Jodi will be teaching a two day class, #1201 Option Overview of the Square in a Square Technique on Monday and Tuesday. She will also be teaching two evening classes, #5031 Constellation on Friday and #6031 All Spruced Up on Saturday.

Personal: Jodi Barrows led a quilting revolution before anyone knew there was a revolution. Twenty years ago, she created an easy to follow way to improve the quality and ease of putting quilt plans together known as Square in a Square.  Jodi calls herself a quilting visionary. She is also an author and presenter, having spoken to quilting audiences throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Italy, and South Africa. Originally from the small town of Hugoton, Kansas, she is the mother of two sons, and since 2012, a grandmother to one granddaughter. She and her husband also have two yorkies, Cotton and Paisley, who have appeared in some of her books and videos.  

What was the last book you read?  I just got a copy of my own new novel Threads of Change and just finished it.

How did you get started in quilting? My family sewed and I grew up with the sewing machine on the kitchen table that was moved only during meal time.  My mother and grandmother made quilts as well as garments.

Where do you find inspiration for your quilting?  My love for both history and tradition has been my inspiration for sewing.

What is the one quilting tool that you can’t live without?  The one tool I could not live without would be the rotary cutter.  It makes your work easy, fast and accurate.  I remember the first time I saw a rotary cutter.  An older woman I knew from church asked me to meet her in the parking lot after the service.  When we arrived at her car, she opened the trunk and there was an eye glass case. (Her husband was an ophthalmologist).  She opened the case and inside was a yellow Olfa rotary cutter. That rotary cutter changed my quilting life forever.

What do you like to do when you aren’t quilting?  With a new granddaughter, my favorite non-quilting activity is seeing and playing with her.  In addition, I like to read, write and visit with friends and family.  I also find enjoyment in cleaning and playing in my fabric and sewing room.

What is the best class you have taken?  I am learning to knit and it really helps me as I teach beginners in quilting.  Being a novice knitter has taught me to make sure I start at ground zero as I teach to new students.

What do you like best about teaching? It gives me a thrill to see the ‘light bulb’ go on in the face of a student as they learn the system.

What do you want your students to get out of your class?  It gives me great joy to hear from students after class about what they have learned.  Many times what they learn is a technique that can be applied immediately to their way of quilting.  It is nice for beginners and seasoned quilters to go away from a class that is memorable.

What is your best tip for quilters? Be yourself but stretch yourself. Always be willing to learn new things.  Be positive and teachable.

Jodi and Square in a Square will be in Booths 202, 204, and 206 featuring Square in a Square rulers and tools, pattern books, and fabric kits.  

You can find Jodi at www.squareinasquare.com

Road appreciates Jodi Barrow and Square in a Square for being one of the sponsors of the show.

“