It's time for another Member Spotlight. This month we're getting to know more about Sandy Donoho!
How long have you been quilting?A bit more than 50 years off and on.Who or what inspired you to start quilting?
My mother taught me to sew when I was a child. I got my first real sewing machine as a Christmas gift at age 7 so I could make my own Barbie clothes. My grandmother and great-grandmother were both quilters. My grandmother taught me to hand quilt when I was around 12.
Tell us about the first quilt you ever made.
The first quilt I ever made in its entirety was a birthday gift for my grandmother's 80th birthday. She was thrilled and it hung on her dining room wall until she died ten years later. My uncle sent it back to me; I still have it.
What is your favorite quilt you’ve ever made?My favorite quilt is always the next one I'm making.
What kind of sewing machine(s) do you have?
I have a Janome Memory Craft 6600 Professional, I also have an old Elna 5000, an Elna serger and my great-grandmother's Singer treadle machine, which I had fully restored.
What is your favorite sewing tool or notion?
Probably my rotary cutter.
Who is your favorite fabric designer?
I have recently been buying Lori Rudolph Christmas fabrics. I also like Alexander Henry's novelty prints.
What are your favorite colors to use in quilts?I like all colors but tend toward grey and pure bright colors, or batiks of any shade.
Describe your quilting style in one word.
contemporary
What other hobbies do you have?
I have lots of hobbies, including traveling, reading, gardening, paper crafting, mixed media, card making, home decorating, walking, and bird-watching.
Do you collect anything? (Other than quilting fabric, of course!) If so, what?My husband and I collect Christmas ornaments and art work from our travels. He would tell you that also I collect fabric and craft supplies!
What is your favorite movie?
I really don't have one particular favorite.
What is your favorite book?
I read 2-3 books every week, so I am always finding new favorites. If I had to name one, Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse comes to mind first.
Who is your favorite author?I have many favorites. I read mostly mysteries, thrillers, adventures, history and fantasy.
Do you have a celebrity crush and who is it?
Not really. I don't follow celebrities for the most part.
What is your favorite food?
Pizza
Coffee or tea?Neither, diet coke all the way.
Sweet or savory?
Sweet
If you were a dessert, what would you be and why?
Ice Cream - there are lots of different versions.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what five things would you want to have with you (not things you need to survive, but things you would want to have)?
My husband, my dog, a good book, a quilt and chocolate.
What is your dream job?
My first degree was in Archaeology and that was always my dream job but never my professional career. I've been retired for a bit over 7 years now, and I can't think of anything better than retirement.
Where is your dream vacation destination?
An around the world cruise is near the top of my list..
Which is your favorite season?
Fall
If you won millions in the lottery and had to selfishly spend it on yourself, what would you treat yourself to?
I would travel more and maybe build a house somewhere remote and exotic.
Do you prefer the beach or the mountains?
I like both.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
Last week. I am not afraid to try new things even if I am not always successful.
Would you rather be able to run at 100 miles per hour or fly at 10 miles per hour and why?Fly! My father was a career pilot and he always said that I could co-pilot before I could walk. I have always loved to be in the air.
Want to learn more about Sandy or KMQG? Join us for a
meeting! We usually meet the third Saturday of the month. We'd love to see you there! You can find out more about KMQG on
Instagram too!