September – Showcase an Ohio Quilter …

Welcome to the first installment of Showcase an Ohio Quilter. I though it would be fun and interesting to meet and greet some of Ohio Quilter’s; discover a little about them and what inspires them in their art of Quilting. Beginning in September, I will be showcasing a Quilter from Ohio. We will talk about how they got their start into quilting, share what they love the most about this art form and some of their moments they are most proud amongst other things. Please join me as we take a dive into the world of Quilting and learn more about some of the Quilting Women in Ohio.

September 2023 – Showcase an Ohio Quilter

I first met Carol many many years ago on my birthday; as she is my mom. I felt it only fitting that the first installment of Showcase an Ohio Quilter starts with her. After all, she is the reason I started quilting. {More about that later in another post}

When did you start quilting (or sewing)?

Carol began sewing in her early years of high school on a Singer sewing machine she received as a birthday gift. Little did she know where that gift would lead her all these years later. She continued to sew through her adulthood, from making clothes for me as a young girl (Including my doll clothes and even made matching outfits for my Barbies) to traditional quilting and Fiber Art.

In the early 1980s, she wanted to expand her sewing skills and signed up for a Quilting class through a local school program that offered Continuing Education. The class included a dozen other ladies where over the course of the class, they became friends and continued to quilt together for over twenty years. Carol enjoyed the class and friendship so much, she signed up for a fellowship class to make a sampler quilt where she continued to quilt with friends. Knowing her love of quilting and the desire to learn and meet people, she then joined a local Quilt Guild that met monthly. There was comraderies and monthly speakers where Carol would learn more about the art of quilting; engage with like minded people and was offered the ability to improve her quilting skills. Throughout the years, Carol has continued to sign up for classes on different quilting methods and techniques, always wanting to learn more.

What is your favorite part of Quilting?

“I love making things” is what Carol stated when asked about her favorite aspect of quilting. Not only does she enjoying making things, but quilting allows her to zone out to just sew and create. Her most favorite part of quilting was the hand quilting once the quilt top was finished. Carol has now switched to machine quilting and at times uses a Longarm Quilting Machine which allows her to make more Quilts.

What are you most proud of in Quilting?

“I am most proud of my Bargello Quilt”. Carol took a class on this technique at a local quilt shop which proved to be both time consuming and enjoyable. This quilt was entered into the Ohio State Fair where it was awarded a 1st place blue ribbon. Carol stated she often hangs her quilts in her home entryway and living room for everyone to enjoy. “I am also proud of my quilts I have made for my special needs grandson; I love the colors and the comfort it provided him”. Through the years, Carol continues to make an array of quilts using a variety of quilting techniques and has entered many of her quilting creations in both the Franklin County OH Fair and the Ohio State Fair where she has received many ribbons and a Viewers Choice award.

Additional Fun Facts about Carol …

Most recently, Carol has transitioned into Fiber Art Quilt making as well as continues making traditional quilts. Making more than one-hundred traditional quilts in her journey, she continues to learn more about the art of quilting and dove into the Fiber Art genre. It was in this area, she learned to dye her own fabrics and began thinking outside the traditional quilting box. Some of her Fiber Art quilts include painting on silk, creating landscapes, adding embellishments and creating three- dimensional wall hangings. As her desire to learn more about the Quilting realm has continue to grow, so has her membership into more Quilt Guilds; with one Guild in particular being all about the fiber art. Her most recent Fiber Art piece titled “Shadows of Hurricane Ian” is currently on display at the Columbus Arts Center.

As mentioned, through the years, Carol has made too many quilts to count. Some of her most favorite quilts have a special place in her home; have been gifts to numerous family members and friends, sold to quilt lovers alike and some have been donated to charity. Several of Mom’s preferred charities include Wounded Warrior Project, the Project Linus and her dearest charity, Choices for Victims of Domestic Violence. To learn more about Choices, click here.

Through the years, Carol has created, grown, learned and improved so many quilting skills but would say the best part of her journey is attending Quilt Retreats with her daughter (me).

Showcase an Ohio Quilter is a monthly highlight of an Ohio Quilter where we will learn a little about their journey and their inspiration.

Quilt on and Sharon the Moments