The Cerebral Palsy Quilter – an interview

Meet Jamie Carlson, aka: cerebral palsy quilter, from Oklahoma. That’s her handle on Instagram and TicTok.

I thought you might like to get to know a little more about Jamie.  She loves to quilt and she quilts on a Handi Quilter Moxie. She has some fabulous videos on TikTok. We did a short interview via email:

HQ: How did you get started in quilting?

JC: I started sewing 7 years ago when I was put in a wheelchair full time. I have cerebral palsy from the waist down and have had 22 operations on my legs to walk. I finally lost my battle and was put into a wheelchair. One of my friends showed me how to sew a bag together and make bags. I was staying with my aunt and she had me try a crazy quilt. Where I just took scraps and put them all together. I fell in love with the colors and patterns and making something beautiful. It helped me get out of the depression I was going through and when I would be hurting I could sew to help keep my mind off my pain.

HQ: How would you describe your style of quilting?

JC: I like patchwork/art quilting where I can make my quilt into an art piece.

HQ: Of all your quilts, which is your favorite?

This one 🙂

HQ: Do you still have your first quilt?

JC: My parents have my first quilt still.

HQ: What are your favorite tools that you use in your work?

JC: I love all my rulers and groovy boards. I love my chairs that all roll so I have the ability to quilt.

HQ: What machine do you use for quilting?

JC: I have a juki 2000qi for making my quilt tops. Then I have the Handi Quilter Moxie for quilting.

HQ: Who is your inspiration/muse?

JC: My friends and family, I also just love trying every new thing I can when it comes to quilting. Making everything more new and modern.

HQ: What opportunities has having a longarm machine opened for you?

JC: I have a new way of finishing quilts and do not have to struggle moving a big quilt around my small sewing machine. It has also opened up more jobs and meeting new people. Most folks are super amazed that I do quilt. I have been asked many times how I quilt because longarm quilting has very much been made into a standing only craft. I have watched so many videos on how to longarm quilts and when I decided to finally take that step, I got the Moxie. Because if it was not going to work, I could at least find another buyer for it and I would not lose much. But the Moxie, when set at the lowest level, is the perfect height for me to quilt comfortably from my wheelchair and make beautiful things.

HQ: What challenges have you encountered and how did you overcome them?

JC: I have cerebral palsy from the waist down. I used to be able to walk, but when I was put into a wheelchair I was very depressed. I cried all the time and just wanted to give up. Wonderful friends and family found different ways to get me out and happy again. Sewing and quilting has been the big thing to get me through the rough days. I am in pain most of the time. When I am quilting, I can focus on the quilting and it helps get my mind off the pain in my legs. There are days when it feels like my bones are breaking. Quilting and sewing on those days helps a huge amount.

HQ: Of all the “tasks’ ‘ in creating a quilt, which is your fave and least favorite?

JC: Laying quilts out to get them squared up is always a hard task for me. I usually lay them on the floor in my living room and crawl around the quilt cutting the edges to make it square. This is also how I trim the quilt after it is quilted.

HQ: Do you have any other hobbies / interests?

JC: I like to kayak and fish, and I love motorcycle rides. I love trying new things and pushing myself, even when I think I can’t do something. I find different ways to do it. That is how I have found ways to quilt.

Longarm quilting does not have to be a standing only craft. I have turned it into a sitting craft.

Thank you Jamie!

Handi Quilter is proud to provide all quilters with the equipment, education and inspiration they need to finish more quilts.

You can connect with Jamie:
cerebralpalsyquilter@gmail.com
Cerebralpalsyquiltier on Instagram and tiktok

Quilt every day!

by Mary Beth Krapil