Earlier this year, I learned I was one of 13 people chosen to be a HandiQuilter "My Story" representative. The contest called for owners of HandiQuilter machines to write about why they loved their HandiQuilter Long Arm Machine.  At the time, I had been the proud owner of a HandiQuilter 16 Sit Down machine for almost two years. The prize was an all expense paid trip to Salt Lake City to the HandiQuilter factory and education center for a 3 day retreat. We were treated like superstars, fed like royalty, and showered with quilty gifts. All 13 My Story winners vowed to become friends for life and we will treasure those fun memories for life!  Then, on the way home from SLC, while waiting at the airport, I realized that I didn't have to live on the edges of a dream. If all those people at the retreat could have a long-arm, then so could I. My husband was supportive and soon we were converting the parlor into a long-arm studio and planning our business together. I believe the name of the business was inspired by my late father, Carl T. Rodgers. From him, I inherited my positive outlook and joy of creativity. At his memorial, we released monarchs to celebrate his life and there is a monarch tattooed on my right ankle as a lifelong tribute to him. Though I miss him terribly, he is with me always. Thus, Monarch Quilting and Design was born.  Now I am the proud owner and operator of both a HandiQuilter 16 SitDown mid-arm and HandiQuilter Avante long-arm with Pro-Stitcher. When something feels right, you just know it.

 


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