10-3-2022 – Ann Hepfer – Michigan

Our Second Member of the Week is Ann Hepfer !

Let’s say hello to Ann & get to know her!

Name: Ann Hepfer

Where are you from and where do you live now?: I have lived in Michigan all my life. 

What is your favorite project you’ve ever made and why?: I really do not have one favorite. I rarely take pictures of anything I finish. I just really enjoy creating and giving. 

What color seems to always make its way into your quilts?: I seem to be drawn to warm or earthy colors. 

Do you do other types of sewing besides quilting? : I have a Janome 1100 SE , I bought it when when sons left for college. It has the embroidery and quilting in one machine. I enjoy adding embroidery to towels, pillows, appliquéd quilts, labels, baby gifts ans so many other items. One of my favorite sewing projects is using recycled wool and fleece for children’s mittens . I give all the mittens away to schools, and our local family shelter. I embroidery designs on each mitten to make them a little more special. Nothing touches my heart more than seeing a child in our with my mittens on. My second charity project is making flannel or cotton crib sheets and receiving blankets. The receiving blankets are also embroidered with the saying “He/she touched my heart with his hand ,but his feet ran way with it. “ 

Do you have other creative hobbies?: I also do acrylic painting. I love painting snowmen and winter settings. This hobby I enjoy with my sister who very artistically talented. I knit, crochet and do counted cross stitch. Gardening and my flower gardens are my spring thru fall projects. I love it outside! Michigan has four beautiful seasons .Winters can be long in northern Michigan so having lots of hobbies keeps me busy. 

What’s your oldest UFO? Any tips on how you keep them from piling up?: I honestly do not have any UFO. I like to work on several projects at a time, but finish each type of project before starting another one of the same type. Example : one painting , one cross stitch before I start another one of that hobby. 

What’s your favorite creative outlet?: My favorite creative outlet is nature. I live in a beautiful area surrounded by acres of woods, nature , birds, squirrels, deer, turkey, and wildlife and so many beautiful butterflies, and dragon flies . 

Tell us about your family! : I have been married for 37 years , we have two grown sons, two beautiful daughter in laws and three grandchildren with a new baby boy coming this fall. My husband and I retired this past year and we live within ten miles of our sons. We are so very blessed with the life that we have.

Who’s your favorite fabric designer?: Kim Diehl, Sweetwater , Edyta Sitar, Tara Reed, Timeless Treasures, there are so many!! 

Do you have a favorite collection from The Art of Home Club?: Bee and Honey. It’s so cheery and happy.

Is there anything else you’d like to share??: Thank you for all your hard work and dedication in keeping your club going and all the emails and projects. Never underestimate the value of keeping people connected to each other in a positive outlet. Thank you and may god bless you .