History | Pacific Rim Quilt Company

FOUNDED 1980

Pacific Rim Quilt Company started in 1980 with just two people, Nancy Lee Chong and Janice Lee Baehr, sisters with a passion for applique. On June 1, 2015, Nancy and Janice sold Pacific Rim Quilt Company to Mark and Connie Sayler, of Medford, Oregon. Read more about Mark and Connie on Connie's Resume page.

Designing & Teaching

HAWAIIAN QUILTS

We began designing Hawaiian quilts with the very first quilts we made, Nancy in 1978 and Janice in 1982. We have been designing ever since. We introduced our first patterns in the 1980's, then watched the line and the business grow from there.

2 FABRIC APPLIQUE QUILTS

Our line of 2 Fabric Applique Quilts was introduced in 2004. With our roots firmly in Hawaiian Quilts, it was a natural for us to continue designing quilts with just two fabrics. The primary difference is that with Hawaiian quilts the designs are symmetrical, so they are cut out like a paper snowflake. But the 2 Fabric Applique Quilts, while still using just two fabrics, are not symmetrical, bringing a whole new bold look to appliqué.

In 2011, we introduced our third line of patterns, Applique Quilt Borders & Table Runners. Long, skinny applique runners that can be used for more than just quilt borders and table runners. The patterns include several options, making these very versatile patterns.

LEARNING TO QUILT

Because we believe it is easier to learn a technique by watching, rather than reading about it, we have produced these instructional videos:

Hawaiian Quilting with Nancy Lee Chong (DVD), 2003
2 Fabric Applique Quilts with Nancy Lee Chong (DVD), 2005
Design Your Personal Hawaiian Quilt (Book & DVD set), 2011

As a way to stay in touch with our customers, and all applique-lovers, we began to publish our FREE e-Newsletter in 2009. The e-Newsletter is sent monthly, but readers have the option to receive just 4 issues a year, or only when we introduce something new. Our goal is to inform and inspire.

NEW CHAPTER

On June 1, 2015, Mark and I purchased PRQC from Nancy and Janice, with the intention of growing the business while maintaining its solid foundation. Nancy will continue to design for us, she will continue to teach, and you will see her with us at quilt shows - she is not going away! Nancy and I continue to design new patterns, so keep watching for new things.

We hope you enjoy what you see, and will become inspired to make your own Hawaiian Quilts, 2 Fabric Applique Quilts, or Applique Quilt Borders & Table Runners. Visit us often as our site is updated frequently.