Textiles and the Triplett Sisters

We have a new adventure planned for those who like to explore a different avenue to learn or be inspired. We are creating video content for the C&T Publishing online vehicle: Creative Spark. These classes and lectures can be accessed in your own time and from wherever you prefer. Up first is the West African Indigo Resist Dye Class, which is a great intro to the techniques and history. This class is perfect for: 1) those who want to try the techniques with guidance. Both video and written instructions are provided, simply order the dyeing kit to get started, 2) those who want a refresher to remind them of the info, and 3) for those who don’t really want to get into the mess of dyeing, but still want to learn everything, can simply watch and...

The fourth bi-ennual Kansas City Regional Quilt Festival took place June 17-19, 2021. It was a momentous event for multiple reasons, primarily because it is the first major quilt show that took place in person in over a year, instead of virtually. It is also remarkable because it is organized and run by 13-16 quilt guilds working together (depending on the year.) Quilters seemed ecstatic to be re-connecting with each other in person, talking to friends, walking the vendor mall, and of course looking at lots of quilts. In the judged portion of the show, the perennial favorite Janet Stone won best of show, 1st place in applique with her quilt “Crazy for Ewe.” Janet Stone is a super talented quilter who has won just about every show in the nation, so it is appropriate for...

Seasons are changing which always makes me think of new projects and adventures. As I plan my September to December calendar, I wonder what project or projects will I be creating in the coming months? Sometimes the projects are a surprise. I had no idea that the Guardians of the Nest Star Quilt I was creating would become a pattern until multiple people requested it. Thank you for your enthusiasm and requests! Those comments brightened my days and the results will be available September 5th. For some time, I’ve admired Di Ford Hall fabrics and wanted to make a tribute quilt. I explored her patterns which are lovely, but I’ve always had a difficult time creating someone else’s vision. Those quilts are to be admired, but they tend to focus on one fabric line and just...

There have been many inquiries about how I do historical research. I use multiple methods in my research, so I have always been hesitant to explain. Primarily because it would take too long, or it would be difficult to explain that many times you end up in a rabbit hole. I frequently enjoy the rabbit hole, as it leads to the most unusual and interesting discoveries…not necessarily useful, but fun. A colleague of mine, Barb Eikmeier designed a fabric line called Waddington Road, which immediately sparked recognition. The fabric is named for the road where her Grandmother’s house was located, and she wanted the fabric line to give you a warm feeling like you were “going to Grandma’s house.” Because of other research, I immediately recognized the name as related to a town in England. Barb’s...

The “stay-at-home” orders have officially ceased in many countries as well as all 50 states in the US. Which seems like a good time to mark an end to something horrible by celebrating what quilt art was accomplished. I want to call on everyone who is willing to share what quilts were created during the quarantine. A quilting friend of mine had made 7 quilt tops, as well as quilted and bound 2 quilts, a wall hanging and a table runner. She has also cut out a new quilt with 48 blocks and started an applique block for another quilt. She probably has both of those projects done too, as well as 3 others because that was the tally 2 weeks ago. What have you accomplished during the quarantine? It can be that you completed a...