Marilyn Ulrich

Before I took my first quilting class I had known for years that I was going to be a quilter. I grew up sewing, loving fabrics and textiles and I was just waiting for the right time, room, space and a little extra money (i.e. "the empty nest") to begin my journey. From the first hour of my first quilt class (July 8, 1999 at 8:00 AM), I knew it was the beginning of my new life. I immediately became passionate about the craft and for the last eleven years I've rarely not had a quilt in progress. Although a year ago I would never have imagined that I would actually be a quilt shop owner, it was something I had secretly fantasized about for years. Now, building QuiltWorks with my husband, our employee team, and the quilting community in Central Oregon is more than just a dream come true; I know it's where we should be and I am thrilled about the future.

Dave Ulrich

Dave REALLY IS a quilter...he took his first class at the shop in September!

While most of the shop is focused on customers, beautiful fabric and quilting, Dave helps on the back-end of the shop with bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, database management and website development.  He has even been known to turn a screwdriver on occasion.

Crys Kyle

Sewing & Quilting has been in my blood for most of my life.  I started at age 8 sewing clothes, even entered the "Make it with Wool" contest at 13 and got 2nd place.  I found quilting shortly after I was married and took a class at North Salem High School.  I made a The Trip Around the World quilt which was cut using cardboard templates, pencils and scissors!  I am so very happy that rotary tools were invented. Quilting didn't become a passion for me until my children were in grade school.  I took several classes from the local quilt shop in Arizona and  my love for quilting grew.  We moved to Sunriver area in 1996 after vacationing here for several years.  After surviving my first real winter in about 20 years I wanted to meet other quilters so decided to work part time in a quilt shop. I started working at BJ's Quilt Basket in Feb 1997. I found the quilters of Bend to be wonderful people and loved my job.  Barb, the owner taught me many technical skills and soon I was learning to machine quilt on a long arm machine and teach classes.  I became store manager in 1998 and knew I had found my place in the quilting world.  In 2004 I realized that I needed a break and assisted my husband with his real estate business. I didn't leave quilting completely as I spent the next 5 years at Sew Many Quilts where I taught classes and mentored a weekly quilt group which I called my "Quilting Diva's". I also started designing quilts and have published a couple of patterns. The call from Marilyn came at the right time for me as I was ready to start working again in a quilt shop.  It is so wonderful to be back managing a shop and teaching classes again.  Teaching is one of my "favorite things".

Bev Piper

In 1974, I decided to cut up all the left over fabric from my daughter's clothing and put into a quilt. Still having a large amount of fabric, I made quilts for the rest of the family.

I didn’t really get started into serious quilting until 1983 when a friend showed me how creative quilting can be. After seeing the many different directions quilting can take you, there was always a new class to take. The designing and creating is what really fascinates me.

This interest went into teaching classes for 12 years and creating many original designs. I worked and taught at the Stitchin’ Post and at The Sister Quilters Affair for almost 10 years.

The quilt world is a never ending learning experience with the fabric and techniques changing all the time and I want to try them all!

Diane Ottenfeld

In 1992 I was given a Folkwear pattern for a Turkish coat.  The pattern required quilting so I thought I had better learn how to quilt before I got started.  That was the beginning of a new adventure and passion.  My first quilt was made out of fat quarters except for the background.  I still use and love that quilt to this day.  The strong graphic visualization of quilts really appeals to me.  I can see the unlimited possibilities that they offer not only in color and design but also in creating something very personal, unique and functional.  Quilting is more than just a hobby to me.  As quilters know, it is an avenue for self-expression without bounds.  I truly enjoy assisting others in creating works of art that are so expressive and fulfilling.  I am still look forward to making that Turkish coat some day, after finishing my current quilt projects, maybe.

 Karen Keesling

Future article about Karen here.

Mary Ann Lisk

Mary Ann Lisk began sewing in grade school, beginning with clothing and craft items. Her first quilt class was in 1983 when she took a sampler quilt class taught by Cindy Summerfield at the Stitchin' Post. Templates were made with sand paper.

In 1994, with a rotary cutter in hand, she started her journey to learn new techniques with classes in machine quilting, embellishing, design and color, and has branched out into contemporary art quilts and wall hangings.  She has won several local challenge contests.

Belonging to several local quilt guilds and small quilt groups encourages Mary Ann to continue her "quilt journey" by exploring new techniques and ideas. She still loves traditional quilt designs also. Usually she has several of each type in progress.

Tiffany Johnson

I have enjoyed crafts of all kinds since I was a kid.  I just love to learn new skills and take on new projects.   Nothing makes me happier than to give someone a gift that I have made for them.

There is nothing like being around creative and inspired people to feel that anything is possible.

Our Wonderful Volunteers

Marilyn and Dave wish to express our gratitude and thanks for all of the work done by dozens of volunteers prior to opening the shop on June 1st, 2010.  There were several work parties of fat quarter cutting and folding (more than 8,000 of 'em!) on successive Saturdays and several volunteers who completed sample quilts for the store.

We will always remember the contributions made by our volunteers and honor their efforts.

Carlos, the QuiltWorks mascot

Carlos loves cotton!