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February 2006 Issue - Preview ... Web Bonuses This month we asked our staff members, "Tell us about someone who has influenced your development as a quilter to a significant degree." Beth Hayes Editor in Chief My dear Grandma and my great aunts created in me a love for stitching of all types, quilting in particular. In the past 20 years or so, I’ve been in awe of Jinny Beyer's creative use of color. When Jinny's quilts arrive for publication, I'm always a little breathless at their beauty. Sandee Wachal Associate Editor I grew up surrounded by aunts who were seamstresses and a quilting grandmother. One of my grandfathers was a military tailor before coming to the US and he taught his daughters to sew. He passed away before I was born, but I still feel his influence through my family. Ellie Brown Art Director Beth Hayes, most certainly. She surrounds us day by day with beautiful quilts that inspire and with new techniques to try. She holds a standard of excellence that I aspire to. Because of her I am totally in love with vintage quilts and doing the Vintage issue is pure joy. Lise Neer Senior Designer My high-school Creative Writing teacher, Valjean Trumpower, encouraged us to be original in all our endeavors, and inspired me to reach beyond what I know I can do to explore new creative territory. Kathy Patterson Assistant Editor My mother and Aunt Loney were and are my inspiration to follow my heart when it comes to quilting. Their work epitomizes, to me, the love and joy of creating. It feeds our souls. Helen Gregory Contributing Editor Beth Hayes has influenced me, particularly in striving for improved piecing accuracy. I derive great inspiration from Kaye England's quilt designs, especially the freedom she seems to promote. And I find Kaye's fabric collections equally inspiring. Tricia Camp Editorial Assistant My inspiration has been from the Colorado Quilting Council, our state guild. There are expert quilters and their family members showing contemporary, antique, traditional, and art quilts. Seeing quilts of all kinds and all skill levels made with the same love and care is really an awesome experience.