If only we could all have been this organized at 16. Let me introduce you to Ashley Malinowski.

We first met Ashley at Pittsburgh Quilt Market when she stopped by our booth. She totally charmed us all with her personality and initiative. I think her first words to us were something like “I love EQ”, so that might have had something to do with it too. ;) When we asked Ashley how she used Electric Quilt, she said it enabled her to start her own pattern line. This 16-year-old go-getter already works at a quilt shop and got an excused absence form to skip a few days of school to go promote her pattern line.

Now that school’s out for the summer, I asked Ashley to tell us a little more about her story:

“I am Ashley Malinowski, a 16 year old, junior in High School, using EQ6. I think the program is outstanding, and with the help of EQ6 I have published two patterns. I started sewing when I was 7 years old and quilting since I was 9. My first quilt class was with Joan Hobbs, an owner of the Quilter’s Hive. I took additional classes from Quilter’s Hive, Lil’ Country Shoppe, and Loder’s Sewing Center. At the age of 15 I took an EQ6 class at the Quilter’s Hive in Newark, Delaware. The six week class was with Frank Klemens. I had previously purchased EQ5, fascinated by the program but never had the motivation to teach myself how to use it. So when I got the update for EQ5, and saw the class we jumped on it. Frank works at the Quilter’s Hive and runs a 30’s club (1930’s fabric) and designs all the projects using EQ6.”

“After the class, I got up the courage to design two patterns, with many more designs in the future. The first one I designed with EQ6 was called “It’s Snowing Snowmen” featuring a panel from Deb Strain. My second pattern is called Midnight Flight, which the shop I work at is carrying. The pattern and kits are available online to purchase at http://www.lilcountryshoppe.com/ under the category of What’s New. Both Quilter’s Hive, Lil’ Country Shoppe and especially my mother have all helped me grow in my quilting abilities and have given me a lot of encouragement.”

“I received the opportunity to go to Quilt Market from the Lil’ Country Shoppe, and it was a wonderful experience. I got to travel with Doris Wooleyhan, the owner of the shop, and Susan Gonzales. When I stumbled upon the EQ booth, the first thing I said was “I am 16 and I EQ6!”, and had a wonderful time talking to the EQ staff. I had attended many quilt shows with my mother, but never experienced such a large show. It was very exciting to see all the new fabric and patterns. Personally, I was thrilled to meet “Celebrities” like Mark Lipinski, Nancy Zieman, Vivian Peritts, Suzanne McNeil, Deb Strain and many more. I had never been to Pittsburgh before, so I am happy that I can say I have seen the Heinz Field for the Pittsburgh Steelers and PNC Park for Baseball.
I plan to go to College in the Fall of 2010 but I want to keep quilting and designing. I am so fortunate that my family and local shops are so supportive of my designing efforts. I would not have done anything without EQ6. Thank you.”

Thanks Ashley for taking the time to share your story. I hope our readers find it as inspiring as I did.