As a quilt competition junkie, I signed up to IMQE as the long time frame suited us building a new house, and I was in transit. I never imagined it would be such an interesting experience getting to know Susan – how did they match us up so well? We have both been quilting for well over 30 years, are quilt tutors, ex. Presidents of our quilt guilds, like the same things in quilts – curves, circles, prairie points, same colours!! Through Susan I met other American quilters via a Facebook group, committed to a certain amount of sewing each day, which helped restore my quilting mojo when I became obsessed with creating my new garden. With our theme of circles/curves, I originally planned to make my first Double Wedding Ring quilt. Struggling to design something I liked, I decided to go back to my favourite paper-foundation pieced New York Beauty block which I knew I could reduce to a mini size (4”). Inspired as always by Karen Stone, I designed it while on holiday. Once home, I found my design matched the New York Beauty quilt hanging in our dining room, except Susan’s version is half size. I like the thought of us both having the same! The walls in Susan’s house are blue, and she is into orange at present, so requested an orange quilt with blue highlights. The border batik features Maori koru, a touch of Kiwi for an American quilter.