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"In 1985 I was the fifth place winner in the Mountain Mist contest with a nice whole cloth (trapunto) quilt (all hand work). I worked with Elly Sankiewitcz in the early 1980's, had a great style of needle turned appliqué with unusual fabrics, and a great rapport with Elly - my work is featured in many of her books. I entered the 1986 Statue of Liberty Great American Quilt Festival and had one of the two South Carolina quilts that went to finals. My Baltimore "Immigrant Influences" was beaten by a well done pieced Delectable Mountains variation. My non-winner was never allowed to enter another contest but was the representative quilt that toured with the Museum of American Folk Art "Liberties with Liberty" Exhibition for three years. A real career highlight for me, but a sad time in the history of American Quilt Making. I agree with the philosophy behind the competition decision but often wonder about the affect on the quilt makers.
I was devastated by the loss. I was furious and swore I would go outside of my comfort zone and yes: 'escape" tradition - who could argue that the winners were not innovative. I pulled out every shade of grey fabric I owned and threw them (literally) on my living room floor for effect. At the time, I was exploring freezer paper piecing. The whole quilt was drafted full size on newsprint, and cut apart for freezer paper patterns. The flying geese circles were a challenge to draft. I have a traditional background but it is mainly in fine needlework - definitely not piecing. I was very lucky to be competing as an Amateur at that early American Quilter's Society show- my entry was a catharsis, never an expectation of winning. That same year, I created a kimono and dress outfit juried into the Hobbs fashion show. What fun, so many friends, even the winner that shared my hotel room that day. That outfit got my photo on their Thermor package (lots of free advertising, along with an invitation to work with a fabric vendor for several years at National Shows) and two crates of free batting. I was ecstatic!"Label
"Although it was once only thought of as a necessity and something that women did as part of creating a home; quiltmaking is now considered by most as an art. I always felt that creating was artistic but had difficulty considering myself as an artist who worked with fabric. I think quiltmaking is a tradition that will survive the test of time even though style, technology, and innovation will create a constant change. And there is nothing wrong with moving forward as long as we remember where it all started."