THE QUILTING TRUMPETER
Suzanne Kistler, Visalia, California
A while back I wrote an essay, remembering Sally. Sally was a quiet quilter, a guild member who was often overlooked in the hustle-bustle of quilting activity. As I mourned her passing, I was reminded of other members of our guild who, these days, go unnoticed. I listed many of them, but a name that did not make the list was Mary’s. I was told that her feelings were hurt by the omission, and at the time I had trouble explaining to her why I think she stands apart.
I was thinking of those quilters who are unseen and unheard, and Mary is neither of those. When I think of Mary, I think of a leader, a herald, a woman with a trumpet!
Well, she doesn’t really have a trumpet, at least not that I’m aware of, but for as long as I’ve known her, she’s been the bearer of good news in the quilt world. Miniature Quilts! Art Quilts! Opportunity Quilts! Earlene Fowler! If it was something new or exciting and had anything to do with quilting, Mary told us about it. She still does.
When I joined the guild in 1987, I’d been a solo quilter, pretty much figuring it out on my own. Classes? I did not have the time or the money to take classes. Equipment? Surely scissors were as good as a rotary cutter. They do the same job, don’t they?
Mary is one who would come alongside and say, “Oh, NO! Of course that way will work, but this method is new, exciting and SO MUCH BETTER!” Her enthusiasm was contagious, and soon she had all of us eager to hear the next new thing.
Miniature Quilts? What on earth are those? Why put all that work into a potholder? Mary was the one who taught us that quilting doesn’t have to be utilitarian. It can be ART.
Sure, there were others in the guild who were catching the quilt wave that was building across the nation, but Mary was the one who subscribed to ALL the magazines, who could discuss fabric makers and famous quilters with the most ease and familiarity. Again and again she would patiently repeat the names: Roberta Horton, Caryl Bryer Fallert, Jinny Beyer. In the 21st century, most quilters know those names. In the 1980’s in California’s Central Valley, Mary was the one who introduced us.
Now, in retrospect, I see and know that Mary acted like an angel with a trumpet, a messenger bringing good news to all who would hear. She would learn and share all good things with those of us who wanted to learn about quilts and quilting. She did it without expecting anything in return. She loves quilts, quilting and quilters and has always wanted to share that love with others.
So, although I did not add Mary to my “Thank You, Sally” list, she is definitely on my list of people to thank. Thank you, Mary, for being so eager to learn about our art and for so selflessly sharing all that you learn with us all. Our guild has benefited, our quilters have benefited, and our community has benefited from your passion and generosity. Thank you, thank you, thank you!