About

Hi, my name is Tina Dillard, proud owner, designer, and publisher of Quilting Affection Designs. In addition to a passionate quilter, I’m also a proud wife to a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, and a proud mom of two wonderful and strong sons, now in their 20’s. I also have two beautiful Schnoodles that keep me company every day in my sewing studio.

My quilting inspiration comes from my mom and my aunt.  I began sewing at an early age on my Holly Hobbie sewing machine. In addition to taking home economics classes which included sewing.  My love of quilting started while watching my mom make and hand quilt several quilts. After I was married, I took my first quilting class at a local a local fabric store. Here I discovered my talent and passion for quilting.  I even got my first quilting job from my quilt instructor.

For many years while my husband served in the military, I quilted when I could. However, some places we were stationed did not make getting quilting supplies easy to get. So, I would find myself taking long breaks from quilting. We finally ended up in the Washington DC area, and while working, I was again able to take up quilting. Over the next few years, I dedicated myself to learning all could about quilting and all the new tools and technics.

Quilting Affection was established in 2012, when I decided, along with the support from my family, to quit my government job. I started Quilting Affection as a longarming service and then added a small online fabric store. During this time, I was also making commission quilts and T-shirt quilts for customers.  I fell in love with the quilt design process working on patterns for custom quilts. In 2013, I entered one of my first original quilt designs at the Charles County Fair in Maryland where I won, “Best in Show.”

In 2016, I decided to devote most of my time to pattern design. With this decision, I changed the business name, and this is how Quilting Affection Designs evolved into a pattern design company. My goal with Quilting Affection Designs is to inspire all quilters through detailed, easy to follow quilt patterns. In addition to providing education, and training to help other quilters develop the confidence to create intricate, elegant quilts.

I also have the pleasure of working with Timeless Treasures and Island Batiks, using their fabric collections to design patterns. It is my hope that these patterns will help others find the love and passion for quilting as I have. I’m currently serving my incredible third year as an Island Batik Ambassador.

I have been published in several Magazines:

The Quilt Pattern Magazine ( www.quiltpatternmagazine.com) October 2016. Pattern “Jacks”

Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Volume 15 – Summer 2017

Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Volume 16 – Winter 2017

Also, Tina is now sharing her knowledge of quilt design through lectures, trunk shows and workshops covering what goes into designing a pattern and how modern technology can be utilized.