Name
Marilyn Y. Gore
Born Where ~City, State
Bolivia, North Carolina
Live Where ~ City, State
Charlotte, NC
Tell us something about you!
Marilyn has been sewing and quilting since the age of fourteen. Born and raised in the rural, farming community of Bolivia, NC, sewing, and quilting were necessities. Marilyn’s first sewing experience was probably helping her mother make woven and tied floor rugs form feed sacks and tobacco twine. Her mother, Mattie Pearl, also taught Marilyn how to embroider and decorate homemade pillowcases.
Home Economics was a required part of Marilyn’s high school education, and it was there that she learned to construct garments. Under the tutelage of Lizzie Mae Mitchell, Home Economics teacher at Southport – Brunswick County High School, she constructed her first garment. Scraps from this garment were used to make an eight-pointed star quilt. With the help of her mother, Marilyn made her second quilt, a lone star, from scraps of polyester fabrics.
She is a 1974 graduated of Bennett College with a degree in Home Economics, Clothing and Textiles. With the encouragement of Professor Louise G. Streat, she continued her studies at Howard University, Washington, DC. Marilyn’s Masters thesis centered on a historical study of North Carolina quilt making. She also acquired a Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of the District of Columbia.
Marilyn retired from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension on February 28, 2007. Her Extension career – nineteen (19) years with the University of the District of Columbia and twelve (12) years here in North Carolina – were most rewarding. She served in several national executive board positions with the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS), including the 2004 – 5 President.
When did you become a quilter?
I have been quilting since the age of 14.
Why do you quilt?
I am trying my best to get rid of my huge fabric stash. (LOL) I quilt because I truly love quilting. It is something that I try to do every day.
What is your favorite part of quilting?
I am a hand quilter and love to see my accomplishments – the finished product. I especially love to bind the quilts. I volunteer to bind charity quilts for my quilter guild.
What is the part of quilting you don’t like?
I most dislike the lack of knowledge the general public has about the art of quilting.
Where do you find inspiration?
I love to find information from other quilters, books and magazines.
What do you do when you are not quilting?
I love to read medical murder mysteries and other books. My goal each year is to read at least 50 books.
