My name is Iris Noitalay. I was born in Germany as the second youngest of eight. As I grew up I was taught a lot of Home Economics both at home and school, such as sewing, macramé, crocheting, knitting and cross stitching. It was very important to my mother that I know these things as a young teenager. My mother wanted me to go into the sewing industry, but I selected a different field of study. It wasn't until 1991 that I became interested in quilting when one of my sisters came to visit us in CA. She really liked quilts but could not afford to buy one, so she asked if I could make her a quilt. She purchased all the tools needed to make a quilt, and I was on my way to being hooked on quilting. However, moving back to Germany in 1993 where quilting fabric was scarce and very expensive I did little sewing. Quilting was put aside until 1996 when we moved to our present home in Linden, North Carolina.

I started my own business in 2002, after purchasing my Gammill quilting machine. At first I was very worried if it was a good idea and if the business would come. But before I knew it, my business was off to a good start. And with young children at that time it was perfect for me to be able to work from home.

I have enjoyed everything about my business from creating designs and patterns to setting my own hours. I would recommend this to anyone; if you have the opportunity to start your own business do so.

At Iris' Quilt Garden we have everything from fabrics and patterns to Continuous line designs, and coming soon - Iris' great whole cloth designs.

Take a look around, and if you have any questions feel free to contact us via e-mail.