Art in the Park – Piedmont Park

We were at the Piedmont Park Arts Festival today. The weather was beautiful. It was just great to meet new people. That’s the part I really enjoy the most. I appreciated everyone who stopped by. I heard a lot of stories about quilts in the family often made by grandparents. Some shared how the old quilts were different than those today because they were “heavy”.

I’ve opened up some of these old quilts from doing repairs and the insides can be interesting. The middle layer is not purchased batting like we use today. The middle was made of layers of whatever they had to use to stuff the quilt with: a flannel blanket,for instance or clothes. Recently, one had a large layer of gauze–not your typical quilt fabric–sewn to another layer of cotton fabric. The middle layers added weight and made for a really thick and heavy quilt back then. It’s always an eye opener to see what’s on the insides of these quilts. People used what they had on hand to add warmth and provide for their families.

Two people commented that quilting is a “dying art”. In some ways this seems true. Since I started quilting in 2011, 3 local quilt shops have closed and 3 big fabric retailers have shut down and now Joanns. This has forced many to purchase fabric online. It’s also helped others to rediscover their remaining local quilt shops for their fabric needs. The hobby side of quilting is huge as many continue to embrace it as a creative outlet.

I talked to some family members that had lost loved ones and were looking to create something memorable from the clothes and fabrics that remain. Condolences to anyone who has had a loss. It is so extremely difficult. I’ve just been able to open up about losing my own daughter last year. Grief never dies. It’s forever a part of you. Creating something beautiful from a loved ones clothes is a wonderful way to remember them and not just give away or donate clothes that have a lot of meaning. A quilt made from the clothing is often what’s left to hug and hold when that special loved one is no longer around.

A recent customer said it had been 4 years since she lost her son due to suicide. Children just are not supposed to go first. She has gotten to the point where she is now ready to repurpose the clothes. We’re working on a special Christmas gift for her husband in memory of their son.

I spoke with a young man who shared that his family is very close to their grandmother. She has a lot of t-shirts and he and family are looking to create something memorable to gift to her while she’s still alive. It was a great opportunity to talk about possibilities. He had some specific ideas and I look forward to helping to bring those to fruition.

After doing this 14 years, I’m always surprised to hear people say “Great idea” I’d never heard of this”. That was 2 people at the show and it opened the door to having conversations about their interest, what they might like, and my experience.

Several were interested in Christmas gifts and I had one inquiry about graduation 2026. There’s plenty of time for graduation 2026, but for this year, now is a good time to start on Christmas gifts. Don’t wait too late if you would like a custom quilt for Christmas. It does take time. Another question was how long does it take? It takes 2 – 3 months. We have had some that take 6 months. This is to make a “real” quilt that as another lady said can be passed down as an heirloom. That’s what you can expect from us.

I had 3 sample quilts up and it’s nice to hear the comments on those, such as “beautiful work” and “that’s a labor of love, and “that must take a lot of time”. Yes and yes. Real quilts, with no shortcuts.

Slow fashion all the way.

This handsome guy liked the quilt jacket I had hanging and wanted to try it on for size. He’s tall and I thought it might be too short, but he was ok with that as cropped jackets are “in”. He liked it enough to ask for a price and is considering if he wants to give it a new home. The interesting story behind the jacket is that I brought 2 unfinished quilt tops at a garage sale some years ago. One is at the show as a table topper. The other one we made into this jacket complete with pockets and binding. He likes it.

Another young man inquired about having a similar much longer quilt coat made. He said he’s a drag queen and could use it for his show!

I get so engrossed in this work that I love so much, my days begin and end at my shop with me living and breathing making beautiful quilts. It was refreshing today to connect with others in person. Being focused I realize I tend to get into introverted zones when working. Thanks to everyone that came by to talk and share. I feel like a new, more outgoing person !

Sunday, August 17, is the last day of the show from 11 – 5. Come on out if you can. I truly enjoyed today, connecting and getting to know people in the community; and, if I didn’t have the pleasure yet, would like to meet you as well.

Here are some pictures from the show. The bottom includes my husband, Ralf. He’s my rock, and I couldn’t do this without him. For this show he changed his travel plans as he’s a control freak and wants to do everything. So I let him! He get’s paid in food. I’ll treat him to somewhere nice for dinner on Sunday night.