I’ve been on my quilting journey for the past 34 years. Over the years, I’ve learned skills from many different authors, magazines and television
programs. But when I found my first Judy Niemeyer pattern, I knew I had found my true inspiration in quilting. Since then, I’ve been striving to hone my skills and become a Quiltworx Certified Instructor.

I began my adventure into the needle arts when I was 6 years old when my great-grandmother started me with crochet. Since then, I’ve added knitting, needlepoint, crewel, embroidery with both thread and silk ribbon and a vast assortment of other textile skills to my repertoire. All of which I distinctly enjoy, but quilting is my absolute favorite.

I found my first Judy Niemeyer pattern in 2005. It absolutely took my breath away and stopped me in my tracks. I said to myself, “Someday, I’m going to be good enough to make that.” So I bought the pattern and began my love affair with Quiltworx patterns. In 2015, I learned about the Certified Instructor program and began dreaming about becoming one. And in 2017, I began the journey. It’s not a quick process, nor is it for the faint of heart. I worked hard through the requirements and persevered towards my goal. And now, I’m extremely proud to say that I am a Quiltworx Certified Instructor!

In addition to being a Certified Instructor and teaching at local shops, for guilds, and in my home studio classroom, I also provide long arm quilting services and host quilting retreats at some of Colorado’s most beautiful venues along the western slope.

Quite simply…I absolutely love quilting, and I am a teacher at heart. When I put the two together, it brings me the greatest joy to share my skills and knowledge with another person… to equip them for success as they strive to reach their goals. Not all people learn in the same manner. As an instructor, it’s my job to find the very best way to present the information and techniques needed to complete these amazing patterns according to each student’s needs. There are never too many questions, never too many times to repeat something, and always a way to encourage and equip every person to fulfill their dreams of creating a beautiful, heirloom quilt.

I would love the opportunity to teach in your area. Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, and Nebraska are what I consider my “stomping grounds”, but travel to Anywhere, USA is always an exciting prospect.

You can always reach me at rivervalleyquilter@gmail.com to book a Zoom or in-person class!

Click on the images below to find Melody’s gallery of quilts on Facebook!