Kathy Hansen is married to John, and is the mother of 3 sons:  Daniel (30), Jared (24) and Trent (21).  They also have a daughter Jody (26).  Included in her extended family is daughter-in-law Widya and son-in-law Skott.  Kathy and John are also proud grandparents for six lovely grandbabies, two boys and four girls.  John and Kathy live in a rural area on 40 acres their "fur-babies".  They have four cats, two toy poodles, a Pomeranian, and staffer cross.

Kathy has been doing patchwork and quilting for 12 years and says she has lost count as to how many quilts she has made.  In addition to her quilts she also enjoys making toys, bags, clothing as well as knitting, crochet and embroidery!

Here is a little more about Kathy's love for crafting, sewing and quilting, in her own words:

I have made my own clothes for years, since I was a pre-teen and was taught to use the treadle (Singer treadle sewing machine).  I made my first throw/baby blankets almost 31 years ago, for my children. Although I made many crafty things in between including embroideries and cross stitch applied to my children's clothes and bedding, I did not make another quilted item until 1998.  I was working as a caregiver for individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities, and sometimes had huge blocks of quiet time while they rested and I was unable to do anything else.  One client liked to go to the library and I joined too.  I started getting out any craft books to read, just to pass the time, and found all the quilting books, and all the past issues of quilting magazines, especially the American ones.

I bought some fabric, and also used up lots of what I had at home from dressmaking too.  I bought every magazine I could find in the newsagents and lots of books as well.  I joined an online quilting group called SCQuilters (Southern Cross Quilters) and found there were about 30 local members I could join up with every week for company, and these ladies freely gave of their knowledge and experience.  I am still a member of SCQuilters and there are presently in excess of 2000 members.  I tried as many different techniques as I could, and participated in swaps both online and locally.  I attended retreats and workshops. The first conference/workshop my sister and I attended was by Mary Ellen Hopkins in 2003, and we were both blown away with the ease of construction and planning in her method, also by her vibrancy and energy.  Of course, we bought her books.  I was hooked and tried to get everyone else I knew involved as well.  My baby sister is my greatest swap mate, and we talk every night about what we are making and what we have bought, she is only 30.

I have made in excess of 100 quilted items, mostly bed quilts, but also wall hangings, book (bible) covers, bags, jackets, and placemats and table runners.  My favorite techniques include appliqué, embroidery, paper piecing (English and curved), and hand quilting, but I will have a go at any new technique.  I also love dyeing fabric to use in my own quilts and like to experiment with all the new paint products on the market today.  So far I have not made a whole cloth quilt, but will one day.

You can contact Kathy Hansen directly by email.

Currently Teaching:

Double Wedding Ring -  Learn a fast and easy way to create this traditional pattern. Whether you make a table runner, or full size quilt this pattern is sure to be a winner.  Great gift for weddings, aniversaries showers and and so much more!