Presenting Yolanda Cofield
Name
Yolanda Cofield
Born Where ~City, State
Selma, AL
Live Where ~ City, State
Hope Mills, NC
Tell us something about you?
I am a wife of an Army veteran, a mother, and a nurse. I have been an Army wife for 26 years, my husband recently retired. I have 1 son and two nieces (daughters) that we have raised. I have been a nurse for twenty plus years. Due to the requirements of my husband’s military career, we have lived across this United States without having to live overseas. I enjoy quilting, gardening, cooking, and baking. I am the owner of “Sew Sanity Designs, LLC,” a family business.
When did you become a quilter?
I was introduced to quilting by my elderly neighbor during my high school years. She taught me how to “widdle” fabrics with a needle and thread also known as hand piecing small 2-inch squares. I have been a quilter since 2001.
Why do you quilt?
I quilt because it gives me a sense of peace in this insane world! Hence “Sew Sanity”.
What is your favorite part of quilting?
My favorite part of quilting is my ability to look at a picture or inspiration piece and create my own version of the object using fabric. I have a difficult time interpreting written patterns, but I am able to draft a pattern and create something that makes me happy.
What is the part of quilting you don’t like?
Even though my introduction to quilting was through hand piecing and quilting, I never quite enjoyed how long it took to get a finished project. Instead, I asked my husband to purchase me a “good” sewing machine so I can finish the project quickly. I taught myself how to operate a sewing machine and off to the races I went!
Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is all around! I enjoy looking at old farmhouses, lone standing chimneys, old barns, flower gardens, geometric shapes, etc. The list goes on. Most recently, I have found inspiration in folk lore. I have been recreating scenes that tells a story that relates to African American culture and history.
What do you do when you are not quilting?
When I am not quilting, I am working at my real job of helping others of all ages, ethnicities, and religion. I am a registered nurse. I find joy and provide care and education for those who are ill. Many times, caring for these individuals inspires a new work of art.
Presenting Georgia Williams
Presenting Cynthia Malachi White
Born Where ~ Philadelphia, PA
Live Where ~ Philadelphia, PA
Tell us something about you
I love the Lord, helping my seniors, quilting and enjoying life
When did you become a quilter?
I began quilting over 28 years ago when I had my daughter
Why do you quilt?
I quilt because it is relaxing, challenging and a great way to meet new and interesting people – It also allows me to provide a tangible memory for people who have lost a loved one.
What is your favorite part of quilting?
Finding cool designs and design software and making it into a work of art.
What is the part of quilting you don’t like?
I do not like quilting big quilts (Now if someone wants to buy my dream long arm machine I might like quilting big quilts.
Where do you find inspiration?
People, fabric and life.
What do you do when you are not quilting?
Hang out with old people, walk, and taxes.
PRESENTING ROSE MILLER
Name Rose Miller
Born Where ~Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Live Where ~ Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania
Tell us something about you!
As a youngster, I developed interests in many types of needlework, such as knitting, crocheting, hand embroidery, and macramé.
My quilts have been on exhibit at local venues such as, Mercer Museum of Doylestown PA, African American Museum of Philadelphia, George School, Newtown, PA, Visitors Center, Bensalem, PA, and currently at City Hall of Philadelphia, PA in celebration of Harriet Tubman’s 200th birthday.
When did you become a quilter?
My passion for quilting began in the early eighties when I observed a fellow employee hand sewing squares together to make a quilt. With curiosity, I asked if she would teach
me the beginning steps in quilt making which included selecting a pattern, tracing templates on cardboard, cutting, tracing templates onto cotton fabric, and hand sewing the pieces together. During this time period, there were no items for quilt making sold in stores or shops. I hand quilted about ten years or more.
Why do you quilt?
For me, quilting is my inner ability and desire to create an art form which is pleasing to my eye and inspiring. Also, it is relaxing and releases any anxiety which life occurrences
may exist.
What is your favorite part of quilting?
For the most part, I machine quilt and embroider. My favorite part of quilting is integrating traditional pattern designs with my own designs which can be called “modern” quilting; not sure because I am studying definitions of “modern” quilt designs. . In addition to being a member of the “Friendly Quilters of Bucks County”, I am a member of Central Jersey Modern Quilt Guild”. Also, I enjoy taking quilt workshops that are offered by famous quilters, such as Carol Lyles Shaw, Sarah Bond, and others.
What is the part of quilting you don’t like?
My least favorite part of quilting is sewing on the binding. I prefer hand sewing vs. machine. However, I continue to practice machine sewing it to my quilts.
Where do you find inspiration?
My inspiration comes from observing nature’s colorful bounty, such as flowers, trees, autumn, spring, cultural artful items and symbols. My favorite symbols are the Adinkra symbolic prophetic messages of Ghana. Many of my quilts include these symbols.
What do you do when you are not quilting?
While taking breaks from quilting, I visit quilt shops either physically or online. Interesting and different fabrics always seem to call my name. In addition, I read quilt books and other books such as “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson.
Presenting Charlene Morrison
Born Where ~ Akron, Ohio
Live Where ~ Houston, Texas
Tell us something about you!
I have been a crafter, and seamstress all my life. I began sewing at the age of 12. I loved watching my mom make clothing. I grew to be proficient in garment making as a teen, making several wedding gowns and garments for myself and friends. While in college I purchased my first expensive sewing machine for $1100.00.
When did you become a quilter?
My quilting journey began when I volunteered to help make a raffle quilt for my church. That was nearly 15 years ago. I started the Jewels Quilting Circle at Brentwood Baptist church over 7 years ago. It has been my greatest desire to teach African Americans the long-lost art of quilting that relates to their heritage. I am the owner of “Quilting My Way” and make one-of-a-kind quilts.
Why do you quilt?
I find myself quilting almost daily. I love to quilt because it gives me joy and fulfills my life.
What is your favorite part of quilting?
I get great joy making quilts for clients and seeing the gleam in their eyes when they look at their new quilts.
What is the part of quilting you don’t like?
The part disliked the most about quilting is that there is never enough time to make all the quilts that I would like to complete. I quilt my own quilts but does not consider my free motion quilting to be precision quilting.
Where do you find inspiration?
I am greatly influenced by color and the beautiful fabrics from Africa. I have an eye for color and like to express that in my quilts.
What do you do when you are not quilting?
Traveling is one of the things that gives me great joy and solace. I especially loves traveling abroad and have visited Ghana and Morocco recently.
Presenting Casandra L. Allen
Name Casandra L Allen
Born where—Newport, RI
Live where—-Antioch (Nashville) TN
Tell us something about you:
I am a mother of 2 grown adults, (37 & 34) a widow, a retired registered nurse who now calls herself a quilter/fiber artist, a woman of God, a person who enjoys helping people and a Certified Grief Coach.
I began sewing when I was 12 years old. A family friend learned that I was interested in sewing, so she gave my mother a sewing machine. I taught myself to sew and to read a pattern. I also became a crafter and sold many items (dolls, placemats, baby snugglers, hats, journal covers, napkins, quillows, etc) . Juneteenth was my favorite and it was always well attended.
When did you become a quilter?
Fast forward, I began quilting in 2005. While working in long term care facilities, I noticed these beautiful traditional quilts. I wanted to learn, so I started taking classes. I preferred ethnic fabrics, so my quilts were always colorful. My husband would take me to the African Market in Harlem, where i would purchase my Ankara fabrics after hours of overstimulation of fabric candy. I so enjoyed those trips.
Why do you quilt?
I quilt because it brings me joy. It allows me an avenue to express my feelings. This gift of creativity is made to share. It can soothe me when I am feeling frazzled.
What is your favorite part of quilting?
My favorite part of quilting is when I am drawn to a quilt that I am working on, and I feel that something is missing and an idea comes to me-you know, the quilt is talking to me. I add whatever it is, and then, I say, ahhhh, that’s it!
What is the part of quilting you do not like?
The part of quilting that is my least favorite is cutting the fabric. I own an Accuquilt, but it doesn’t always have the shapes that I need.
Where do you find inspiration from?
I find inspiration from photos, nature, imagined settings, different emotions, past/current events,history, quilt challenges, family. Sometimes, I am awakened with an idea.
What do you do when you are not quilting?
When I am not quilting, I am listening to an audiobook, or sitting in the library reading a book. I used to bake a lot. I like taking walks in the local state parks. I love going to the movies. I enjoy traveling (this summer my son and daughter in law invited me to go to Italy). I enjoy spending time with my grandsons ; Harlem 7yo (TN) and Zay 11mos(CA) my daughter Ramona (TN) and my son(CA). My family is in CT, where I basically grew up as my Dad served in the Navy. I have a family chat with my 2 siblings 2x/month.
Presenting Laura Marie Casmore/ Founder
Name
Laura Marie Casmore
Born Where ~City, State
Port Arthur, Texas
Live Where ~ City, State
Houston, Texas
Tell us something about you!
* I am a second-generation quilter. My mom made utilitarian quilts that we had to help her tie for completion. I am self-taught and consider myself an artist – half traditional and half modern.
When did you become a quilter?
*I started my quilting journey around the late 90’s. I started collecting quilt books, watching quilt shows, buying tools and fabrics. I did not complete my first quilt until around 2005 (Life is Good).
Why do you quilt?
*I quilt because it makes me happy. I love creating things and I fell in love with the works of Faith Ringgold and wanted to tell a story with my quilts.
What is your favorite part of quilting?
*I love creating a quilt top, seeing what others have done , adding my twist on patterns and designs and participating in challenges and exhibitions.
What is the part of quilting you don’t like?
*I don’t like working on something that I have lost inspiration on. Yes, that means I have lots of UFO’s that I need to get rid of. What I am doing now is trying to put the tops I am not fond of on the backs of tops I like.
Where do you find inspiration?
*I find inspiration in magazines, museums, other quilters works, other artist work etc.
What do you do when you are not quilting?
* I am a quilter, most of my activities revolve around quilting. I am a folklorist working to create a database of African American Vintage Quilts. I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Order of the Eastern Star, various quilt guilds and the Queen of a Red Hat Chapter named Quilting DIVAS. I love attending church, playing cards (Bid Whist and Spades), listening to music, volunteering and being with family and friends.
www.Lauramcasmore.com is my website where more of my work can be seen.
*Please click on the pictures to see the full view. If you are mobile click the arrows to see all the pictures*
Presenting LaForrest Lane Washington/ Vice-President
Name
LaForrest Lane-Washington
Born Where ~City, State
Richmond, VA
Live Where ~ City, State
Eastover, NC
Tell us something about you?
I am the wife of a retired army man. I have 2 daughters and 4 beautiful granddaughters. I have worked in the profession of education for over 30 years. Most of my career has been spent as a elementary Math teacher. I enjoy glamping, watching my family ride their horses and long walks to enjoy nature. I am fond of antique cars and own a 63 Grand Prix. I am the owner of “Old School Wood and Crafts”, a family business.
When did you become a quilter?
I had sewn during junior high and enjoyed it. We did not make a quilt, but we made clothing, table runners and cushions. I officially became a quilter about 10 years ago. I came upon an advertisement by a local quilt guild who were presenting at the local library. They demonstrated and allowed us to use their machines to create a small placemat. I was hooked. I feel as though it is in my bones and recently learned my great-grandmother quilted. I did not have the opportunity to grow up around her.
Why do you quilt?
I quilt because it is calming. I like the overall solitude and discover of what and how will this fabric come together.
What is your favorite part of quilting?
My favorite part of quilting maybe how can I change someone’s pattern to create something unique for me. So, piecing is probably my favorite part of quilting.
What is the part of quilting you don’t like?
I do not care to hand sew the binding on my quilts. I prefer to use my sewing machine to secure the binding on my quilts. The new gadgets wrap binding around the quilt edge and sew it down.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everything is inspiration, but if I see a picture how I can recreate it for my quilt. As I continue develop, I am focusing on African American history and mother/daughter scenes.
What do you do when you are not quilting?
When I am not quilting, I enjoy time with my family and being outside (gardening or in the flowers).
Presenting Rhonda Masters/ President
Name: Rhonda Masters
Born Where ~City, State: Trenton, New Jersey
Live Where ~ City, State: Port Arthur, TX
Tell us something about you! I have been quilting for about 15 years. I like scrap quilts and I enjoy quilting with African fabric. I really enjoy the online fellowship of our guild and the community we have created. I am honored and proud to work toward advancing and increasing opportunities for African American quilting and quilters.
When did you become a quilter? My paternal grandmother and her sisters quilted and my mother sewed. I wanted to follow in their footsteps. Around 2010-2011 I was able to join a guild and a bee to learn how to quilt and then I was hooked!
Why do you quilt? I enjoy the creative process of quilting. I enjoy it because there are so many styles and techniques – there is always something new to learn. It is truly an art form that you can enjoy for a lifetime.
What is your favorite part of quilting? I enjoy piecing and designing my own quilt patterns.
What is the part of quilting you don’t like? Quilting my quilts is a challenge, but with practice the quilting process has become less intimidating.
Where do you find inspiration? I have always appreciated the beautiful work created by the skillful hands of traditional quilters. I recall so clearly when I experienced my first quilt exhibit that featured African American art and traditional quilts (a Dr. Mazloomi exhibit!). The styles, subject matter and artistic interpretations really resonated with me. I loved the bold colors, fabric choices and cultural/historical topics that were featured. The story telling in African American art quilts inspires me and we have many more stories to share through our art.
What do you do when you are not quilting? I enjoy reading and love to travel to new places at home and abroad.
Presenting Marilyn Gore
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.
Presenting Tara Wilson Evans
Name- Tara Wilson Evans
Born Where ~Jackson, Mississippi
Live Where ~ Bellevue, Nebraska
Tell us something about you!
I am a member of the Friends Board at the International Quilt Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska. I am honored to serve on this prestigious board. I simply love quiltmaking and I desire to leave a legacy of quiltmaking in my family and community. I am the Executive Director of my nonprofit organization, Community Quilting Center, Inc. I love teaching about my cultural history of quiltmaking. I also love writing children’s books. So far, I’ve written eight books and published three. I am currently working on my fourth children’s book.
When did you become a quilter? I’ve been sewing since I was a preteen. But didn’t actually begin quilting until around 2001.
Why do you quilt?
I quilt because it soothes my soul and spirit. I love, love, love to make quilts-all kinds. When I am stressed, I quilt. When I am low in spirit, I quilt. When I am happy, I quilt. So, I quilt just about ALL the time.
What is your favorite part of quilting?
My favorite part is finishing the quilting on the longarm quilting machine. When I finish a king size quilt usually, and see it roll off the machine….OOOOooooweee! It makes my heart sing!! I free-motion quilt. When I see the completed results, it is absolutely beautiful to me.
What is the part of quilting you don’t like?
I love all of it, however, before I had a longarm machine to work on, I had to spread out and pin the quilts on the floor. Boy! That did a job on my elbows and knees.Thankfully, I don’t have to do that anymore.
Where do you find inspiration?
I am inspired to make various quilts from older traditional patterns. I fit the colors and the pattern style to the personality of whom I am making the quilt for. Quilts are sooo special. Each and every one of them. They all have a story to tell.
What do you do when you are not quilting?
I am either writing books or spending time with my family
Presenting Glendora Simonson
Name Glendora Simonson
Live Where ~ City, State East Orange, NJ
Tell us something about you! A native of Newark, NJ, I recently retired from education after 36 years. I Initially I worked as a special education teacher, working with adjudicated delinquents then as a learning consultant, diagnosing learning disabilities. Much of my work involved underserved populations. In addition to textile art, my hobbies include drawing, cooking and baking. Someday, I also hope to learn to play the piano really well. My house is full! Two of my three adult children still live with me (but I’m working on that); the oldest lives happily across town. I also live with 3 cats.
When did you become a quilter? Before quilting, I sewed clothing for myself and my dolls. I also made window treatments. I’ve been quilting for about 40 years. My first quilt was an appliqued and embroidered baby quilt that I made from a Simplicity pattern. Always intrigued by textile crafts, I started quilting in earnest after taking a class in a local adult school program. I previously used the sewing machine and was accustomed to completing projects quickly and efficiently. This class emphasized hand sewing which helped me improve those skills tremendously. I was also introduced to the rotary cutter and discovered that you could actually cut and measure at the same time!
Why do you quilt? The urge to create is persistent. Quilting is my medium. I quilt because I must express visually what I’m thinking and feeling. Making art affords me the opportunity to achieve a zen-like state where I feel like I’m channeling ancestral memories.
What is your favorite part of quilting? The design process is my favorite part of quilting. Most of my recent quilts tend to be narrative. In addition to telling a story, I also enjoy solving design dilemmas, playing with textures, shapes and colors.
What is the part of quilting you don’t like? Cleaning up after a project is so tedious to me. I never want to throw away any scraps, because I can “use” them for another project. I realize the necessity of clearing the work surface but I find the housekeeping, organizing part unpleasant. While I thoroughly enjoy working in a clean and orderly space, it just doesn’t come naturally to me. I have to expend a great deal of energy to achieve orderliness. After spending that time and effort, I’m either annoyed that the day is over or that I’m too tired to do anything creative. So, when my choice is to regain order or keep working, I usually just keep working.
Where do you find inspiration? Everywhere. I find inspiration in nature, particularly flowers and plants that have unusual shapes or colors. I also find inspiration in music, fabric, as well as socio-political events. I find the current political climate to be a perpetual source of rich inspiration, good and bad.
What do you do when you are not quilting? When I’m not quilting, I enjoy cooking and baking, playing with my cats, as well as reading about different craft or quilting projects. I also enjoy traveling to different places on my bucket list.
Presenting
Montika Allen-Atkinson
Born Where ~City, State Glendale, AZ Luke Air Force Base
Live Where ~ City, State Junction City, Kansas
Tell us something about you!
A retired school teacher of 37 years in the profession: Bachelor of Science in elementary education, a Master’s Degree in Education, an Endorsement in Library Media Specialist and a National Board Certification Teacher. The illustrious teaching career spanned Oklahoma, Kansas, and Germany. Traveling, reading, teaching, cooking, Quilts of Valor, and talking to her connected circle of friends are passions which keeps the life of retirement enjoyable. Spending time with her wonderful husband Ronald Atkinson Sr., a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel of 34 years and their son Ronald Atkinson Jr., a graduate of Kansas State University with a BS in music education.
When did you become a quilter?
First quilt was made at the age of ten 51 years ago and periodically made baby quilts as gifts. The life of quilting passionately peaked full bloom around 2009 after becoming a member of a quilting circle with African American women. The urge to know and grow took on its own course with reading, experimenting, and pushing into areas with reading knowledge. As the urged pressed on so did the dream of finishing quilts from beginning to end, therefore owning a longarm quilting machine was on the list to accomplish, so did the desire to find her own niche of quilting from traditional, creating self-patterned quilts, fabric dyeing, thread art, quilts incorporating machine embroidery, mixed media experimentation quilts, art quilts and art quilts with statements. I am a self-taught quilter as well as self-taught free motion and ruler work quilter!
Why do you quilt?
Quilting is a passion and it will be the legacy I leave after my “Dash” My Dad told me, “You have your grandmother’s hands” which is my great grandmother. The desire for quilting is within my soul, the fabrics speak to me, the designated designs come in dreams. I truly believe the ancestors are speaking to me and their love of quilting comes through. I want to believe that my ancestors quilting would have evolved to what I do in quilting if we could quilt side by side.
What is your favorite part of quilting?
All aspects of quilting are my favorite. Binding a quilt was not and prayer has put me on an all new level; it took some years but with an earnest prayer of asking Him to help with a love binding for as much as a for love designing, piecing and longarm quilting. So now a stack of quilts to hand bind is an awaited sense of PEACE to finish a quilt; no machine binding in this studio!
What is the part of quilting you don’t like?
At one time is was batting but prayer changes things!
Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration comes from dreams, creating one of a kind quilts. In the beginning it was gifting quilts to my siblings, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, new babies arriving in the family and a few close friends who I call MY SISTERS. Six years ago with purchasing African waxed fabrics scraps from a local dress maker pushed traditional quilting fabrics off the radar and the challenge to use African waxed fabrics to the center and an entire “Newness” was birthed. The African waxed fabrics creates its own language to a quilt and that in itself keeps the inspiration pointing upward with self-challenges.
What do you do when you are not quilting?
When not quilting sketching, doodling, reading books on quilting is an automatic. A small notebook is always in my purse to jot down a line drawing for longarm designs or to sketch which could derive into a quilt. Knowing how one brain works and a love for teaching time is set aside for two or three struggling readers to accomplish the task of becoming a reader. Traveling is always in the works with the husband and a trip of 10 or more days the traveling machine is in tow as well as the sketch booklet. A few stops along the way where the desire is only red, white, and blue fabrics for Quilts of Valor; rarely are other fabrics put into the basket for purchase!
