Over The Top Quilting regularly displays an artist’s work at our Studio. Lesley Chandler is our current featured Artist. We are privileged to have Lesley’s works at the Studio. Here’s Lesley’s story.

Hi! I am Lesley Chandler!

I retired from a long career as a nurse specializing in case management a couple of years ago. It did not take me long to figure out I was bored out of my mind with retirement. Luckily, I happened to notice a little quilting store after a quick trip to the dollar store for cleaning supplies: Over the Top Quilting Studio. Being a creative soul who loves all things arts and crafts, I had to go in and check it out. That was when I first met Susan and Chris. They were so warm and friendly. They gave me the grand tour and spent a great deal of time explaining how the long arm quilting machines worked. Before I knew it, I was signed up for a certification class. Then, with much patience, Susan and Chris and all the staff helped me through a series of baby quilts and charity quilts so that I could start making my own quilts.

Since that time, I have made well over 20 quilts. When I was asked to be the Artist of the month, I was so honored and excited. I began to look at some of my earlier quilts and I truly felt that I have come a long way! LOL, you should see my first binding job. Not a show quilt! 

I guess I was coming into the Studio so much that they asked me if I would like to work at Over the Top Studio. Would I?! YES! Now, I am constantly delighted and lucky to see all of the beautiful quilts you all bring in. The level of skill and art that I get to witness is priceless. I love the history of quilts and seeing all of the vintage quilts and pieces people bring in for repair or construction.

What you are seeing in my contributions to the Artist of the Month at the studio are my first quilts. This is me trying to find my artist voice as a quilter. I am finding my way and developing my skills with much tutoring from so many of the staff I work with here and the people that come in. I’m loving my new retirement life and am looking forward to what is coming in the future in the quilting and fiber arts world.  I would be thrilled if you would follow my new blog about quilting at  https://fixintaquilt.blogspot.com/