Beth

Hi there!

My name is Beth and I am the Garland Girl who runs this blog.  I have been quilting for almost 15 years, and let’s face it quilting did not come easily to me.  Do you remember that kid who had no rhythm, but danced her heart out at every recital? Well, that was me in the quilting world.  I remember one night about a year in, I was working on a baby quilt ( the shower was the next day) and after every wash, at least one seam would pop open….good times.  The crazy thing have I loved everything about quilting. I found joy in the process, even though the binding on the table mats I gave my mother in law fell off after two washes.  A few years in, I realized that I needed to practice my quarter seam, and learn how to bind a quilt properly. I have worked so hard at my craft, man I have made so many mistakes and found so many ways to do things easier than I had to start writing them down.  

One thing I have NEVER had an issue with is color, I love and embrace all color, but would make every quilt I had in neon if I could find the fabric for it.  Early in my quilting life, I showed a quilt at my local quilt guild. The nationally recognized speaker pulled me aside and told me I was a natural at picking colors and should enter my quilt into a show.  Little did she know the binding popped off that quilt three times. But I took her words to heart and realized that I could pick colors and the rest was just a learning curve. Why am I admitting this, well because if quilting is your passion…the technical stuff will come with practice.  

Now for the personal stuff.

I am fifth generation Southern California, I grew up at the beach but now I live inland.  I have been married for over 20 years, to a guy that I am still excited to see when I come home.  As for kids, it’s a bit complicated. I am a preemie mom, foster mom, and a normal mom. The way I count my kids, if I claim you on my taxes or help you in college you are my kid (let’s face it not all kids come from your body)….and by that count, I have five kids ranging in ages from 17-24, 3 boys, 2 girls.  My husband and I have fostered/taken in several kids throughout the years, but right now we have 5, and I think we are done…but who knows that could change at any time. My first born was a preemie at 1 lbs 12 oz, he is now in his early 20’s…everything turned out very well.

For work, I am a Project Manager in the finance world.  I travel for work a lot! If I am lucky it’s one week a month when I am not lucky it’s three weeks a month.  I love my job, I love Project Management work, I love seeing the country, but sometimes I miss my family.

Outside of quilting, family, and work I love wine and music.  I also love talking to fellow quilters, please feel free to reach out to me at any time and let me know what you think of Garland Girl Quilts.