-law convinced her to try quilting. Her first effort was a king-sized, log cabin bed quilt. “It was browns, rusts, and greens, the colors of the day,” she says. “I think it’s somewhere in the attic.”
Both women eventually worked at a quilt shop, but dreamed of having their own pattern company. In 1998, they made the leap.
“We figured the worst that could happen was that we’d wind up flipping burgers,” says Tammy.
Instead, they’ve wound up creating more than 200 patterns, authored 13 books, and designed eight lines of fabrics for Clothworks. They’re known for their whimsical and warm folk-art style that features piecing and appliqué. And their work is created with busy sewers in mind.
“While we admire them, you’ll never see us doing a Dear Jane quilt,” Avis says. “We’re drawn to simple, easy-to-appliqué shapes. We figure if we can sew a pattern from start-to-finish in an afternoon, our customers can do the same.”
In order to extend their appeal and function, Joined at the Hip specializes in appliquéd designs that can be buttoned onto a pieced foundation. These often feature seasonal or holiday images and month-by-month themes.
Both women agree that Joined at the Hip has been a satisfying ride. “You have to seize the moment, because you never know what path life will take you on,” says Avis, referring to that long-ago decision to start a business. And whether they ride that path on a tractor or a Harley Davidson, Tammy and Avis find Joined at the Hip provides a perfect destination. Says Avis, “Quilting is very rewarding and we feel very blessed to do this for a living.”
Return to Page 1: Enjoying the Ride
More to check out:
Green Pinwheels
Four-Square Pillow
Dotty Stars |
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