Quilt-isto:Scott Hansen
We’ve been on the hunt for some male quilters and so far have had some awesome quilters! So, when Scott emailed to let us know he is a male and a quilter, well, we had to check him out! I went over to his blog, Blue Nickel Studios, and was pretty impressed! Scott and his wife Linda, who is a doll maker, have 3 children and through her blog she tells of how they bought a couple of acres in rural Washington in 1992 and since then have built their dream of owning a vintage clothing shop, which they did for 5 years….In her blog she tells about the woman who lived there and raised her children….Very neat story….go check her out, her blog is named after the same woman…Anywho, Scott’s blog opens to a banner pieced with the name of his studio spelled out! So, I go through his gallery and his projects to find some the neatest stuff! Scott hosted a Tootsie Pop mini quilt challenge this past summer and you’ll love what the challengers came up with using the candy 
wrappers. Such a great project for children!! ‘Cause just in case you don’t have any empty wrappers, that means you get to buy them and eat them so you do have empty wrappers…Perfect & yummy!
Not only is Scott’s blog way too much fun to look at, he’s also doing a contest! Yes, a contest in honor of his recognition in our blog! Since, he is doing that we thought, well, we wanna do it, too! So, we are also doing a contest on our site!
Here’s how it’s going to work: Scott has made the announcement on his blog regarding
the giveway, you will need to go there and answer a question as a comment on his blog. He will randomly draw from those comments to select the winner of a fabulous goodie bag of 10″ squares from current designers & some other great stuff, see? ( pictured to right)! 
Now, to be in the running for our giveaway we want you to comment here in regards to our post on Scott and feel free to also, tell us about yourself, your quilting inspiration or anything you wish to share in relation to male quilters (in honor of month of men)….We love to hear from you!! We will also, select a random winner who will receive an original Stitchin’ Heaven pattern a fat quarter & charm pack (also pictured) from Collections for a Cause – Heritage. Get your comments posted by and we will announce the winners.
Alrighty, now for our honorary guest….Mr. Scott Hansen. Scott has really been a pleasure to work with in doing this post. I know you will enjoy his interview & awesome pictures!
When did you first begin quilting? My first quilt was made in the mid to late 70’s I was about 14 or so at the time. It is VERY heavy (did we use a lead blanket for batting?) and hand tied, and pretty darn ugly in hindsight, some lime green fake fur was in it that should have been a sign for the future. Who taught you? My mom hadn’t made a quilt that I know of, but she did sew a lot, and that is where I learned to sewI started quilting again in the early 90’s
Did you have a certain inspiration or need to start quilting? Well that first quilt, I just wanted to be creative. When I picked it up again in the 90’s, I had wanted to make a lap quilt for my Grandma at the home. So I started with templates, and some pattern. I have no idea where I got the pattern, but I do remember it was Card Trick in dusty blues and pinks and lavenders (this was the tale end of the 80’s still fabric wise) Now I quilt from the great inner need to create!
Is quilting something that has been a family tradition/hobby? My family didn’t make quilts that I know of at all, I do have two quilt tops made from wool suit samples that my great grandmother made…my great step-grandpa had been a tailor in Alaska for a time.
Who do you quilt for? Yourself, friends or family? Yes, I quilt for many reasons, now. My first quilt that I remember after my grandmother’s lap quilt was organizing a sampler quilt for my sister’s wedding. Her new mother-in-law was from Oklahoma, and they have a very long history of quilting in that family, so they hand quilted it. Then I started making quilts for babies. A LOT of baby quilts I have made can’t keep track of them all. Our oldest son just turned 16 and the points on his baby 
quilt do not match at ALL! I thought I was using a inch foot, now I know better. Then I started making quilts for a friend’s books as a test quilter. I have been in about 4 or 5 of Sara Nephew’s books now, and hope to have my own someday in the near future. Lately I have been having great fun working with Free Spirit Fabrics designing quilts for their emerging lines. That has been such a blast! I have had one of my patterns published in Mark Lipinski’s Quilter’s Home magazine last year ( I must interject here that Mark Lipinski has been a great encourager in these publishing endeavors), and I have one due out in Fons and Porters Easy Quilts (fall edition, I believe) this year. I hope to have even more quilt designs out there soon. What is your favorite type of quilt block to make? This is hard, because I do a lot of sketching on graph paper, and sometimes I don’t even know what I am making .I seem to have a traditional blend in what I draw out. But if I had to pick ONE block, I really do like Farmer’s Daughter and I haven’t made one of those for awhile.so I better get on it, and work one of those into my next design.
Do you have any quilt stories, funny, sentimental etc.? You know, I love to read, but I am a terrible story teller, I am better at quick anecdotes I am only funny when I don’t really know it ..I can be very sentimental though. So, here is a sentimental one…. to me at least.
I was at Quilt Market last spring in Portland, Oregon, and was pretty much overwhelmed by all the activity. Saturday in the morning I got to meet Kaffe Fassett and talk with him a little (the quilt I had there for Sara’s book was all his fabrics.and he LIKED it!) that was great, and then later that afternoon I went around introducing myself to people, and was feeling pretty much out of place completely like who is this guy? Then on Sunday I went around with Marci Baker who now publishes Sara Nephew’s books and will be helping me with mine soon, and I felt completely 100% more confident. As I was rushing to the train I actually stopped to talk to a couple of designers on the way out. I believe I talked with Tina Givens briefly and then Amy Butler I actually talked to Amy Butler! The princess of the new generation of quilter! And she was SO nice and pleasant. Here is what she said to me when I was spouting off my hopes and dreams like a star-struck school boy “Go For It!” and the way she said it still encourages me to this day even when I feel discouraged that no one will ever like what I do again I remember what she said Certainly other things encourage me, but I really cling to the way that Amy said it. God Bless Amy Butler! Since then I have been meeting other designers (via email none face to face since then) and they sure are a wonderful genre of peoplethe Creativity out there is truly incredible. Is there anything that you would like to share with other quilters? About me? Or about quilting? About me, come visit my blogsite www.bluenickelstudios.com I love comments there! About quilting? Two things, make sure you know you are using a quarter inch foot, and when you make a mistake either try fixing it a couple times or work around it. Don’t stress about it, it really isn’t worth it. Something interesting? The name of my studio endeavor is Blue Nickel Studios, but my favorite color is really red, blue would probably be # 4 or #5 on the list. Something quirky? My wife thinks I have more shoes than she does but I don’t think so,she just doesn’t wear her pumps and such now that she is a country girl. I like to change my hair style a lot, at least in the past I did. I get bored very easily, meaning likewise that I am probably pretty easily entertained..Pet peeves? Nothing really bugs me more than when people are not sincere, I would rather you be direct even if it hurts than being nice to my face and talking behind my back and sometimes people can be sincere, but not seem that way, so that is something that I really probably need to let go of. Anything! My wife and I have been invited to create a doll for the Houston International Quilt Festival this year. My wife’s site is www.missmabelstudio.com if you want to find out more about it. We are working on a frog prince type doll..Linda, my wife is the doll maker, I just help with some of the details.
Are you known for anything or any style of quilting? This is a funny question to me. When I really started going nuts on quilting in 1995 or so, I was all over the brown/plaid/primitive/country look and no one who has met me recently thinks of my quilting as that anymore. Now I am known, I think, for traditionally based blocks with wild and busy colors. I am definitely a scrappy quilter. I like a lot going on at once just look at any of my three desks and you will see that.
Scott’s a lot of fun! If you make it out to Houston International Quilt Market this year, be sure tolook fortheir doll! I know I will! I can definately relate to his Amy Butler story…OMG! I was just a giddy when I met her in Houston last year…She is a very humble, sweetperson!!
So, hurry, hurry! Place your comments and get on over to Scott’s blog! The deadline to comment is 12am CST March 31st! We’ll Post the winner on April 1st…Yes, April Fool’s day, except it won’t be a trick or a joke! 
I enjoyed reading the article on Scott. It is so much fun to get the male perspective on quilting. I think my husband would enjoy quilting but I don’t want him diving into my stash! Thanks for the giveaway. I will keep my fingers crossed!
March 23rd, 2009 | #
March 23rd, 2009 | #
These articles on men quilters have been fabulous! They are funny and articulate and have inspired me. I admire their courage for sticking to their interests in a mostly female sewing group. Thanks for the fun!
March 23rd, 2009 | #
I am always amazed when I find a man that is willing to admit that he actually likes to do needlecrafts!! Awesome Scott!! I think spring inspires me more than anything. I see all of God’s beauty and it is like he created all of it just for me!! Sewing and quilting allow us to create all that beauty that is inside us.
Hugs,
Gina
March 23rd, 2009 | #
[...] Now for the next “blog-a-view” and giveaway. This time it’s me being interviewed over at Stitchin’ Heaven by Nichole from the same SH fame. As I write this Nichole is working on getting the “blogaview” up, so there may be a gap in the time when you can read the interview and this entry. While Nichole and I were discussing how this would work, I suggested that we do a giveaway as that always seems to draw out you lurkers out there!
So we are doing just that! I will be giving away the prize pack below to one lucky commentor here, and Stitchin’ Heaven will be giving away a prize to a commenter over on their site! So two ways to win! Here is the prize: …..my apologies for the yellowness of the photo….this prize includes a large Mary Engelbreit panel from Moda, a fat quarter, and scrapbag from me as well as a simple ticking bookmark and a little note book with some of my quilting practice cloth cut up and glued on top….It’s kind of a kicky little mix of items, but kind of fun I hope. [...]
March 23rd, 2009 | #
The male perspective on quilting is vital to any of my projects. I am just not that good with color. Although he has never sewn a stitch and is more into practicing law or planning his intricate vegetable garden layouts and growing wonderful produce, he can go to my stash and pull out just the fabrics to make my projects pop. He’s been doing it for over 40 years. Amazes me every time. And has made many a project 100% better. Gotta love him!
March 24th, 2009 | #
I found Scott’s blog this morning, and his led me to Stitchin’ Heaven.
Reading your article on Scott, I found our first quilts had much in common. Mine was also created in the early 70’s, was heavy and tied, too. I lovingly presented to my then best friend. She still has it today!!!
Now I’m headed over to check out Scott’s wife’s blog. I’ve enjoyed my visit.
March 24th, 2009 | #
I have always enjoyed your Newsletter then Website. Am really enjoying the articles about the male quilters. I wish my husband would be interested in it as I think he would have some interesting ideas.
Thanks for the contest.
March 24th, 2009 | #
Enjoyed the article. I always ask my husband about my quilt because his color sense is so different. Quilt blocks I do not like are frequently his favorite. He does not like busy quilts so if he says he likes something voluntarily then I know I got it right.
March 24th, 2009 | #
I enjoyed your interview with Scott. He has a wonderful site, as do you! I’m so glad I found you!
My quilting inspiration is art, especially modern art. I haven’t made an art quilt yet, but find that I’m using more arty fabric in my traditional blocks and like the way that looks.
My husband helps with the color choices when I ask (he’s very good about not intruding when I don’t). As an artist, his eye is more developed than mine, but his greatest gift is his encouragement of me and his participation and feedback (again, when asked).
I’ll be checking your blog regularly – what a great read!
March 24th, 2009 | #
Bring on the men!! Scott is great – I heard about that Toosie Pop challenge.
Actually, one of my biggest influences in quilting has been Joe Cunningham – when I was new and intimidated I saw his Joe the Quilter presentation and learned that I can be as free as I want!
March 24th, 2009 | #
Loving these articles on male quilters, and like so many have said before, the male perspective of a female enviorment is great. Scott is very inspiring and its great to see others so ‘driven’ by creativity. Hope I’m lucky this time
March 24th, 2009 | #
It´s refreshing to read the Scott blogview . . . men are in short supply in this corner of the textile arts and I for one view that as a bad thing . . . being an activist for equality – GO Man Quilters!
My inspiration comes from my environment; my social environment being all the wonderful quilters I know and meet and my natural environment being the country where I feel priviledged to be spending my life.
Best of fabrics and quilty friends to you all! . . . from Reykjavík – Iceland in the last days of winter – hopefully!
March 24th, 2009 | #
Love the article about Scott!
Chelley
March 24th, 2009 | #
I’d love to add a page to my site about male quilters in history. Have you looked into anything like that?
March 24th, 2009 | #
As the mother of a son, I love to find men doing fabric arts. My son has always loved the fabric store (of course pulling out bolts is always fun for toddlers — but later juxtaposing different colors and patterns became interesting too), loved messing around with piecing, etc. He took his first “class” making a funky pieced fish with Pamela Allen, and has never seen sewing or quilting as something that guys “don’t do.”
So thanks for showcasing these guys!
My favorite quilt in this post was the geometric one with one block lighter in the bottom left — that is a very cool effect and quite striking although the colors are muted. Really neat quilt!
March 24th, 2009 | #
Thanks for the great interview, I really enjoyed getting to know Scott. I would love to convince my husband to quilt, he is great at picking patterns, fabric and has a wonderful sense of color. He supports my quilting in every way and understands why I quilt. He is just a bit old school so I haven’t gotten him to sit down at the sewing machine.
I’m going to keep working on him.
March 24th, 2009 | #
I love to read the articles from/about men who quilt. I just wish that mine would be interested!
March 24th, 2009 | #
March 25th, 2009 | #
Thank you Scott for contributing your background info about quilting, and our association thru QuiltGuys. Scott and I have done round robin projects together so I will be happy to share another with him.
March 26th, 2009 | #
Completely LOVE Scott’s website and check in there almost every day to see what he has going on. I am so inpsired by guys that quilt and love to get their take one things!
March 27th, 2009 | #
I am enjoying reading about men who like to quilt. My husband put a few stitches of hand quilting in a quilt my sisters and I made for our parents 50th anniverary. I think he was surprised to hear of so many men who quilt as I have been sharing the bios with him.
March 27th, 2009 | #
Hooray for John and Scott, they seem to be very talented, funny men, but serious about their quilting. So good to have some men in our midst. Welcome!
March 30th, 2009 | #
I enjoyed reading this interview and will keep reading more. The males in my family like quilts but don’t have a desire to make any, even though I have asked!
March 30th, 2009 | #
I wish that my husband had even just a fraction of interest in quilting. Unfortunately, he does not. He does his best to humor me.:grin:
I love Scott’s website. What a talent he is!
March 30th, 2009 | #
I love to read about men who quilt. Most times they have a different perspective towards their craft.
March 30th, 2009 | #
It was great about your first trip to Quilt Market in Oregon. I would be so honored to meet the designers in person. I teach school and quilt on the side, but would love to create designs in my free time in the not too distant future. It was a pleasure to read about Scott’s work and his wife’s as well. Best wishes!
March 30th, 2009 | #
I would love to win this giveaway – guy quilters are the best!!
March 30th, 2009 | #
I’m glad you are doing these interviews with men quilters. I have never heard of Scott until today and it’s nice to get inspiration from men. I wish my husband would quilt with me. Maybe if I show him what some of these great guys are doing he’ll want to join me.
March 30th, 2009 | #
I thoroughly enjoyed this post! I’ve enjoyed the entire series. I think it’s really inspiring to see how these quilters and artists have manifested their careers.
Cheers,
Dionne
PS – been a long time customer as well, keep up the good work!
March 30th, 2009 | #
Fabulous interview! Scott has some great insights and is an inspiration! Thanks for giving him the spotlight!
March 30th, 2009 | #
I think it’s great when men do the “traditional women’s roles”. My father-in-law used to quilt and I think my husband would enjoy it, but he’s too busy golfing:lol:
March 30th, 2009 | #
Love the article on Scott and all the March Madness Men! His blog is way kewl too. I love to listen to, watch, learn from male quilters because they have such a different perspective on it than most women. I would say the best long arm quilter I know is a male and I feel the reason he is one of the best is because he can picture the quilting for a quilt long before he even sees it and then he uses his engineering past to balance everything out. Just love it.
March 30th, 2009 | #
Very cool! I am enjoying the men who quilt interviews.
March 30th, 2009 | #
Love the article — and love hearing all about people who make quilting cool and hip.
March 30th, 2009 | #
Thanks for posting about Scott. I had been to his website once before but lost the link. I love reading about other male quilters. I loved his posts on “wash days” It is fun to see the fabric he has washed and has on the clothesline.
I also love his philosophy:
“when you make a mistake either try fixing it a couple times or work around it…Don’t stress about it, it really isn’t worth it.”
I agree life is short and most people won’t notice a minor mistake (unless you enter it in a quilt show!) Most mistakes can be worked around.
Thanks Scott, and thank you Stitchin’ Heaven for reconnecting me with his site.
Please enter me in the giveaway.
Thanks.
March 30th, 2009 | #
I think men quilters are cool and I wish I actually knew some…can you count? Thanks for hosting this great giveaway.
Lisa
March 31st, 2009 | #
All quilters and fiber artists are special people!
March 31st, 2009 | #
Another fun read!
Gayle
March 31st, 2009 | #
[...] So this was supposed to be announced on April 1st as it was on Stitchin’ Heaven, but we were experiencing “technical difficulties” over here at the Blue Nickel…. [...]
April 4th, 2009 | #