Quilt by David Charity

I'm always intrigued to learn what started people on the path to quilt making. Did they stumble into it in mid-life or did they grow up among quilters, stitchers, and textile artists?

Did they choose quilting when a life-event like a move or an illness presented a fork in the road of life? Or were they just looking for a pleasant diversion—and got bitten by the fabric-and-stitch bug?

In the December/January issue of Quilting Arts, you'll meet three artists who discovered how to quilt (and eventually discovered art quilting) by chance and by association.

Three years ago, Sheila Frampton Cooper didn't own a sewing machine and had no interest in sewing. But she was interested in contributing to her community, so she searched an online resource for volunteer opportunities. At the top of the list was Project Linus, an organization of volunteers who make blankets and quilts for children in need.

Sheila Frampton Cooper

Sheila planned to drop off some fabric and leave, but the volunteers were so friendly and welcoming, she decided to show up at their next gathering. Next thing she knew, Sheila had turned her breakfast nook into a studio.

A year later she started making art quilts, and now her entries to International Quilt Festival are garnering recognition.

“I like hard lines with curved shapes, which is representative of my personality. There is a part of me that loves to drive fast and is very intense, and that definitely comes through in my work,” says Sheila, who continues to make quilts for charity.

And speaking of charity, we'll also have a feature on the husband-and-wife quilting team of David and Patricia Charity. David's quilts feature graphic, cartoon-influenced design elements, while Patricia's work is reflective of her interest in, and experimentation with, various surface design methods.

One of Sheila's fabric designs.

Patricia took up quilting in the '80s when a girlfriend of hers didn't want to go to a quilting class alone. At the second class, Patricia showed up with an unusual mix of fabric colors and prints that raised eyebrows. She knew then that she was probably not going to be one of the “calico girls,” and soon turned to art quilting.

David, who has always wanted to be a cartoonist, started quilting five years ago when his wife came home with a quilt of hand-dyed sunflowers that she created in a Phil Beaver class. Now he's starting to fuse his cartoon dream with his fabric creations.

The stories and art of these fascinating artists are just part of what we have planned for you in the December/January issue of Quilting Arts and into 2012.

Subscribe to Quilting Arts now, and you'll have no trouble following the path to quilting creativity.


P.S. How did you find the path to quilt making and art quilting? Share your story in the comments section of the Quilting Daily blog.

'Mystique' (102" x 102") by Sharon Schamber, featured in the International Quilt Association's 'Quilts: A World of Beauty' competition in 2010.

When the leaves start to turn and there's a nip in the air, my thoughts immediately turn to International Quilt Festival/Houston.

One of the many highlights of this event for me is getting an up-close look at all those award-winning quilt designs and techniques.

There are so many different approaches to quilting, choosing quilting designs, combining colors, and quilting motifs, and it seems there is something in each one that inspires me.

One artist I always try to seek out is Sharon Schamber. Her quilts are not only intricately pieced and stitched, but her color choices are very well thought out—and she has the award ribbons to prove it!

Lindsey Murray, our assistant editor for special projects, caught up with Sharon in anticipation of this year's Festival and asked her about her color palette and tips for quilting.

LM: I hear you have an aversion to certain colors; can you explain that and tell how that affects your work?

Quilter Sharon Schamber

SS: I have what is called synesthesia. This is when a person's senses have mixed. Not only do I see color, but color also has texture and smell. This can be a problem in everyday life when I am subject to different environments, and I have to be very aware of my surroundings.

But I also would say that this is one of the keys behind my work. Because I have a special relationship with color, I combine colors that other people wouldn't think to. If a color doesn't combine well with another color, then I won't use them together. I actually think many award-winning and well-known quilters have synesthesia on some level, and that is what helps them create their art as well.

LM: Do you currently have any quilts in the works that you are going to enter?

SS: I have a quilt in this year's competition called “Crimson Promises.” I also have one that is going to be ready relatively soon that has been in the works for about 12 years. In addition to that, I am going to start on a new project that incorporates technology and a number of smaller quilts.

LM: Twelve years! How long do you usually work on a quilt before it is complete?

SS: Since I travel a lot and teach I do not work full-time on my quilts. It usually takes me two or more years to complete a quilt.

'Mystique' detail

LM: Any tips for aspiring quilters out there?

SS: I think that a lot of times quilters lose their path. To be successful and fulfilled, a quilter must find their color palette and stay doing the work that fulfills their soul. It is also very important to learn the techniques of the type of work you want to do. A quilter should find their vision and take the time to learn the correct techniques that will help them fulfill that vision.

To see if Sharon won a ribbon this year and to get a look at some of the winners of the International Quilt Association “Quilts: A World of Beauty Competition,” be sure to pre-order your copy of Quilt Festival Quilt Scene 2011. Inside you'll find more of Sharon and Lindsey's interview, plus projects, insider's notes from the quilting scene, stitching and quilt design tips, and so much more.


What's your favorite part of Festival? Or, if you've never been, what do you most look forward to when you go to quilt shows? Share with us in the comments section of the Quilting Daily blog.