Hello – You have reached the blog of Designer Heather Mulder Peterson. I’m a quilt pattern and fabric designer, working under the business name of Anka’s Treasures. We hope you’ll stop by often and leave a little more inspired!
I began quilting as a freshman in college and found myself immediately addicted. I soon picked a new major and began pursuing my quilting as a possible career. Little did I know what I was getting myself into! I’ve been in business since 1996, starting small while working on my sophomore year in college. I initially did machine quilting out of my parents’ basement and publishing a few patterns on the side. I have worked up to quitting machine quilting and designing books and patterns full time. I also design fabrics for Henry Glass and Co, along with doing some teaching and lectures on quilting.
My business is named after my Great Grandma, Anka Petersen. She was a very inspirational person to me (my family and all who knew her) for many reasons. First of all, she got my Mom sewing, who in turn got me sewing. My first sewing machine came as a hand me down at the age of five, from Great Grandma. She was 98 when she died, almost blind, living in an aparment by herself, and still able to totally take care of herself. She was in good health and so sharp mentally. I can’t remember what I did yesterday, yet she could rattle off telephone numbers from when she was a telephone operator in the 1930’s. I wish I could have inherited her memory! Instead I inherited her love of working with her hands. We both loved to be busy, sewing, knitting, gardening, crafting, reading, cooking (no wait- that was just her), etc. I not only cherished her for all these reasons, but also for her great outlook on life. She had lived through so many hardships, yet she remained a woman of great faith and encouragement. I was fortunate that she lived such a long life, giving me a chance to connect with her.
My husband and I live near Spicer, MN. I have a studio above our garage and office out of our house. My “family” consists of myself, my husband Joel, and our dog Daisy. (My husband is threatening to guest blog about our dog, so I’m sure you will get to meet her). We bought a fixer-upper on a lake and have been busy getting the house to our liking. We have learned a lot; however, we don’t recommend anyone else trying what we did. In our spare time, we love to travel, read, and spend time with family and friends. Joel is also an avid (obsessed) outdoorsman. He has a serious fishing problem. I however, am completely normal with no obsessions (fabric,chocolate, yarn, etc.)
Hi there,
I just received the latest American Patchwork & Quilting magazine and love your article. What I am most interested in is the Autumn Days wall hanging. I started quilting about five years ago. I work fulltime and have two children at home still so don’t have a whole lot of time to quilt. But Someday!!! Can you tell me where I can get the patern for the Autumn Days wall hanging?
Thank you,
Mary
By: Mary Lyonnais on August 1, 2008
at 5:27 am
I have been “On A Roll” several times in the last few months! I was so excited when I read about you in APQ. I am interested in the pattern for Autumn Days but I am unable to find it. I read your blog and it was very helpful listing the quilt books the quilts were in but I did not see A Season of Change. I hope that it is not out of print. Your website is great…….
By: Cathy Gilliam on August 2, 2008
at 3:50 am
Hi Heather! I’m glad to finally see your blog! I think it’s great. I especially liked the part about birdies being the new chickens. Funny.
Anyway- saw your article today in my APQ that came in the mail. Looked really good- you must be proud (as you should be)!
You, Leah, and I should get together for a quilt day before Leahs next baby comes along!
Take care-
Molly
By: Molly Gardner on August 2, 2008
at 5:16 am
Hello Heather,
I just bought your book “The Sweet Life” and love the quilt made with the Sole fabric (pg 4 also pictured above). I was wondering what the fabric for the stripe and white with dot fabric line is?
Thanks,
Mary Beth
By: Mary Beth Johnson on August 13, 2008
at 12:56 am
Hello Heather,
Is there a pattern for the lone star sensation? Possibly a kit? Thank you
By: Janice on August 18, 2008
at 2:23 am
i am inteerested in your autumn days pattern also …where can i purchase this..thanks kim
By: kim bland on August 18, 2008
at 1:00 pm
Hi, can you tell me the name of the pattern for your blog quilt in your header? Is it in a book or sold separtely. I have enjoyed reading your blog. Thank you.
By: Treasa Hamilton on September 29, 2008
at 9:28 pm
I love your designs. I just bought 2 of your leaflets. I’m interested in knowing what fabric line you used for the “Cotton Candy” quilt featured on one cover.
Thanks.
By: Carol on October 8, 2008
at 8:33 pm
Heather,
I am a novice quilter and have found your patterns to be just perfect for me. My fist full-size quilt was from “Fat Quarter Five” and I just purchased the ‘Double Takes II’ pattern and hope to start it soon. Your new ‘Birthday Collection’ is just adorable and I no doubt will buy it ay my local quilt shop soon! Keep up the inspirations coming!
Judy
By: Judy on October 17, 2008
at 9:00 pm
I just saw where you wanted us to list our favorite blogs. I have one that I really love!
http://www.southernplate.com . It features recipes from the South with full pictorials and recipes. If you love cooking (or want to learn how to cook) traditional recipes check it out. I think you will love it as much as I do!
By: Janice on October 27, 2008
at 10:05 pm
I just typed a long comment and I don’t think it went through. Just my luck.
I wanted you to know that I have loved your work for a long time, probably since your first book.
A fellow quilter just suggested I go on this site and comment.
It was so fun reaking your blog.
Linda
By: Linda Holm on October 28, 2008
at 9:59 pm
Heather, I just wanted to tell you that I just love your fabric Cottage Charm. The fabric is so soft and nice and the colors are great. Now if I can bear to cut it up I’ll give it a try with my Little Charmers Five pattern. Great Fabric – Great Pattern – Thanks!
By: Carol Lewis on November 5, 2008
at 11:38 pm
Hi! Heather,
I am the program coordinator for the Material Girls Quilt Guild in St. Paul, MN. We are interested to know if you would be available to speak at one of our meetings in 2009. We presently have March, May, June, July, August, October, and November open. Please let me know what fee you charge.
By: Betty Dawson on December 1, 2008
at 12:17 pm
Hi Heather
Love your work. I have just started to make ‘’shooting star’ from Fat Quarter Cottage. I have a question regarding it, could you please contact me. Keep up your great work.
cheers
Julie
By: Julie on December 4, 2008
at 2:12 am
Hi Heather,
I wanted you to know I have listed your blog on the new web site Quilt Qua. The address is http://www.quiltqua.com/links/blogs/ It would be great to have a mention on your blog, if you would like to share the info. Also, let me know if you put a mention or link on your blog, as we feature the blogs that do that on the top list of our blogs.
If you’d like to add some of your pictures to the show and tell that would be great: http://www.quiltqua.com/showandtell/upload/
Also, I would like to list your products on the site, but I’m not sure where you would like to be located. I’m working on a book section, that isn’t on the site yet – so I’m looking for exerpts, and then there would be a link to the purchase point.
Let me know your thoughts!
Connie
By: Connie Colten on December 18, 2008
at 2:15 am
[...] too short and when I went back to buy more they were out. The fabric is called Cottage Charm by Heather Mulder Peterson and is super [...]
By: Finishing Up « Funnysunnyfish’s Blog on March 4, 2009
at 1:27 pm
Hi Heather. It was nice to see you again at Lake Beauty. I am still interested in the purchase of your used quilting machine. Sorry I didnt’ get back to you sooner. Please let me know if it is available. Take care.
Sandy Carlson
By: Sandy Carlson on April 3, 2009
at 2:37 pm
I don’t blog but would love to receive an early copy of your new book, Stop, Drop and Roll! Thank you for the help with the continuous bias cut binding – it’s illustrated so I can actually do it. Your books and fabrics are always awesome and fun, easy to make and beautiful when completed!
By: Linda Chally on April 23, 2009
at 7:50 pm
I just ordered your pattern, Double Take III. I can’t wait to get started and would like to purchase fabric. Could you email me the fabric requirements? I LOVE the pictures of the remodel — it’s beautiful!
By: Diane Ruby on April 26, 2009
at 6:22 pm
I just received your new book, Stop, Drop and Roll in the mail and I LOVE it! I am horrible at picking out colors for quilts which is why I love the collection of fabrics. I want to do the All Wrapped Up quilt (the simple version) in Arcadia by Sanae but I don’t know what color would be best to replace your dark pink in the pattern. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
By: Megan on June 4, 2009
at 2:36 pm
Hi Heather,
I’m looking for a copy of On A Roll Again. I tried to order it on Amazon and they said it wasn’t available. Any idea when they might have it again? Thanks.
By: Gail Lopes on June 4, 2009
at 7:48 pm
I really like your blog. I am fairly new to quilting and have done just a few wall hangings. I love the quilt that you are holding. What is the name of it and where might I be able to find the pattern for it? Thank you for your help!
By: Amanda on June 20, 2009
at 11:40 pm
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By: Welcome Minnesota Blog Hoppers « Trends and Traditions on June 23, 2009
at 5:24 am
How nice to meet you….I’ve purchased your designs over time…now I know the story behind the creativeness….on to the “hop”
By: CB on June 23, 2009
at 12:47 pm
How darling that appliqued “charmed” pattern is! I am especially pleased with the way that you designed the petals of the flowers to go over the framing borders! Nice “casual” style that I hope to try soon!
By: Susan Ellis on June 23, 2009
at 4:20 pm
I enjoyed reading about your Grandma. It was the ladies in my family – Great Grandma Lillie, my Grandma Goldie, and my mother Mary – that also inspired me to sew, embroider and quilt. I would be lost without needle and thread!!
By: sandi a. on June 23, 2009
at 4:32 pm
Hi Heather,
Glad you enjoyed your trip to Montana. Loved the trunk show and quilting day! Your presentation inspired my young daughter (9 yrs) and my niece (21 yrs). My niece actually bought a sewing machine shortly after your visit and has already finished a first quilting project!
By: Coleen K on August 28, 2009
at 6:28 pm
HI Heather,
I am so thrilled with the giveaway package that arrived today in the post. The charm squares are beautiful and all those glorious patterns- I don’t know which pattern to pick first. Thank you for the generous prize – it was such a beautiful gift and really brightened my day.
Warmest regards,
Anna
By: Anna on September 15, 2009
at 11:03 pm
Love your blog…and of course your fabric and patterns. In our area I tend to shop for fabrics on line, or when we travel…my husband is good about stopping at one quilt store per trip. Thanks for all the inspiration! Happy quilting, Jan D
By: Jan Dudley on October 21, 2009
at 4:18 pm
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By: Day 3 of the Cross Country Blog Hop « Trends and Traditions on November 11, 2009
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By: Day 5 of the Cross Country Blog Hop « Trends and Traditions on November 13, 2009
at 5:02 am
Love the woolie pattern you have on the shop hop today.
By: Lois on November 13, 2009
at 7:48 am
what a talented lady you are and so kind to offer a free pattern
Gayner
By: gayner evans on November 13, 2009
at 9:16 am
Spicer MN. I had a great uncle that lived in the town and managed the pool hall there. Harold Nelson was his name. He was going blind in his older years. He died in the late 60’s. We would go to Spicer to vacation as a child and walk out on the docks to fish. We had small fishing rods and little bait. That was back in the 50’s Ok I am old. We rented a little cabin and the men would go out on the lake and fish all day. We went there on a trip as a teenager and went through a tornado in a tent while camping on the lake. Lifetime ago, but a very pretty place to live. Chris
By: Chris on November 13, 2009
at 10:17 am