Connie Johnson Sayler

The opportunity for Mark and I to purchase Pacific Rim Quilt Company is a dream come true. Nancy Lee Chong and Janice Lee Baehr created an amazing business, with great quality products and super customer service, which we are proud to carry on. We feel so blessed to follow in their footsteps. I want all of you to know we intend to provide you the same high level of customer service, and quality products you have come to rely on. You can expect exciting, new, original designs; you will see us vending at more quilt shows; and you will find us on social media making it easier for you to share your quilt photos and creative ideas, and easier for us to get the word out about what we are up to and where we will be.

We are very pleased to assure you that Nancy will continue to teach, and you will see her with us at quilt shows periodically– she is not going away! We are also happy to tell you that Janice will continue to make her incredible hand-dyed fabrics available through us.

I first became aware of Pacific Rim Quilt Company in late 2008 when my husband and I moved to Gold Beach, Oregon. I decided to join the local quilt guild, where I meet Nancy Lee Chong. She has such a creative spirit, that right away I knew I wanted to get to know her better and learn from her. She was offering a mystery applique class to the local guild members and I wanted to take the class. Unfortunately the class was for experienced applique artists only, and I had never appliqued. No problem! I signed up for the class anyway, and spent the next few weeks watching videos online, teaching myself the basics of needleturn applique. I learned even more during Nancy’s class and became hopelessly addicted.

After the class Nancy and I became good friends. She taught me all about Hawaiian quilting. I even designed my own Hawaiian quilt that I continue stitching on. After spending time making and learning about Hawaiian quilts, Mark and I visited Hawaii. Hawaii is an unbelievable place. Everything is good there; it smells good, tastes good, feels good, sounds good and looks good. I will continue to learn everything I can about Hawaiian quilting and it will continue to be a major emphasis of Pacific Rim Quilt Company.

My journey as a wife, mother and quilt artist began in Casper, Wyoming, where I grew up. My mother taught me to sew at an early age. I took part in 4-H sewing and, of course, took high school Home Economics. I made my own clothes for many years. My Aunt introduced me to quilting during my high school years. She taught me to piece by hand, sparking a creative urge. As a result, I am always creating things. I love working with pottery, beading, weaving, making paper and even designing jewelry.

After marrying Mark, my life and business partner, 38 years ago, we gradually made our way to the west coast, always living in relatively small communities. We now live in Medford, OR, where Mark who has a CPA (retired) and MBA works in finance. We have two incredible children; both are grown, on their own, and making us proud every day. I feel very blessed to have been able to stay at home to raise them. Now they are following their passions, setting an incredible example for me.

In 2008 everything changed when my youngest went off to college and my mother bought me a book about quilt journaling. I thought it would be an interesting way to jump start my creativity. Little did I know it would be the perfect inspiration! I have been quilting and learning ever since. Quilting has become my favorite pastime and now it will become my life’s vocation, following my passion.

I am excited to meet you! Please introduce yourself when you see me at quilts shows; I look forward to your phone calls, emails and social media contacts.