We love taking peeks into other people’s quilting studios during our Looky Loo Studio Tour! Each month during our Quilted Joy Clubhouse live meetings we tour the quilting studio of one of our QJ Clubhouse members. Today, let’s take a look back at our tour of Brenda Dennis’ beautiful creative space, that she's incorporated into the main living space of her home. Watch the video below to see Brenda’s Looky Loo Studio Tour! 

We wanted to get to know Brenda a little more, so we asked her a few other questions before we recorded our tour.

How long have you been quilting with a longarm?

I have been quilting for 23 years but have only had my longarm for 4 years. She is a 2016 Lucey.

How have you grown your skills?

I took many online classes. I also quilted yards of practice sandwiches and pantographs on quilts.

What do you find to be the most challenging part of longarm quilting?

Slowing down to a speed that I can manage and patients with myself. I only did minimal free motion quilting so the patients part was the hardest part.

Where is your quilting space? Is it a retail space?

We have a finished basement that is more like a sewing family room.

What do you love about your quilting space?

My space has wonderful windows and really good lighting with soft cozy carpeting for those winter days. Everything is within easy reach.

If you could change anything about your quilting space, what would it be?

I would not change anything. The current set up is the third change since we moved and it's perfect now.

Why did you choose an APQS machine?

I started with a George and had him for 10 years. Nothing ever went wrong with that machine. So it was a very easy decision to go with another APQS.

Do you have a computer on your machine? If so, what do you love about it?

No computer. I wanted to learn free motion and if I had a computer I don't think I would have pushed myself to learn free motion.

What advice would you give to a new longarm quilter?

I so hate to say it but... practice, practice practice. There just is no substitute for hard work.

What quilting project are you currently working on?

I'm currently working on The Cherrywood challenge for 2023. Shhhhh, that's a secret.

How would you describe your quilting style?

My quilting style is evolving. I have tried many different styles over the years. Currently I prefer clean lines with a bit of stylizing. I also like traditional quilts.

What is your favorite batting and thread?

Batting-Hobbs 80/20, Hobbs wool, Warm and Natural. Thread- Glide, Invisafil, Aurifil

Do you quilt for others? If you have a business please share your website and/or social media links so we can share with the Quilted Joy audience.

I quilted a pantograph that was a top that my girlfriend made. Other than that one time I only quilt for myself.

Thanks again to Brenda for letting us look around!