Only coming to quilting 5 years ago, Linda Diak has had a life full of creativity. She’s raised and sheered her own sheep for fibers to spin. She’s crafted knitting needles and crochet hooks, and beautiful bespoke art quilts. Her newfound love for quilting began at a chance opportunity to sit down at a long arm and well…let’s let her tell you more. (2:00) How did she learn to sew? Her grandmother was a tailor and furrier who took the reins. However, it wasn’t easy because grandma did it faster! Her mother was a maker too. (3:45) Marietta Jones was quite an influence on both Linda and her grandmother. Founder of the Shuttle Craft Hand Guild in the 1940’s and 50’s whose focus was on bringing hand weaving back to America. Looms were everywhere in her home. Linda tells us her story. (5:49) At 18 years old, Linda went to Atlanta to go to design school and where this ended up was not initially apparent to her. The first of many twists and turns. (9:00) A heard of sheep, guard llamas, dogs, cats and more. Linda tells us how this menagerie came to be, how she crafted fibers and the evolution of her company to DyakCraft. (12:35) Linda takes us through the process of creating fibers from sheering the sheep to spinning the fibers. It’s not easy…learn more than you ever thought was involved! (15:32) And how did Grafton Fibers become DiakCraft…yet another unforeseen twist! (19:00) What was the impetus for Linda to begin to create art quilts? Yet another life event led her to this new endeavor.  (20:54) How does she choose the subjects of her quilts? She shares this with us here.(21:50) What are her favorite creations? Baskim Farms for one! Hear about this organization and the wonderful sustainable work they do. (24:08) Sitting down at a long arm five years ago at Waterwheel Quilt Shop in Londonderry, VT was life changing. She knew in this moment that quilting would play a large part in the rest of her life. (25:30) The Rutland Plywood Company played a part in yet another life changing event. Linda tells us this story. (29:40) What’s her favorite creation? It’s the thing she just finished making! (30:55) The recipient of a recent WomensNet Amber Grant, Linda tells us about the history of this award and how she won this recognition. (33:12) What inspires Linda? Nature, animals, color, lines and the work of others! (43:50) Linda’s mother had a great influence on her. A director of nursing in Youngstown, OH her pragmatism and common sense was instilled in Linda. This sense of self and independence has served Linda well. And her father…his influence was paramount as well.  (38:00) Linda is involved with VINE rescue. She tells us about this organization, their work and how she supports them. Hear the story of the travels of Tiki the Emu! (41:26) What’s next and what’s her dream?! (42:30) You can reach Linda at www.lindadiakquilts.com and linda@lindadiakquilts.com. Facebook and Instagram as well!If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.