SIXTEEN – the number of public presentations made this year with eleven on Alabama Quilts and Their Stories! I’ve never made that many presentations outside the classroom, so this is big. I’d like to revisit some of the people and places (and quilts).

One of the largest audiences was early in the year at the Blount County Historical Society. Images below from BCHS’s FB page. The familiar hands-on-hips stance shows up a few times – I’m trying to break this habit.

In May, the Antiquarian Society of Huntsville graciously hosted me and shared their quilts as well. I’m in the process of researching these.

I spoke with the Cullman Quilt Guild in July and attended their quilt show in August. There were some stunning quilts!

In November, I spent a day at Burritt on the Mountain demonstrating various quilting techniques. A steady stream of people kept me on my toes all day. I especially enjoyed the children eager to sew!

A lovely couple who attended several of my talks this year gifted me two boxes of goodies. One was full of 100+ year old christening gowns and the other vintage handkerchiefs. I was ecstatic! On the left is one of the gowns. Before I receive messages, the old gowns were in a state of disrepair with holes, rips, stains, and fraying fabric. In an effort to save as much as possible, I cut pieces out and started making hexis. I plant to make a quilt from these.

While my talk in February to the Antiquarian Society of Birmingham wasn’t about quilts (rather WW1 fashion), this lady had the most incredible quilted coat! I had to share!

It was a wonderful year of quilt reflection and inspiration. I’m looking forward to 2026 presentations. On my calendar first is the Lowndes County America 250 Celebration program (Columbus, MS) on March 28th. Hope to have a few more scheduled soon. Until then, may you be wrapped in the warmth of a handmade quilt this wintry spring.

Beth

Last fall I attended the Southeast Quilt Symposium in Carrollton, Georgia. A bit unsure what to expect, I didn’t know anyone there and was traveling alone. Soon after meeting others, I realized they were a friendly bunch, but I was a bit out of my depth. Most attending were experts in their quilt field, and some recognized where and what time period certain quilts had been created. I was completely in awe. My only contributions to group discussions were historical and local. I hadn’t studied the grand masters of quilting nor had I read the most important books on quilting in early America. I soaked as much in as I could, from the rattlesnake quilts of Texas and Oklahoma, to the Farmer’s Fancy pattern of the Shenandoah Valley, and the controversy involving competing authors and their books.

Most of the quilts discussed were antique/vintage. One of the big takeaways for me is that the quilt doesn’t have to be perfect to be passed down, loved, and even considered a family treasure. While I’m still striving for perfection, I’m also not going to beat myself up if my points aren’t perfect or corners aren’t precise. I’m going to start looking at my quilts with the self-affirming “I made this” attitude.

Below are just a few of the quilts on display in the Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum or from the conference. Hope you enjoy!