Quiltfolk

I (Teri) don't know about you, but I have rarely ever attended a function with quilters that I didn't sit and chat with someone as though I had known them for years. The common thread of that love for stitching seems to tie us to each other, and sharing our stories is natural. There is an inexplicable kinship with those who share our passion.

When Kara and I were at Quilt Market in Houston last month, we were delighted to stumble upon a booth that featured a brand new magazine—one which "celebrates the people and stories behind the stitches." Being the lover of stories that we are, Kara and I were quite thrilled to see a new publication focused on such stories, as we have a similar focus. We immediately signed up for the quarterly magazine. I eagerly awaited its arrival on my doorstep.

The Quiltfolk display at Market in Houston that initially grabbed my attention

Perfect!

The issue opens with the definitions of the word FOLK. As a noun, it is "used as a friendly form of address to a group of people." Its adjective form is "of or relating to the traditional art or culture of a community." The very first page, even before the title page, is devoted to the distinction given to the "folk" who love quilts. I rather like the term Quiltfolk; it says so much about who we are. With great anticipation, I sat down (with a bit of chocolate) to peruse this volume. Indeed, I was not disappointed.

What I have always craved in a quilt magazine was more stories and less patterns, probably because I enjoy creating my own designs. There is enormous value in a magazine filled with patterns—and many quilters prefer having a great selection from which to choose; however, that is not what you will find here. You will find stories. About quilts. And about their makers.

This first issue takes us on a tour of Oregon, visiting quilt shops, their owners, and various quilt artists throughout the state. Having never been to the state myself, I still felt that I had made some new friends there. I have definitely placed a few quilt shops on my Quilt Shop Bucket List! I "met" a quilt shop owner, whose mother "inherited the quilt bug from her daughter;" a retired engineer, who became a passionate scrappy quilter—growing totally outside her comfort zone; and a quilter who loves hand work and is married to a writer, both telling stories in their individual ways.

Quilter Susan's husband, Bob, who is a writer, feels that ultimately, they are both storytellers.

As I sat by my Christmas tree, reading through this lovely book, I felt a connection with these women from across our vast country. We love the same thing: stitching, and telling stories with our needles. I read about art quilts, a quilt shop filled with quilts old and new, and one "where everybody knows your name," memories of grandmothers, and a wonderfully successful Project Linus chapter, led by Jodene Cook. With the story of each of these women, I felt the tug of that "common thread." And I loved how many of the stories included husbands, who not only supported their passion, but often joined them on the quilting adventure. 

A few of my favorite quotes:

"My mémère used to say, 'Quilting is a lost art.'
She'd be so pleased to see how the art has progressed."
~Michelle Kenney

"The hand has quality that machines do not.
They give a sense of softness, and warmth, and love.
Machines cannot do that."
~Lillian Arnold

"I don't think of things in terms of being easy or being difficult.
I only think of things in terms of the number of steps it takes to complete the project."
~Sheila Sinclair Snyder 

The people, the stories, the quilts: all are captured beautifully within the pages of this publication, both in words and pictures. The photography is rich, and the stories are replete with images that add so much to the tales. Quiltfolk is appropriately subtitled A Keepsake Quarterly, as this issue is more of a book than a magazine. And a new one is printed every three months!

If I didn't already have it under my tree, I would surely be asking for a subscription to this magazine, or I would be treating myself. (Oh, wait—I did treat myself!) For more information about subscribing, go to quiltfolk.com. When you use the coupon code SHOP 1051, you will receive a 10% discount. (I should mention that we get a small royalty when you use the coupon code as well, but that in no way would change what I've shared about this magazine.) With the discount, each issue ends up being only $16.25, which is a deal for such a lovely book. (Did I mention that there are NO ADS?)

This publication is indeed a keepsake. I am already looking forward to the next issue, but I will likely reread this one a few more times, soaking in the photos and getting to know these new "friends" a bit better. You never know when I may show up in Oregon!

Can you tell how much I enjoyed my Quiltfolk magazine? I hope you do, too!