Richard Cubbage

Today is

 RICHARD CUBBAGE

 day

Celebrate!

Where did you grow up?
On my family farm in Remington Virginia. It was formerly known as Rappahannock Station during the war of Northern Aggression and later named Remington after a  train conductor who worked on the Southern railroad. One of my fondest memories is my Great-Grandmother showing me the spring under the willow tree where the soldiers would fill their canteens and use the willow sprigs as toothbrushes.

How many years have you been in the industry?
17 years

Favorite past time / hobbies?
At home it's cooking. I love trying to duplicate gourmet dishes enjoyed in the fine dining establishments in and around Washington D.C. I enjoy boating on the Potomac and playing golf.

Tell a funny story about being on the road...
I once met a new customer at her house to set up her new store. We started around 2pm with light snow falling. Around 6pm her husband came in from feeding his horses and suggested that I better stay with them for the night as the snow had increased and was accumulating rapidly. Around 8pm I found a four foot drift blocking my exit out of their driveway. The guestroom was it's own floor of their renovated farmhouse. We sat in the gourmet kitchen and continued to work until 11pm and I retired to what could be the best B&B i've ever stayed in.The next morning her husband and kids had me dug out and on my way by 8am.

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old?
A Coast Guard rescue swimmer

What is your favorite childhood memory?
Fishing the Potomac and Rappahannock on my father's boat with him, my brother, mother, grandfather and grandmother.

Tell us about another job you had..
I was a store manager for :Lane Bryant women's store! I was trained by professionals to properly fit bras on women. I used to take pride in the responsibility where "women placed their breasts in my hands"

Tell us about your beloved?

My wife Robyn was my high school sweetheart. We will be married 27 years this September. She works at an animal hospital and we have taken in 3 rescue dogs in addition to other pets owned. She is a huge Anglophile and our pet's names reflect that.  We currently have a Yorkie (Dudley), Cairn Terrier (Elpheba or Elphie named after the wicked witch of the west), Cockapoo (Ghillie) and a cat (Caryss)

Name 5 things always found in your fridge?
Unsalted butter,
eggs,
white wine (Robyn's) , beer (Richard's) ,
 heavy cream (when I cook I say "darn the calories"!)

If you were a quilt block, what one would you be & why?

Mariner's compass due to my love of the water.

What was the best thing before sliced bread?
Hard tack 

What would be the name of three chapters in your auto-biography?
THATS GONNA LEAVE A MARK
I'M NOT CRAZY I'M JUST LIKE YOU
WHAT, ME WORRY?

How would you describe your job to a 5 year old?
 I sell pretty fabrics to your mother that makes her very happy and your daddy's wallet very sad

Name 5 things on your bucket list...
Spend 2 weeks in Bora Bora
Take my wife to Great Britain for 2 or 3 weeks
Attend a Stanley Cup final in Washington
Fly to Key West on Jimmy Buffett's Hemisphere Dancer sea plane and spend the weekend fishing with him
Play a round of golf with Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and Tom Watson.

Tell us something about you that most people don't know...

I love poetry. Oddly, Edgar Allan Poe is one of my favorites.

Name three things you never leave home without...
Android phone
Android tablet
The desire to return there as soon as possible

My vice in life..
Cigars and Foie Gras (not together!)

My passion is...
Cooking

My pet's favorite TV show?
Curb Your Enthusiasm (they are the only ones in the house that will be in the room with me when it's on)

My motto is...
I'm Growing Older But Not Up"

Is the Hokey Pokey really what it is all about?
The Hokey Pokey really IS all its's about.

You just drove your car through the garage door. What would you say to your spouse / significant other, to convince them that this is good news?
Honey, remember how you've been after me to clean out the garage?"

What fashion trend do you wish would come back in style & why?
Gym shorts and over-the-calf athletic socks (everybody always said I had sexy legs)

If you could create your own bumper sticker, it would read...
"Honk if you love Jesus, Text while driving if you want to meet Him"

If gas mileage & space for samples, were not a requirement, I'd be driving..
Triumph TR7 on weekends,
Cadillac CTS V Coupe weekdays.

Julie Kehne

We are keen on
Julie Kehne

L to R: Laurie and JULIE- Salt Lake City 2011

Where did you grow up?
 St. Paul, Minnesota.

How many years have you been in the industry? 
 ONE in quilting.  I've been working professionally with fabric in some form
or another for about 25 years now.

Favorite past time / hobbies? 
Reading, listening to music of all types, and watching movies, especially of the Jimmy Stewart variety.

Tell a funny story about being on the road...
No funny stories yet, I'm sure in time I will have plenty!

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old?
A librarian.  That was about the time I learned to use a sewing machine
and switched to being a designer, either interior or clothing.

What is your favorite childhood memory?
Going with my dad to the local nursery to pick up a Christmas wreath.  I was about 3. 
With 3 siblings you didn't always get one on one Dad time.   I can still smell Christmas in the air and remember my wonderful dad lifting me up onto the counter.

Tell us about another job you had...

My very first job was at the age of 10 , in those pre-VCR days.
 My sister paid me a quarter a day to watch her soap opera (Ryan's Hope) while she was at her summer job, and tell her what happened.

Name 5 things always found in your fridge? 
Famous Dave's Devil's Spit BBQ Sauce,
 maraschino cherries,
cottage cheese,
100% grape juice,
and Pace Medium Picante Sauce,.

If you were a quilt block, what one would you be & why?
A Log Cabin, but done in crazy modern prints.  I like the juxtaposition of old and new,
 and my "center" (home, family, friends) is hugely important to me.

What was the best thing before sliced bread?
Hmmm, a toss up between puppies and the public library.

How would you describe your job to a 5 year old?
I get to go see people's cool stores and show them pretty fabric to sell in those stores.

Name 5 things on your bucket list...
Go to Spain
Go to Scotland
Hold a baby fox (not sure how I'm gonna do this one.)
Get rid of the Creeping Charlie on my front lawn (ditto)
Actually use a good percentage of all those recipes I've been accumulating for years.

Tell us something about you that most people don't know...
I LOVE the sounds of a bowling alley.

Name three things you never leave home without...
Lip balm.  Everything else is negotiable.

My vice in life...
Vegas every year or 2.
And coffee.  Delicious, dependable coffee....sigh.

My passion is...
Finding just the right items to restore my 50's house.

My motto is...
Enjoy everything and be grateful.  We really have it good.

What fashion trend do you wish would come back in style & why?
80's asymmetrical haircuts.  They were just so cute.

I collect...

Those old wooden hangers from long-gone hotels that have the hotel name on them.

Joseph Galza

Meet our illustrious Sales Manager

Joseph Galza

Where did you grow up? 

I was born in Lackawanna,NY. That makes me a Buffalonian.

How many years in the industry?

I have been with Moda for 35 years and in the retail fabric business for 20 years before that. My parents owned a 5 and 10 store. My job as a youngster was to check the notions,etc for an order
every week for our distributor. I could make change and check out a cash register before I was eight.

 (I was ten before I could tie my shoes)

Favorite past time:

gardening, reading and old cars.

Funny story on road:

I locked myself out of my room in a large hotel in my underwear. When I finally got the hotel security to unlock my door he took my wallet and asked where I lived. I guess he thought I was the underwear bandit.

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old:

A Nun

What is your favorite childhood memory:

My Grandmother baking bread and making home made pasta.

Tell us another job you had:

I was a life guard in the Summer.

Tell us about your beloved:

That would be my wife, Nancy, who I have been married to for 36 years. She is the best thing that ever happened to me. (Working for Moda is the second)

Five things found in fridge:

Mustard,

skim milk,

yogurt,

 Pomegranate juice

and

something green and hairy way in the back of the fridge.

If I were a quilt block:

I would be an Ohio Star because that is where I live.

What is the best thing before sliced bread?

Velcro and Duck Tape

Three chapters in my auto-biography:

How to survive living with three sisters,
Mom was my best friend and
Sicilians aren't as bad as you think.

How would you describe your job to a 5 year old:

I sell pretty fabrics to warm and friendly people.

A few other pictures that were too priceless not to share.

Joseph, thanks for putting up with all of us and always keeping your calm!

Sonja Mann

Let's give a big welcome to one of the newest members of the moda sales team.

Sonja Mann

Where did you grow up?

  I was born and grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah.
How many years have you been in the industry?

  My whole life.  When you live in Utah, "the quilting capitol of the world", you begin to learn about sewing and quilting from birth :)  I love doing hand applique.

Favorite past time / hobbies? 



I was a "tomboy" growing up.  I loved all sports and played anything and everything.  I especially loved to play a game called "Snooker" which is played on an extra large pool table.  Also, ping pong and marbles were favorites.  I had a huge marble collection that was the envy of all the boys in the neighborhood.  When I was 12 years old "tennis" became my sport of choice and I played in high school, and college.  I loved life on the tennis court.  When my two daughters turned three years old I taught them to play.  All three of us (my daughters and I) won a Utah State High School Championship Tennis title.  Sports and sewing were very important to all of us and we share these interests to this day. 

Hannah

Amanda

Tell a funny story about being on the road... The first time I went on the road as a sales representative I went to Albuquerque, New Mexico, from Tempe, Arizona (where I live).  I planned my trip for ten days.  After about five days I did laundry at the hotel and hung everything up to dry in the closet.  I checked out of the hotel and drove about three or four hours to Farmington, New Mexico.  Once I checked into the hotel and was unpacking my suitcase, I realized all my clothes were hanging in the closet in Albuquerque.   My Super 8 Motel in Farmington, NM, was right next to Walmart so I went on my first ever "Walmart (clothes) Shopping Spree".  Let me tell you, I looked pretty "spiffy" the rest of the trip.  My "real" clothes arrived by mail in Tempe, AZ about a week later.

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old?
I was obsessed with tennis and wanted to be Chris Evert.
What is your favorite childhood memory?

  My favorite memory was when I turned six years old, my Dad gave me my own "5 Star" baseball mitt.  It is my greatest treasure to this day.  I was so tiny in stature at that age, and my hand was so small that the mitt is about the size of a large softball.  My brothers had not been born at that time so my Dad would play catch with me in the back yard.  He would compliment me on how I could throw the ball "just like a guy". I was so proud!

Tell us about another job you had...I started working for Southwest Airlines on August 30, 2001, as a reservation agent.  After two weeks of training, my first day to take calls by myself was on September 11, 2011.  It was in the morning and I answered the phone and a man said, "Ma'am do you know what's going on in the world today?"  I said, "No what?"  He then told me a plane had just flown into the World Trade Center".  After that moment the world was "chaos" at Southwest Airlines.

Tell us about your beloved?

My daughters Hanna (older), Amanda (younger) with Ginger the cat

 Name 5 things always found in your fridge?
Bread,
Milk,
yogurt,
apples,
iced tea.

If you were a quilt block, what one would you be & why?
Snail's Trail, because I'm always following a trail from one quilt store to another.

What was the best thing before sliced bread?
The Lawrence Welk Show.  My grandparents would let us stay over on Saturday night and they would cut up sliced apples and we would all watch the show . . . . those were the good old days.

What would be the name of three chapters in your auto-biography?
Tomboy, Tennis Player/Mom, MODA Sales Rep

How would you describe your job to a 5 year old?
I meet nice people (especially alot of nice Grandma's) and I show
 them fabric that they love to pet!

If you were written about in the newspaper, the headline would read...
"Sonja Mann Shines For Tennis Team" 

Tell us something about you that most people don't know...When I was born my legs were severely turned inward and when I began to walk I would stumble over my feet and immediately fall down.   Before I started school (at 4 years old), my parents found a Doctor that knew the problem.  My femur bones (the top bones in my legs) were twisted, so he cut the bones in half and pinned and wired them back together.  I am eternally grateful to my parents, because without them being persistent to find the problem, my life would not be as wonderful as it has been. Because I was small in stature, all my clothes were "home-made" as we called it.  My sewing skills have continued to be benficial to this day even though I do not have much time to actually do them all.
Back then I would have never dreamt to one day be a salesperson in the sewing and textile industry.
Name three things you never leave home without...
I-Phone, GPS, Purse
My vice in life...
Sleeping In (which is a rarity)
My passion is...
It was raising my two daughters, now it is starting this amazing career
with all of you and Moda fabrics/United Notions.

Boxers or briefs? 

Can't go there!

My motto is...
"The rich stay rich by living poor, the poor stay poor by living rich"

You just drove your car through the garage door. What would you say to your spouse / significant other, to convince them that this is good news?
"Whoopee, time for a NEW van and a NEW house!"

Me & my: senior prom / wedding / bad hair cut / proud moment /

school photo, etc.  Explain!

 Here is a picture of my best friend and sister Marilee.  She and I won the Utah State High School Doubles Championship when I was a Senior and she was a Sophomore. 

If you were not a sales rep, what else would you do?
Learn to play golf.

If you could create your own bumper sticker, it would read...
"Moda Van, not Mama Van!"

If gas mileage & space for samples, were not a requirement, I'd be driving...
 A real car, preferably a Lexus sports car convertible, fire engine red with ivory seats.

Fluffy

If you choose a career as a XXX movie star & need a stage name, they say; use the name of your first pet & the street you lived on - what would yours be? 
Fluffy Nye

Brian Wheeler

Meet Brian Wheeler

Where did you grow up?

Whiteland, Indiana

How many years have you been in the industry?

23 Years

Favorite past time / hobbies?

Golfing, Listening to music, Shooting, Driving my sports car, Spending time with my Kids and Grand kids.

Tell a funny story about being on the road...

I was in a Starbucks working.  A Johnny Cash song came on their sound system. The song was about being happy in the blues or something like that. The Ladies behind the counter started singing along with the song and they were smiling and having fun. Then on of the customers started singing along with the song too. Then another customer and started singing and dancing. I thought I was in a new Starbucks Musical. I usually have coffee, however I had a bottle of water. I think I should have had the coffee that day....maybe I would have participated too.

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old?

I wanted to be an Aircraft Pilot.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Visiting my Grandmother in Kentucky.

Tell us about another job you had...

When I was 17, I work at a cement block factory for a summer. I drove some heavy equipment,

 a very large pay loader. I'm pretty sure that they no longer let 17 year olds drive heavy equipment.

Name 5 things always found in your fridge?

Diet Coke

Bottled Water

Diet Peach Tea

Bud lite

Orange Juice

If you were a quilt block, what one would you be & why?

Grandmothers Puzzle. My grandmother was a big influence in my life and I think

sometime people have a hard time figuring me out.

If you were written about in the newspaper, the headline would read...

On the Road Again

Tell us something about you that most people don't know...

I coached soccer.

Name three things you never leave home without...

Android Phone

Keys

Money

My vice in life...

Coffee

My passion is...

My Kids and Grand Kids. I also love to see my customers be successful.

Boxers or briefs?

Briefs.

My motto is...

Keep going...you are not down until you decide not to get up.

Brian the trendsetter at sample spree

didn't take long for others to catch on

Is the Hokey Pokey really what it is all about?

I would say that is a matter of opinion. When every one is dancing and having fun, I think is more about "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang.

I collect...

Coins

If gas mileage & space for samples, were not a requirement, I'd be driving...

'01 Ford Mustang Cobra

Gene Stewart

Meet Gene, Gene, the dancing machine.

GENE STEWART

Where did you grow up?    

Leadville and Greeley Colorado.

How many years have you been in the industry?     

 31 or 379 months  All with United Notions/Moda

Favorite past time / hobbies?

 Skeet Shooting, Traveling, Family, Cameras Video, Being out doors being with Family and Friends.

Tell a funny story about being on the road...

When I was in training 30+ years ago Earl Teague and I were headed back to Dallas from El Paso Texas on a Friday afternoon. We passed a sign that said Dallas 487 Miles, The next sign said airport. Earl said exit here.  I dropped him at the airport and he said see you in Dallas Monday. We were traveling in my Chevy Luv 4 wheel drive pick up Earl had enough.

I still had an appointment to see.She said she had bowling league that day and I could meet her at the bowling alley. I did and I laid out the swatches and in between her turn she ordered. If Earl had not flown home, he may have enjoyed playing a few frames while I showed fabric.

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old?

A Forest Ranger.
( I don't think they would let him wear his cool plaid pants.)

Tell us about another job you had... When I was 12-15 years old and living in Greeley Colorado I  did a variety of things. I would water the grass in our back yard during the day and at night the night crawlers would come out. I would be out after dark catching them, then would sell them to the local bait shop. I also picked sweet corn in the summer.

Name 5 things always found in your fridge?

 Milk,

Cat food,

leftovers,

 ketchup,

 eggs.

How would you describe your job to a 5 year old?

 I go around to shops and show them what is new and help them pick what will sell.

Name three things you never leave home without...

iPhone...

.iPad..

iWallet.(this is my own invention)

My passion is... 

Being on time, Be Professional, Helping everyone do better.

My motto is...

Help my customers prosper.

If you were not a sales rep, what else would you do?  

 An outdoor guide, fishing hiking biking, rafting.

If gas mileage & space for samples were not a requirement, I'd be driving...

Terrafugia

And of course only if money were not an issue also. But seriously, how cool is this?

 Here is a link to it.  http://www.justluxe.com/lifestyle/aircraft/feature-1607948.php 

Tells us about some of the fun things you have done at market.....

I have enjoyed dressing up for the Moda Market party's, I have gone as the tin man,

 Wore my American flag cowboy boots,

I also have enjoyed making movies that seem to help all of the customer that didn't make it as well as the one that did.

What would be the name of your auto-biography?

How to skip through life. 
I like to skip. No matter how down you may be, skipping just seems to make everything better. Skipping brings back the simplicity and memories of childhood. Everyone can do it. I have been doing it for years with my kids and even complete strangers. TRY IT!

Name 5 things on your bucket list...
Visit all of the State and national parks in the USA,
Travel this great country in a motor home,
Have a wood working shop,
Win the Masters skeet shoot ( I got third this year in the 28ga )
Go fishing in Canada.

You just drove your car through the garage door. What would you say to your spouse / significant other, to convince them that this is good news?

gene can even build his own car

Hey guess what. I just made a decision. That old garage door that never worked to good. Lets replace it with one of those new insulated ones. I have already removed it. to save help with the installation costs.

Is there anyone that is deceased that you would like to meet....

Yes, Henry Ford. I like to talk to entrepreneurs who have vision not just sight.

I collect...

 Friends,

If you could create your own bumper sticker, it would read..     

  Please drive in the right lane.

My vice in life is...

skeet shooting and skipping

Kim Polson

Today is

Kim Polson

day!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Bridgeport, Ct. and left when I graduated High School. No plans to move back there.
How many years have you been in the industry?

I have been a Sales Rep. since 2001 So ten years, but 28 in the Craft Industry.
Favorite Hobbies...

traveling, quilting, scrap booking, gardening,Antiques and fishing. No couch potato here!
Tell a funny story about being on the road...

While traveling back to Germany on a business trip.  I got the last seat left on the plane. Of course, it was in the middle row and no way to get out.  I brought my CD player and a mask and just did not want to be bothered. The guy next to me was very nervous and wanted to talk. He said he was in trouble and was going back to face some consequences.  He never shut up all night .  Basically poured his heart out to me. (Do I look like a shrink?). When we landed they held the plane. Low and behold the Polizei boarded the plane and escorted him off with Machine guns. He was some big fugitive they had been looking for many years.  It made the front page of the German Papers and the nightly news.

One of my favorite Jobs....

 was working for the U.S. Army in Germany. I was a Arts and Crafts Director.We provided recreation for the spouses of Service men that were overseas or deployed.   It was the most fun and involved lots of traveling to other European cities and the US twice a year. We won Best Craft Shop Worldwide in 2000.

Name 5 things always found in your fridge?

 Romaine lettuce, Feta cheese, red onion, nuts and lemonade.
What was the best thing before sliced bread?

Suitcases with wheels. Otherwise, I would not be able to do my job.
Name 5 things on your bucket list...

 Have grandchildren,

Visit all 50 states. I think only 7 to go!
Visit Greece, Re tour all of Europe by back pack
Own and operate a Bed and Breakfast
Volunteer more.
Name three things you never leave home without...

 My debit card, clean underwear and my toothbrush.
Tell us something about you that most people don't know...

I am such a softy, I cry at Kleenex commercials.
My vice in life...

 Chocolate, thrift shops and always being busy.
One of my biggest accomplishments...

Having both kids graduate from college and not be in debt. 
If you were not a sales rep, what else would you do?

I would do my Quilt retreats full time. Check out Summitquiltretreat.com
I collect...

I collect too many things . It would fill up this survey.
If you could create your own bumper sticker, it would read...

 " Get off the couch and enjoy life" would be my bumper sticker

but my license plate already says it all.

My motto is...

" If you want something done, ask a busy person " Ben Franklin

Laurie Schaff

Meet

Laurie Schaff

Where did you grow up?

On a farm in rural South Dakota, near Storla, SD

How many years have you been in the industry?

7 years, the first 6 working for quilt shops and the last year as a sales rep for Moda

Favorite past time / hobbies?

 I love to travel with my hubby, Brian. I also like to sew and quilt however

I don't make enough time for it now that I am on the road so much.

Tell a funny story about being on the road...

GPS...a great tool but sometimes not the best at giving directions. On a recent trip to Montana I found myself bumping and sliding down a gravel road. I grew up driving on gravel roads so it wasn't the gravel it was the twists and turns and nearly getting stuck in my little front wheel drive car that had me nervous. Next time I will consider an alternate route. On the up side this little drive displayed some of the most picturesque scenery including snow topped mountains and  beautiful rolling hills.

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old? 

 A nurse like my mom.

Tell us about your beloved?

  Our little yorkies, Hampton & Sophie. They are not typical lap dogs.  Their small size is deceiving, they have so much energy and always want to play! Down side of having such an adorable pet...you can't stay mad at them for too long so discipline is an issue.

If you were a quilt block, what one would you be & why?

Wedding Ring......We're both made up of lots of little

 pieces and we both have beautiful curves.

What was the best thing before sliced bread?

The rotary cutter....can you imagine cutting everything out with scissors?

 That must have taken forever!

What would be the name of three chapters in your auto-biography?

 Life on the Farm, The College Years, Married to the Army Guy

LAURIE AND JULIE LOVE MODA!!

Name 5 things on your bucket list...

Drive to Alaska,

See the Taj Mahal in person,

Visit the Pyramids of Giza,

Tour Germany,

Go to the Grand Canyon,

Visit all 50 states....

the list could go on forever.

Name three things you never leave home without...

 Only 3?

Every time I pack to leave I feel like I'm packing for a month....

.they would have to be cell phone, computer, and my handy dandy Moda scanner!

My vice in life... 

Starbucks....my motivation for getting out on the road on those 20 below mornings!

My passion is...

happiness!!!

You just drove your car through the garage door. What would you say to your spouse / significant other, to convince them that this is good news?

 Honey, I know you've been complaining that there isn't enough light in the garage and I have solved that problem...... we are getting rid of that solid....,now wrinkled, door and replacing it with a new garage door that has windows in it! Isn't that great?!

Me & my: senior prom / wedding / bad hair cut / proud moment - with trophy / school photo, etc. (send photo) Explain!

What fashion trend do you wish would come back in style & why?

 Hypercolor shirts, the fabric changed to a different color when it was warm...they were a lot of fun. Maybe I could start a new trend... hypercolor pants???

If you were not a sales rep, what else would you do?

  I would be a quilt shop owner.    I would also strongly consider stay at home doggie mom.

I collect...

Fabric, patterns, kits, books.....I could insulate my house with the nice "little" collection

 I have been working on.

If you could create your own bumper sticker, it would read... 

 Would you like charm packs with that?

Laurie is also a contributor to the Cutting Table blog. Laurie's coulmn is... On the Road Again, featuring quilt shops on her travels.

Angela Worrell

Meet

Angela Worrell

Angela probably has had the most through training in the processes at moda. She started in the sample dept, then moved on to customer service, did marketing, sell sheets, Upcs and more. She then helped in accounting before taking a sales position in sunny California.

Where did you grow up?
Terrell Texas
How many years have you been in the industry?
8 years. almost 2 yrs as a rep
Favorite past time / hobbies?
Reading, making quilts, hanging out with friends.
Tell a funny story about being on the road...
I was at an appointment when a customer walked in looking for a lapel pin.  She wanted to attach a racoon tail to her jacket.  But the real story is after listening to her explain where she gets the tails. 

She proceeded to tell us that she gets them from road kill on the side of the road. 
What did you want to be when you were 12 years old?
The better questions is what did I not want to be. 

 I wanted to be a nurse, vet, teacher and the list goes on and on.

Tell us about your beloved?

Nykole she is my 6 year old niece with the biggest imagination and she is prime candidate for kids say the darndest things.

She also likes to dress up and she likes to be little red riding hood.

Name 5 things always found in your fridge?Milk
Cream Cheese
Juice
Tea

Corona
If you were a quilt block, what one would you be & why?
Carpenters Wheel because I think it is unique and complex. 

What was the best thing before sliced bread?
I am not old enough to know what would be better before sliced bread...

I didn't know it came any other way.  LOL
How would you describe your job to a 5 year old?
I actually did this with my niece, Nykole,and out of the conversation she thinks all I do is

drive in my car all day and see my friends.  LOL.

Name 5 things on your bucket list..
Go to Ireland and Scotland
Would love to sky dive

(don't know if I would have the nerve when it came down to it.)
Learn to swim
Learn how to play the guitar
Learn to Gourmet Cook..

I find boiling water a challenge.

If you were written about in the newspaper, the headline would read...
The woman who lives life to the fullest and loves every moment.

Tell us something about you that most people don't know..
.I am deathly afraid of rodents.  To the point where they make me have nightmares.

Name three things you never leave home without...
Purse that has Toothbrush and Toothpaste, Makeup, wallet etc. (More like a mini suitcase.)
Cell Phone of course
Flip Flops I always keep a pair in the car to wear between appointments. 

My motto is...
Carpe Diem  seize the day
You just drove your car through the garage door. What would you say to your spouse / significant other, to convince them that this is good news?
If I had a spouse I would probably say; now we can start the remolding.  I think that is the perfect

place for a huge window and look on bright side now we don't have to pay for demo

I collect...
Old books.

If you could create your own bumper sticker, it would read...
Eat My Dust

If gas mileage & space for samples, were not a requirement, I'd be driving...
1969 Shelby GT 500 color would have to black.

If you choose a career as a XXX movie star & need a stage name, they say; use the name of your first pet & the street you lived on - what would yours be?
Sunshine Blanche  (Sunshine my dog and Blanche is the street.)

Laura Hershey

meet

Laura Hershey

full of interesting hobbies and stories

Where did you grow up?

Well, I went to 7 different schools in elementary school but thankfully

we lived in Irving, TX last 6 years of schooling.

How many years have you been in the industry?

I've just been in the industry for 1 1/2 years but I am a life long seamstress and occasional quilter.

Favorite past time / hobbies?

I'm an amateur astronomy and attend 'star parties' when possible. I also love bluegrass festivals

as well as sewing and crocheting.

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old?

 An archaeologist... I wanted to explore the pyramids.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

 Lots of good memories.  I lived in a neighborhood full of kids and we'd play hide and seek until 10:30pm in the summer time.

Tell us about another job you had...

I volunteered for several years as a family and divorce mediator. It was great to get two oppositional people together, sitting across the table from one another and see if they could settle their differences.

Tell us about your beloved?...

My precious grand-daughter!!! It is more fun than I ever imagined!

Name 5 things always found in your fridge?

This is fun... swiss cheese, sweet pickles, fugi apples, hummus, and celery.

What would be the name of three chapters in your auto-biography?

 My love of Astronomy, My love of Cosmology and My love of Neuro Brain Science... yes I'm that geeky.

How would you describe your job to a 5 year old?

 I get to travel around in 5 great states and visit with creative, happy people who love sewing and fabric.

Name 5 things on your bucket list... 

Travel, to Spain,

RV to all of  the National Parks,

eat at all the places on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,

 sew up all my material and

"World Peace" :)

My favorite quote...

 "It's only with the heart that one sees rightly,

what is essential is invisible to the eye." The Little Prince

What fashion trend do you wish would come back in style & why?

Crinkle vinyl zip up boots from Kinney's... I felt so cool!

If you were not a sales rep, what else would you do?

Direct movies? Philosopher? Time traveler?

I collect...

Chickens but I like to collect them myself not have others collect them for me.

If gas mileage & space for samples, were not a requirement, I'd be driving...

Chevy Silverado LTZ crew cab pick up... hey, I'm from Texas.

Currently reading...
Incognito, The Disappearing Spoon and Parallel Worlds

What's the biggest waste of money I've ever spent....

collecting Beanie Babies!

Melody Busch

Meet the fun loving, hard working,
Melody Busch

Where did you grow up? 

 Loveland, Colorado

How many years have you been in the industry? 

 In the industry, 29 years total.  As a sales rep. 25 years, 

with United Notions/Moda Fabrics 21 of those years.

Favorite past time / hobbies? 

 I have always enjoyed trying my hand at any new craft that came along.  But now that my time is limited I prefer sewing/piecing, and knitting.  I also like to hand embroider because it is so portable.  I do like to ride my bike when I can but life gets in the way too often.

Tell a funny story about being on the road... 

This is my sort of funny story.  Many years ago my territory included North Central and Eastern Wyoming, where there are more sheep, deer, and jack rabbits in residence than people. I always told people in the office if they hadn't  heard from me by the end of the week (this was before cell phones) to send a search party out to look for me!    It was just before Christmas and it was pitch black dark by 4:00 PM.  I was just leaving Sheridan, Wyoming on my way to Gillette.   There is nothing out there but dark and critters.   I must have been fiddling with something on the seat beside me because I looked away, just for a second I'm sure.  When I looked up there was a huge deer standing in my lane.  I knew enough not to try to miss him and end up rolling down an embankment so I just hit the brakes and hung on for deer (really) life.  I did hit him in the rear end with the right front  my van.  Yes, I rear-ended a deer!  I was out in the middle of no where so if my van would keep going  I wasn't going to stop, no mater what the damage,  When I came to the first signs of civilization, I pulled off the highway into a lighted parking lot to look at what damage there was.  The deer had crumpled the fender,  broke the grill and the plastic housing that held the headlight.  It wasn't  too bad.   I poked the headlight back up so it would shine  towards the front rather than down to the ground and drove onto Gillette.

 

The following morning I pulled up to my appointment with my van looking a little worse for wear.  Immediately, when I walked in the shop, everyone asked "What happened to your van?"  I said "Oh, I hit a deer last night"  and in unison their response was.........."DID YOU HURT THE DEER?!" 

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old?
 I thought I was going to be an interior designer or an architect.  I loved to design floor plans and decorate them with swatches of fabric, paint chips, and tile samples until I got to college and had to take my first art class.  I found out I didn't have an artistic bone in my body.  I immediately changed my major.

What is your favorite childhood memory? 

  My Father didn't like little children much and Mom took care of us 90% of the time.  She tried her best to keep us out of Dad's hair and out of trouble.  But I remember one time, I must have been 10 or 11, I was rummaging around in our garage trying to find some wood.  I was going  to built a bookcase.  My Dad came out to see what I was doing in his stuff and, uh oh, I thought I was really in trouble.  But he actually took the time to help me built a bookcase better that any I could have built on my own.  It wasn't fancy and it weighed a ton but I moved that bookcase everywhere I went, even to college. 

 I still have that bookcase and use it in my sewing room. 

We also had a horse when we still lived on the farm.  Ginger  was kind of old and not very big but she was so tame we could do anything to her. We could braid her main and tail, cover her with blankets, crawl all over her,  and she wouldn't  do a thing except maybe stand on my foot if she didn't want to be saddled.   We'd ride her to the back of the farm playing cowboys and Indians or circus stars and she was so barn sour that when she got tired of  playing,  she'd run right back to the barn.  Mom never worried about us because Ginger would always bring us home.

Tell us about another job you had... 

I spent a couple of summers working at the YMCA of the Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado.  I worked as a kitchen assistant and did everything from salad preparation to  setting tables, and washing pots and pans.   It was the first time I worked away from home and had total freedom.  I  could have gotten into a lot of trouble if I had wanted to.  I learned a very valuable life lesson there as well.  I tried to complain about something to the chef that was in charge if the kitchen help.  He crooked his finger at me to beckon me a little closer and whispered in my ear, "You can be replaced".  I never forgot that little bit of wisdom.

Tell us about your beloved?

This is a picture of my 3 children taken several years ago.  Mittens and Boots were about 2 months old and my babies always took their naps together.

 I have to give Jim some kudos though for taking care of my babies.  I brought home two kittens barely weaned from their mother and left for Quilt Market the following week.  He  couldn't figure out why I brought home two kittens when we had discussed only getting one.  I couldn't split up sisters!   As you can see they bonded.

Name 5 things always found in your fridge? 

 Yogurt, apples, milk,  juice, and eggs.
 Guess I'm always good for breakfast.  

 The rest of the day you are on your own.

If you were a quilt block, what one would you be & why?

  I think I have two.  Delectable Mountains because I've spent my life in the Rocky Mountains.  There is no other place on earth I'd rather live. 

And the Contrary Wife.  I think you can figure that one out yourself.

What was the best thing before sliced bread? 

  I'd have to say electricity.  We don't get much done without power.  Try sitting in a motel room, in the dark and every device you need to use has either a  dead battery or needs to be plugged in.  I carry an emergency candle with me but it wasn't much help.

Name 5 things on your bucket list...

1. Go on an  Alaskan Cruise. 

 2.  Travel  to  Australia and New Zealand. 

3.  Go back to Scotland and research my ancestors. 

 4.. Hike the Continental Divide.

  5. Sew up all my unfinished projects and use up my stash.   

Tell us something about you that most people don't know..

.I can't watch many of the programs on Animal Planet because they make me cry.

Name three things you never leave home without...

 1. My money gun. 

 2.  My iPod, 

 3.. My cell phone, 

 4.  My XOOM. 

 5.  My glasses/sun glasses.

( 6. Clean underwear).

My passion is...

This is more of a guilty pleasure rather a passion.  I am totally hooked on fictional historical romance novels.  That's why I never leave home without my iPod.  I download Audible books to my iPod and listen as I drive.  I get completely  wrapped up in the characters and the stories help the miles fly by.

My motto is...

Well behaved women seldom make history.

If you were not a sales rep, what else would you do?

  I think I might like to go back to teaching but not in a public school.  I've always enjoyed teaching adults or children that were willing to learn.   It was disciplining  and fighting  the

 kids that didn't want to learn that I didn't enjoy.

I collect...

Antique sewing  paraphernalia  I have everything from old dress forms

 to antique pin cushions and thimbles.  I also collect ceramic birds, and things  with a cats on it.

If you could create your own bumper sticker, it would read...

I BREAK FOR ALL QUILT SHOPS

If gas mileage & space for samples, were not a requirement, I'd be driving...

 I used to have a black  Mazda MS6, 4 on the floor, sun roof, and spoiler.
  It was so much to drive...   I'd like to have a newer version of it.
 Maybe red.