Q & A with Tammy Johnson of Joined at the Hip
How would you spend an ideal day?
I would start the day with a cup of coffee on the patio. I’d play fetch with Rocky and Elvis, our two golden retrievers for awhile, then I’d get another cup of coffee, turn on the radio, and do some sewing. I would call Avis or my sister and we’d take a road trip to our favorite primitive gift shop and then have lunch. I’d get home and sew a little more. Then my husband would come home and ask me if I would like to go out for dinner—but of course! We’d come home and watch TV (preferably Grey’s Anatomy) and I’d do some rug hooking for a couple of hours.
What’s your life philosophy?
My dad always said “a little work never hurt anybody” and that has kind of rubbed off on me—I find myself saying that a lot. I also tried to instill in our sons that whatever you do, do your best—nobody can ask any more than that of you.
How do you unwind?
In the evenings I like to have a fire in the fire pit and sit and swing on the glider and watch the fire dance.
What’s on your IPod?
Pat Green and Kenny Chesney
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I’ve always been a fan of the Minnesota Twins baseball team. When I was young we’d go to at least one game a year and we’d watch them on TV whenever we could. I started taking organ lessons when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade and my dream was to be the organist at the Minnesota Twins’ games. I still chuckle about that one.
When did you learn to sew?
I guess I learned to sew in high school home ec class—but I pretty much hated it. My sister loved sewing and made her clothes and some of mine. One year she was making Mom a robe for Christmas and I was going to help her by cutting some of the pieces out for her. When I pinned the pattern on for the sleeve there was a tuck (a rather large tuck) in the fabric and so when I cut the piece out it was misshapen. She had to do a little finessing to get that to come out (I think she yelled at me, too.) I didn’t attempt any more sewing until I was laid off from my job at our local Co-op about 25 years ago—and I haven’t stopped since.
What’s your least and most favorite part of quilting?
Binding is my least favorite, because it’s handwork. We do all our work by machine, even sewing buttons on quilts. Piecing is my favorite part. I love putting stuff together. When I think back on it, before I started sewing, if we got something new in our house, I was the one who put it together.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard at Dairy Queen.
More to check out:
Green Pinwheels
Four-Square Pillow
Dotty Stars |
