Happy Friday everyone!! Woohoo, doing the Friday dance!!! This week I'm so happy to feature Sujata of The Root Connection. Sujata is one of those people who makes me so thankful I discovered blogging. She inspires me and makes me smile. For those of you who know Sujata you'll enjoy getting to know her better and those who haven't seen her amazing quilts you're in for a treat!!!


Tell us a bit about yourself? 
Originally from India, I moved to the United States in 1986. I have always loved textiles. Growing up in such a diverse country has left quite an influence on me. I love any kind of crafts and any thing hand-made.  


How long have you been quilting? 
I took my first quilting class in 1992  but got addicted to the hobby after moving to Seattle in 1998.



What enticed you to start quilting?
Nothing glamorous... I am afraid.
I don't know if it was limited bank balance or cooler Seattle weather and the need of cozy covers.
Whether it was lots of leftover fabrics from my previous doll making hobby or a challenge to myself if I could sew a bed size quilt.
Or a visit to the local library with a friend and browsing through the books on quilting.
I honestly can not think of just one single incident that triggered the process.



What do you love about quilting?
Everything!
I love oddly mixed colors, all sorts textures and prints and to be able to work with fabric as if they were paints and my design wall was canvas.

I am amazed at the art of knitting and weaving. Yards and yards of strings and thread can be made in to a garment is quite impressive to me. I think quilting is sort of the same thing, only in reverse. To take hundreds of pieces and fragments of all sorts of fabrics and sew them in one piece in an artistic way is so entertaining. It never gets old!

I also love the fact that quilts document our lives as we make them. Whether it is labeled or not, we all know exactly what was happening in our lives when we were working on that quilt. It is fascinating to me that I look at some of my quilts and get transported back in time within seconds. Sad moments, happy times it does not really matter, they all gets stitched into it.  May be that's why I love hand quilting too. It calms me down and soothes my soul.


Is there any part of the process that you don't like?
I bet you have heard this before. I don't like basting at all!



Do you have a favourite sewing saying or motto?
Perfection is so over rated.  


What model sewing machine do you use?
I am currently using a Viking Mega Quilter. It only has one stitch. It works  great.
I also have a 730 Bernina in a box.. Still brand new and waiting for it's turn to be loved.. One of these days it will see the light of day. 


Do you listen to music while you sew? What is your favourite type or cd?
I listen to TV and make sure that the world is doing alright while I am sewing at the kitchen table. For some reason, my sewing machine and music systems don't get along in the sewing room. LOL!
I like it quiet if I am working on a design wall. I find it less distracting. 


What is your favorite food?

Spicy Indian food, of course! I also love fruits. They are my chocolate :)


 Do you have any furry friends that keep you company while you sew? 
I  have several bird feeders and the birds keep me entertained with their chirping and singing. While the squirrels and chipmunks always keep things interesting.


Tell us about the house block you've made? 
When I selected the fabrics, I was thinking of your exuberant personality I have come to love. I always imagine fire works and beautiful paintings all around you. The garden outside your door must always bloom with happy energy. I knew somehow I was going to say all that in this block. I hope you like it.


Thank You Sujata!! I love this block!!! It so alive with movement and colour. The river running in front of the house is reflecting the wonderful colours in the sky. As soon as Gbf saw it he said there were fireworks in the sky! And how welcoming is the polka dot door, it's all so much fun!!

Go and visit Sujata's blog The Root Connection, there is the sweetest post about a frog in her garden at the moment. Basket Full Of Scraps is another blog Sujata started for quilters to share their scrappy projects, It's always worth a visit. I just hope we get to sew with our bags of scraps in real life one day!

Have a great weekend everyone!!