Belle Brunner – Our Newest Sewing Ambassador!

Belle Brunner – Our Newest Sewing Ambassador
by Luv2Sew

Havel’s is excited to introduce our newest ambassador, Belle Brunner. Belle is living proof that it’s never too late to start quilting. In just a couple of years and with some informational videos, she is now creating beautiful things. We’ll let Belle tell you more in her own words. Welcome to the team!

I’m a wife to a loving and supportive husband and bonus Mom of a sweet, resilient 10 year old, who also enjoys creating. Although I am an Arkansas native, we currently live in southwest Missouri with our two furbabies, Jax and Tripp. I also own a part time business providing professional development, leadership, strategic planning, vicarious resiliency and self-discovery training for teams and individuals. I am starting to expand some of these trainings into the quilting industry. Prior to this, my career was as a regional trainer, working with leaders and teams within a 16 state region. I am an encourager, includer and supporter of others. My two leading values in life are understanding and compassion. Lastly, you should know I use the word ‘ya’ll’ a lot. It’s in my blood, due to being raised in the rural South.

(The future site of Belle’s AIRBNB quilting retreat homes!)

You will also often find me on the hunt for vintage and antique quilty goodies at local thrift stores, flea markets and yard sales. I love walking, flowers, being in nature and visiting my sweet Dad back ‘home’ in the Ouachita National Forest. It’s a little slice of paradise. We are currently building two AIRBNBs there, which will also serve as quilting retreat cabins on the property to host quilters!

Quilting began as a hobby at the onset of the 2020 pandemic and as a way to create joy for not only myself, but for others by gifting quilty goodness. Little did I know I would become hooked to all things quilty! My only regret is that I didn’t discover it sooner than age 45. I am a self taught quilter thanks to YouTube University, a lot of trial, error (‘teaching moments’ as we say in our home) and patience. I love fabrics in various shades of orange and creams and was just recently invited to be part of a 2022 Maker Ambassador Program for a fabric company (soon to be publicly announced). One of the fun things that also came out of quilt making is my small Etsy shop where I make and sell handmade quilting notions when time permits.

I am a forever learner and still learn something new everyday from the quilting community. I recently purchased the Accuquilt Cutting System and am starting to experiment with all of the cutting dyes! One of my favorite discoveries on this quilting journey is the Babylock Sashiko machine. Oh what a beautiful Sashiko stitch it makes! I use it often when quilting and post about both of these loves regularly. I have a few tutorials about it on my YouTube page, with more soon to come in the months ahead.

Welcome once again, Belle. We look forward to your inspirational posts!