FreeSpirit Fabrics recently had the pleasure of meeting Genesis Hall - an award-winning sewist and quilter at just 13 years old. She toured the office and inspired all by sharing her quilts and accomplishments. Read below to be inspired by Genesis and this younger generation emerging in the sewing/quilting industry.

Tell us about yourself.

Hello, I’m Genesis. Some people call me Genny. I’m a thirteen-year-old avid sewist and quilter. In the few moments that I’m not sewing or quilting, I’m also a pianist and banjoist. The oldest sibling of four, I’ve spent most of my entire life as an active-duty military child moving all over the world until the age of 10. Fun fact: I was born in northern Italy!

How long have you been quilting?

I’ve been sewing for 3 years but have only been quilting for 2 ½. I first began my quilting journey when my mom was pregnant with my baby sister when I was only 10 years old. I wanted to make something special for our new baby on the way and that’s where it all began. The baby quilt I made will be something my family will cherish for generations to come.

What’s your favorite technique or type of quilting?

That’s a hard one! I love a good challenge and exploring many different techniques, but if I had to only choose one I’d say Foundation Paper Piecing because you can achieve and create a sharp, detailed pieced image.

What started your interest in sewing/quilting?

I heard about a local children’s sewing studio in the area where I was living and had the desire to learn something new. Once I started taking sewing classes, I learned a little about bag making, garment sewing, and quilting. I excelled at quilting and was praised in class for how well my points lined up and that my seams looked flawless. I was naturally talented at quilting so I just ran with the craft and never looked back! I’m still learning every day, trying new skills, challenging myself with new techniques, and stepping outside of my comfort zones.

What inspires you/your projects?

Modern design is what I’m most attracted to but still enjoy incorporating traditional designs. I’d say with every project I have executed, I’ve made it a goal to try something new. For example, it may be something big like expanding on a difficult piecing technique or simply trying something I’ve never tried before though it may be small such as rounded corners rather than mitered corners. My goal is to improve and learn from each project that I make. Of course, my fabric choices are made using cheerful, bright, and fun prints or colors.

What have been some of your greatest accomplishments as a young sewist/quilter?

Aurifil Thread chose me as their youngest Aurifil Artisan for the 2022-2023 term. My mom actually applied for me and didn’t tell me until I received an acceptance. We were surprised a 12-year-old had been chosen! It was an amazing opportunity and one I’ll always be thankful for. I was able to learn about threads and different thread weights and was challenged to create something using each weight. I’ve learned that even the most advanced sewists/quilters aren’t even aware or knowledgeable about the different thread weights and their uses.

A local farmers market chose me to be a part of their first-ever Youth Entrepreneur program where I was able to make handmade crafts such as my quilts, bags and stuffed animals to sell at markets each week. It was such an amazing opportunity to learn the business side of things!

I have accomplished many skill sets that even those much older than I haven’t yet tried or may be too intimidated to try such as curves, pattern matching graphics in curved piecing, hand needle-turn applique, and foundation paper piecing. Some of my quilts have been recognized with awards in quilt shows, and I’ve been encouraged by many companies in the sewing industry.

What are your goals or ambitions around sewing/quilting for the future?

Very soon, I’ll begin learning a new quilting technique; English Paper Piecing! It’s been something I’ve wanted to venture into for quite some time now. This summer I have signed up for a fiber arts natural dyeing class and a weaving course that I’m looking forward to.

My hope is to continue to learn more about garment sewing and to be able to write a quilt pattern for my own original design. My big dream is to continue studying textiles or fiber arts when I go to college.  I’ve got my eye on the Savannah School of Art and Design.

What advice do you have for a beginner sewist or quilter?

Don’t be scared to try new things. There’s always something you can learn and improve on even if the project doesn’t turn out as you’ve hoped. It could also turn out beautifully! Take the chance. The sky is the limit! Good things never came from comfort zones.

Anything else you’d like to share?

My hope is that I am able to inspire and encourage more younger sewists and quilters to follow along with me. Next-generation sewists and quilters are the future!