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Friday, January 8, 2010

An interview with Pat Sloan … and a give-away!


I met Pat Sloan briefly last October (she was surrounded by adoring fans at International Quilt Market in Houston) and snagged her latest book, Quilt the Seasons, Book 2. It’s packed with 14 great new projects to decorate your house for each month, including table runners, wall hangings, and lap-size and bed quilts. There are appliqué projects as well as pieced items, so there’s something here for everyone. Leave a comment about this post by noon EST on Monday, Jan. 18, and I’ll put you in a drawing to win my autographed copy!

I thought you might enjoy a little inside scoop about Pat, and I wanted to get to know her better, too. So here’s a little information about her, and a quick interview.

Pat worked as a computer programmer for 20 years, and started quilting as a hobby during that time. Pretty soon, she was obsessed with quilting, and she left her job to start her company, Pat Sloan & Company, in 1997. She lives in Fairfax County in northern Virginia, and is the author of more than 15 quilting books published by Leisure Arts. She has also designed several fabric lines with P&B Textiles.

In addition to publishing her own patterns, she also designs for American Patchwork & Quilting, McCall’s Quilting, McCall’s Quick Quilts, Quilters World, Create & Decorate, and the Fons & Porter magazines. And as if that doesn’t keep her busy enough, you can usually find her chatting it up on Facebook, and teaching workshops all over the place!

Pat is a ball of energy, and seems to always be smiling. Here’s the photo I took of her when she was autographing books – laughing, even with her eyes closed!



Me:
Pat, I’ve only met you in person once, but you seem like a really fun, outgoing person. Are you really the quilting party girl you seem, or are you secretly shy?
Pat: Oh my.... I’m not shy!!! I USED to be shy.. painfully shy.. but I guess I just needed longer for my inner big mouth to come out!! I do need my quiet time, which is different. After being with people a few days I need some silence to recharge the batteries. I spent 20+ years in computers mostly working alone… so I’m used to hanging in groups, but like to work by myself in my zone.

Me: Tell me about an important turning point in your life.
Pat: You are giving me SUCH hard questions.. LOL! The first thing that comes to mind is the decision to have my own business. Which is a very classic turning point for many of us who have done this. I went against all biz rules and just quit ... then decided what my biz would be after I had already left the comforts of the corporate world!

But I’m wondering… was there another? I think a very long time ago when I left home it was a turning point. I was 17 and left my family in Europe to go to college in the mountains of Pennsylvania at a small campus of Penn State. I could not call home. No cell, no computers, no mom to run to. I had to toughen up and find other avenues of support very quickly!

Me: I see that you selected “Possibility” as your word for 2010. Why?
Pat: Ahhh… why DID I pick that? You know some of my friends were writing about the meaning of the word they picked… and I thought that sounded nifty… nifty as in maybe I should do that… have I?? No! Okay, let me think....

What does “Possibility” MEAN in a dictionary sense...
1) the condition or fact of being possible
2) archaic : one’s utmost power, capacity, or ability
3) something that is possible
4) potential or prospective value —usually used in plural

This year my business focus is to inspire and motivate quilters to actually QUILT! We want to quilt but life happens, other things get done, and the joy of stitching or pushing fabric under the machine does not happen as much as they want. So the word ‘Possibility’ seems so hopeful. It IS possible to quilt every day. It IS possible to have fun with your hobby. It IS possible to finish those projects (one of the top three things people told me they want to do this year!!)

My personal goals all fit in with Possibility too. The possibilities for change are endless… the possibilities to improve… the possibilities to have fun!! I want to look at everything I do and know that I can make it possible! (I'm SUCH a Pollyanna… my glass is ALWAYS half full!)

Me: So, what new projects are in store for you in 2010?
Pat: I have a VERY cool thing I'm doing! Starting on January 18, I'll be recording a weekly podcast interview with creative quilters and crafters. You will be able to listen live (maybe with call ins) and then download or listen to it online forever after it’s done… I'm SO EXCITED!! It’s going to be great… I’m lining up people now… mmm… So Susan… what Monday afternoon in March are April do you have free????

Me: Ooooh, I’d love to do that, Pat! You’re on! I’ll e-mail you with some dates. Anything else you want to tell us about?
Pat: Let me PLUG my cruise... it’s in June leaving Baltimore and going north to Boston, Maine and Canada! We still have a few slots and I’d LOVE to have you join me. Click to my workshop page here for info on WHAT a quilting cruise is and on this specific cruise... bon voyage!!!

Me: Thanks so much for letting me interview you, Pat. Here are links to all of Pat’s online ventures. As you can see, she is a very busy lady!

Where to find Pat:
Website - http://www.PatSloan.com
Store - http://www.PatSloan.biz
Blog - http://patsloan.typepad.com
Quilt Forum - http://www.quiltmashup.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/PatSloan
Twitter - http://twitter.com/QuilterPatSloan
Quilt GAMES - http://www.deathbyquilting.com
Yarn blog - http://patsloan.typepad.com/yarnmashup/
Studio webcam - http://patsloan.typepad.com/quiltershome/pats-design-wall.html


Pat’s adorable “Zig Zag Pillow” is one of many free patterns that Pat generously makes available on her website. But as she reminds her readers, “I can only offer these because quilters like you also buy my books, fabric and designs from my web store and your local quilt shop.” We all need to keep that in mind!

Okay, one more time: Leave a comment about this post by noon EST on Monday, Jan. 18, and I’ll put you in a drawing to win my autographed copy! Don’t forget to check back here that afternoon to see if you’ve won.

AND THE WINNER IS: Wordmama! Thanks for playing, everyone!

109 comments:

  1. So many lucky people get to meet you! And then you get to meet so many talented people! Thanks for sharing your meeting with us!

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  2. I love your blog. I love your sense of color. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  3. What a great interview! She looks and sounds like a lot of fun!

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  4. What a great interview. I like Pat Sloan's work and her personality matches it so well! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Pat is a Facebook friend...and she is a pistol! I just realized I have one of her book, "Quilt The Seasons", and didn't know it was hers! THanks for the fun interview. I am looking forward to meeting Pat in Chicago this spring...maybe?

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  6. What a very upbeat lady she is! Enthusiasm for her work shows through in her answers to the questions. And love for the art! Very nice interview, makes me want to meet her in person!

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  7. I am a fan of Pat. He personality and enthusiasm shines through in her blog. Her word possibilities was a good word choice and has made a change in my outlook. I wasn't aware that she left home at 17, can you imagine...and then her possibilities. Thanks for sharing.
    Marcy

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  8. I've always been drawn to Pat Sloan's designs and have visited her site. Your interview with Pat gave me a good picture of Pat; I enjoy reading about all quilters.
    Thank you for your lovely giveaway.
    Kathleen C.
    villagequilter@gmail.com

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  9. Pat sounds like she would be a lot of fun to meet. I love reading both of your blogs. Thanks!

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  10. I found this blog very interesting and exciting to view. It was the first time I used the blog.

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  11. I was following Pat before I found you to follow. I don't know how she gets so much done, her hand is in everything. A very fun person, would love to meet her in person.

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  12. I read your interview with Pat Sloan and came away with a smile, and the certainty that I would love to meet her! I especially noted her great use of color and her refreshing honesty about selling her books, patterns, etc.

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  13. Great interview. It gives us in internet land motivation and encouragement.

    Thanks!
    Melissa

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  14. What an delightful post. I love snooping into people's conversations... when one (that's me) doesn't interrupt it is interesting to see where the conversations go.
    Thanks for sharing

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  15. Thanks for introducing me to a great assest to our quilting community. Now I have to search out her books.

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  16. I love Pat's energy and positive outlook. I am amazed at how prolific she is and at her generosity in sharing patterns. I've also seen some of her YouTube instructional videos. She's one amazing woman. Thanks for the interview. I'll be looking for your podcast.

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  17. Gosh, after learning about Pat through her interview, there was a bonus - the Zig Zag Pillow photo and the info that the pattern is free on her website. Just when I need to make a quick gift!

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  18. Thank you for sharing your interview with Pat Sloan. Her book is definitely on my list for next buy - well unless I am lucky enough to win it. Possibilities - I like that.

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  19. What a great interview. Thanks for sharing it with us. Reeze Hanson

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  20. What a great interview! When I see all of Pat's "places" - websites, blogs - all of her "http's" I think of her as this one huge energy with her own broadband cable reaching out all over the place!

    What fun!

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  21. I love Pat's enthusiasm. I just wish I had half her energy;)

    Debbie

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  22. Thanks for sharing the interview and all the wonderful info about Pat.

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  23. Great interview, Susan and Pat! Thanks for counting me in for the book.

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  24. Thank you for the interview. I'm going to share this with several quilter friends. Pat sounds amazing and I'll check her out on Facebook.
    Hugs from Oregon!

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  25. Thanks for the inside scoop. Count me in for the drawing.

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  26. Pat is one bundle of energy! Thanks for the great interview, and giveaway!

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  27. My sister and I just discovered your blog and the great interview. I'm one of those who needs to be reminded to quilt. I love it when I'm in action, but cutting the fabric always takes a leap of faith. Thanks for the info on Pat and your inspiring color-rich pics. Maybe I'll start a project today!
    Meg

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  28. Susan, that was a great interview. Pat came to our guild and gave a class a couple years ago and she was fun and easy to be around and I learned so much.

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  29. I am just starting to follow a few blogs--thanks for showing the way to another valuable asset in Pat. And yet I wonder--do we comment just for a chance at a freebie?

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  30. Ah Susan, Pat resonates because of your shared enthusiastic questions...so hmm Possibile.."I can push fabric through the machine" ok, I will !! grins...:-)
    maybe also finish a project!

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  31. LOVE Pat! She is really fabulous and exuberant. I want to know where all her energy comes from!

    Kari- Fresh Cut Quilts

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  32. I love all of the energy that Pat has and the best thing is her word of the year, Possibilities! What an awesome, positive word to use for 2010. I think I'll put it up in my studio to give me the encouragement I need when I feel that a project might be too much for me to take on! Thanks, Pat

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  33. I started quilting around 15, started rasmussen raggies at 25, and at 26 I am looking into starting a quilt shop here in Jetmore, KS. We need more quilters like Pat to help inspire young men and women so we don't lose this art!

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  34. Thanks for sharing your meeting Pat Sloan with us! I love the photo you have posted of her laughing!

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  35. Great interview. Can't wait for the podcasts.

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  36. Love the interview with Pat and all the personal questions. She is a "ball of fire" always busily trying to keep us quilting. Thanks Pat and would love t win a copy of the new book.

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  37. Great interview! Dontcha just love Pat? thank you for the giveaway!

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  38. Great interview! Pat is a FaceBook friend of mine and I enjoy her comments. I haven't had the chance to meet up with her in SL, but we have done some chatting about SL. Thanks for the chance to win a give-away!

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  39. Thanks for sharing the inside story. I can't wait to find her books.

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  40. Great interview, enjoyed it very much. Pat is a Facebook friend of mine and I have enjoyed chatting with her. We haven't met up in SL yet, but one of these days we will. Thank you for the chance to win a give-away.

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  41. What a great interview! Being new to quilting, I'm interested in ways to show my love of my favorite season with fabric.

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  42. Pat is such a ball of energy!
    i need some of it!

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  43. Thank you for your wonderful interview with Pat - she is a facebook friend, and I've started avidly reading her blog & website.
    She does need to add 2 pieces of Dove Dark Chocolate to her diet to make sure she gets all of her vitamins lol:))

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  44. Ok, Susan - why didn't you find ME in Houston??? hehe Pat is my official VBFF (virtual best friend forever) and is one of the few people who I've found that actually does as much as I do - and squeezes as much as she can out of 24 hours. Love her enthusiasm for quilting and for quilters! Happy to see her here on your blog!

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  45. I am a fan of Pat's but to hear of the leap of faith she took to start her own business was inspiring. I hope we all can incorporate that sense of all things are possible if we believe in ourselves.

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  46. Pat is an amazing woman. Her story is needed for others to realize it's OK to do what they really want to do. She crochets too :) Blessings, Janet

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  47. Fabulous interview. Felt like I was there. Thanks for sharing about Pat - she's definitely a ball of energy!

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  48. Thank you for the interview! I can't believe how much Pat gets done let alone is involved in! I was a fan of her materials before I found out all of the other avenues she's in ... now all I can say is "WOW". Thanks for sharing!

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  49. awesome blog....excellent interview with pat!
    keep up the awesome work with everything!

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  50. Pat has so much energy and her books along with her fabric make beautiful things.

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  51. Thanks for the blog interview. I'm really looking forward to the podcast. Love to hear how people got their quilt careers started. I've been in the army for 20+ years and I'm finally formulating a plan for wha ti want to do when I grow up :)

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  52. pats a hoot! I only know her via the mashup and her blog, but sometimes I forget that people are more than what they are online....she's such a blast to "talk" with

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  53. I have traveled with Pat and her husband Greg. She is as delightful in person as she is online. If you have a chance go on her cruise in June.

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  54. I've made Pat's pillow - it really is fast and easy - a good 'one day' project! I made it in flannels for winter, but I'm thinking of making another in spring colors. Thanks for the pattern, Pat!!!
    TheaM

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  55. What a great interview! I would love to meet Pat in person but have to settle for her blog and FB pages. Love your blog also. Now that I've found it I'll be a follower.

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  56. Loved the interview with Pat. . so many talented people to inspire me . makes me want to 'just quilt it'!

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  57. I am a big fan of Pat's and just love her work. I've not ever met her in person, but have "chatted" with her on facebook. I'm going to check out her cruise now that I've read the interview. Enjoyed reading this very much!

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  58. Pat rocks..just keep the hot cups of Starbucks coming, and so will the laughter and inspiration! A woman with alot of energy and genuine interest in her students! Wow, we had a great time at her workshop, and you should be on the look out for her if you are anywhere near Charlotte NC in June!

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  59. Pat is such a dynamo! Thanks for posting this interview.
    Karen

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  60. What a great interview. Pat is one of my favorite designers and is always so down-to-earth. Thanks for the opportunity to be in the drawing for your book!!

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  61. Pat is a dynamo! She has always got new and interesting ideas bubbling over. Thank you for your generousity!

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  62. Great interview - Pat seems to be very adventurous, probably from the first time she left home. Love her blogs and it will be fun to be part of Pat's facebook community.

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  63. Fantastic interview! You captured the essence of Pat Sloan...who, IMO, is my twin! lol Love your site and will be returning to browse frequently. :-)

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  64. Pat just cracks me up! I read her blog regularly. Can't keep up with her, though:)
    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

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  65. What a great interview with Pat. Great insights about her "before" life :-) Thanks for entering me in your very generous giveaway!

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  66. I'm new to your blog. Found you by reading Pat Sloan's blog. Will be checking back again.

    Darlis

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  67. Pat Sloan was one of my first friends when i joined facebook. She continues to amaze me every single day with her new ideas, boundless energy, and fun slant on life. I found your blog thru her and I will certainly be checking back in! Thanks for the draw.

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  68. Thanks for the Pat Sloan interview! Now I want to know, since she left England, is she English? Does she have an accent? Oh, these things are so important to know!!! Guess I will have to listen to her podcast, right!

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  69. please enter me and thanks for sharing on your blog and on facebook. it's sooooo inspiring

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  70. Good interview. I have been quilting along with Pat for several years. Would appreciate winning the book!

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  71. Enjoyed the interview with Pat. I love her word for 2010: Possibility...

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  72. I love Pat Sloan's pattern so much! Thank you for sharing.

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  73. I just became a FB friend of Pat's so it was really wonderful to read this interview! Great interview!

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  74. Just found your blog and love it! Thanks for the great interview with Pat and all your wonderful inspiration.

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  75. I'm a big fan of Pat Sloan and enjoyed your interview with her. I'm looking forward to checking out all the other quilty yummies on your blog. Thanks for sharing!

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  76. Hi. Just found you today. I'm a fan of Pat and can't wait to check out your blog. I enjoyed your interview. Merry New Year!
    Tammy

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  77. Thanks for a great interview. I met Pat briefly at a show, and she is a ton of fun, and extremely inspirational. Fondly,
    Christine, a former programmer myself!

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  78. r the in depth interview, I am a regular devotee of Pat and love the work she does. Thanks for the chance at winning her book.

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  79. Pat's a buddy and yes she is quite the party girl! I will leave that to your imagination! ;-)
    Monica
    ment1234@aol.com

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  80. This is a great interview with Pat. I follow her blog and participate at the mashup forum. She is very inspiring and has great patterns and fabric. This would be a great book to win! Thanks for the interview and the chance to win:)

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  81. Wow, all that fun and at something you love to do. its so exciting to read about you Pat. Love your interview. I wish I could go on your cruise, sounds like so much fun. Happy Quilting from Lynne in PA.

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  82. Pat, keeping up with you and your wonderful books seems to be a great hobby! Congrats on yours newest book!

    Smiles
    Betty

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  83. Great interview. I would LOVE to win an autographed copy of Pat's new book!

    Thank you for the very generous give away.

    butfromheretoo@sbcglobal.net

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  84. Enjoyed the interview. Have several of Pat's books. Hoping to win her latest book. Freat fun.

    Cynthia

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  85. Great interview! Pat Sloan is one of the most creative fun people to know in the quilting world! Her line of fabric is my favorite and her website is so much fun! Thanks Pat for all the inspiration!

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  86. I have taken two classes with Pat. She is wonderful! If any of you get this opportunity, take it. She always makes you feel you can create a great quilt!

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  87. What a fun interview! Makes me wish I could have been there to listen in; would love to have the chance to meet Pat someday.

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  88. Great interview!! Love Pat Sloan and very cool to find your blog!

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  89. Wow love your blog and second life where do you find the time! You sure keep me so inspired. When i get up and get coffee, I zip to the puter and pull you up first! Then i enjoy and get inspired and finally am finishing my ufo's and starting the list of ones i really wanted to do first lol. Can't wait till Jan 18th to listen to you while i am sewing. Thanks so much. My word this year is "adventue" as life is one big adventure as is every day of it. Enjoy, glenda

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  90. Hi Pat,
    What a wonderful interview. I am
    so happy about your latest book. I can't wait to see it in person...

    This is my year to sew a calendar
    quilt, I am going to start mine this weekend.

    Anne

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  91. I especially loved the fact that she could jump into a new career at a time in our lives when we are worrying about getting a secure retirement fund, etc. etc. etc. Gives a lot of confidence for those who would like to make that big jump themselves.

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  92. Pat how great to be interviewed.
    I can't wait to see your new book
    at my local shop.

    Anne

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  93. Great interview!!

    I follow Pat's adventures on her blog and forum....

    Thanks for the great book give away too!

    SheilaC

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  94. Whow, You make an excellent interviewer. I learned alot about Pat. You also have a way with words that makes me feel like you were talking to me.
    Thanks both to you and Pat for the interview.

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  95. I started quilting because of you---and I still love what you do---I just had to have some of your quilts in my house---I am so excited about your new radio program....Congrads..........

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  96. just love what you share with us.
    would love to win the book!!

    Janita

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  97. Great interview...It's always wonderful sharing the love of quilting.

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  98. I would love to win Pat's book. She is such an outgoing, energetic person. Maybe if I had her book, some of that would rub off on me. :-) Thank you for this give-away. Take care and God bless, Cory

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  99. I had the good fortune of taking a class Pat taught in Nov. '09 and knew immediately she was "1 in a million". While I have great energy, Pat has me beat and I can hardly keep up with all her new things! Would love to win the book and appreciate that you shared this interview so others get to "meet Pat"!!! Thank you.

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  100. ~~~~~~Waving from way over here in Washington State... I don't have her new book and would love to win an autographed copy! My local quilt stores don't carry her books.I need to get to a bigger town and see where I can get some "Georgia" fabric. I'm hoping to see some at the EXPO next month.

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  101. I love Pat Sloan, you had such a good interview. She just makes me want to get up from the computer and QUILT! Carline

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  102. Great interview.....I've always loved Pat's designs.

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  103. Thanks for an interesting interview. Its good to "get to know" the person behind the designs. I love her cheery designs and sense of color. I wish I had half of Pat's energy!

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  104. Thanks for an interesting interview. Its good to "get to know" the person behind the designs. I love her cheery designs and sense of color. I wish I had half of Pat's energy!

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  105. Thanks for the interview, Very enjoyable. Give me a new glimpse of Pat Sloan

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  106. Interviews bring out the artistic qualities and make me eager to try my hand at a different level of working with fabric. I have quite a collection of books, but nothing beats hearing from an expert in the field. I look forward to reading your blog and enhancing my vibrant fabric usage.

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  107. I loved the interview. I am always fascinated at how talented Pat is. She inspires me to be creative and motivate myself to create and finish my projects. Please keep doing what you do best!!!!

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  108. Really enjoyed the interview. I found out about the interview on Pat Sloan's emails. Really was fun to find out more about her. But, I was also gald to find out about this blog. Really enjoy it, and know I will be back on it often. Enjoyed the You Tube video on machine quilting

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