My name is Karen Azevedo. I was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska and am a graduate of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

    I took my first sewing class in seventh grade home economics, where I made an apron. I was so proud of it that I still have it today, forty-two years later!

    I'm married and have a daughter who is currently attending college here in Fort Collins. My husband, Jim, helps with the bookkeeping and tends to the website when he isn't working at his own job or fishing.

    I began quilting twenty years ago and it has been a major part of my life ever since. I started machine quilting using my domestic sewing machine after a really inspiring seminar with Harriet Hargrave. I've even managed to win a couple blue ribbons since then, something I'd never thought would happen!

    When it came time to buy a longarm machine and extend my love of the art of quilting into a business, I chose a hand-guided A-1 Elite machine rather than a computerized system. One reason for this was that I'd already spent too many years sitting at a computer. I also felt that, while the stitching may be perfect on a computer-driven system, the whole process just seemed too impersonal. I love touching the fabric and I love the art of sewing. The hand-guided machine gives me the freedom to be spontaneous and creative. It keeps my quilting fun - something I do for myself as much as my customers.