Please, say hello to Leah Malasky at Quilted Delights! Leah started quilting about 25 years ago when her children were very young. She taught herself through books, online tutorials/videos, and through lots of trial and error. What started as a hobby has turned into a passion! She loves all things quilt-related and enjoys sharing her passion with others. A few years ago she started a beginner quilt class in her area hoping to help others find their quilting passion. Today she has patterns published in such magazines as McCall’s Quilting and Fons & Porter Love of Quilting and continues to share valuable quilting tips and inspiring the community!

We asked Leah about her creative background. Let’s see what she said!

Island Batik: What sparked your interest in sewing?

It wasn’t till I had my first two children that I really got into sewing. I wanted to make dresses and costumes for them.

Who served as your sewing mentor and taught you the ropes?

My mom taught me the basics. Books, the internet, and trial and error taught me the rest.

What were your beginner mistakes in quilting?

Using the wrong kind of fabric. I bought some yellow stuff that frayed something awful. After a couple washes, the yellow fabric no longer existed in the quilt. I also melted some polyester fabric with an iron one time. I am all for using different types of fabrics, especially in art quilts, but I learned I needed to make sure it can hold up to the washing machine, or iron or whatever it is I plan on doing with it.

Is there block or pattern you could you make over and over again?
Nine patches, Ohio Stars, triangle in a square aka V blocks. 54-40 or Fight quilts and all their variations. I have a few ore, but we can stop there.

Do you have a favorite quilt?

My quilts are like my children, it’s too hard to pick a favorite.

What inspires your design process?

Color and shape, and how color flows within the shapes.

What’s your most favorite part of quilting, and why? Least favorite? 

Is there a technique that you were hesitant about trying, only to discover that you ended up absolutely loving it?
That’s a hard one. I’m always willing to try everything at least once. I guess I can say quilting, I wasn’t reluctant to try it, but I never knew how hooked I would get once I started.

What do you do that you hope the “quilt police” never find out about? 

Quilt Police are a myth. They don’t exist.

Do you enjoy watching TV, listening to music or audiobooks, or sewing in silence while you work on your projects?

I listen to movies while I sew. Ones that have a good sound track and usually the same ones over and over. The Pirates of the Caribbean series, The Star Wars Series, and The Lord of the Rings series are my usual repeats. I can pretty much quote them verbatim. Sometimes I’ll throw in a Disney musical or two to shake things up.

Do you have a sewing peeve?
My son asking if he can “help”. Then he picks up the rotary cutter to pretend to cut up what I am currently working on. He is 23.

What are your other crafty (and non-crafty) hobbies? 

Knitting/Crochet, cross-stitching, camping, looking for waterfalls and Fishing. Almost every Saturday, even in the winter if the weather is nice, you can find me on my little fishing boat out in the marsh.

Do you have a pet that “helps” you sew?

I have several. Three cats and two dogs. The cats are usually up in my face constantly inspecting. The dogs are more in the background for emotional support when I have to rip out a lot of seams.

If you could choose an all-expenses paid trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? 

I’d go Pacific Island hopping. Warm weather, beautiful beaches, and even some waterfalls!

Be sure to follow Leah on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to her blog to see what she’s working on right now!

To see the whole 2023 Island Batik Ambassador team, please visit: https://islandbatik.com/2023-ambassadors/

If you want to join the fun Island Batik Ambassador family, fill out the application here.

Is there anything else you want to ask Leah? Leave us a comment below!