Handmade objects and the people who create them are the focus of my work. Textiles—historical and contemporary—are particular favorites. I dive deeply into their stories and share what I discover in person and in my books, articles, and blog posts. I lecture and teach workshops nationally and internationally, curate museum exhibitions, and design feed sack- and 1930s-inspired fabrics for Moda and quilt patterns as Clark Street Quilts. ABOUT ▸
Books and Writing
Craft, art, and textiles, both past and present, are my focus. My work includes the books Feed Sacks: The Colourful History of a Frugal Fabric (UPPERCASE, 2016; Martingale, revised ed., 2019) and Art Quilts of the Midwest (University of Iowa Press, 2015). I’ve written dozens of feature stories and blog posts for magazines and blogs with an international readership and for 13 years served as a writer and editor for the University of Iowa, covering stories on museums, archeological digs, scientific discovery, and so much more. VIEW MY BOOKS AND WRITING ▸
Workshops and Lectures
Engaging, informative, colorful, and thought-provoking are words used to describe my talks and workshops. I enjoy sharing my expertise on feed sacks, art quilts, and taking textile (and life) risks via talks to guilds, libraries, and textile research venues. Workshops are based on the “waste not, want not” techniques associated with the the 1930s and feed sack era, and on my Clark Street Quilts patterns. MORE ▸
Clark Street Quilts
Clark Street Quilts specializes in patterns inspired by vintage quilts with a cheerful, graphic vibe. Looking for patterns that provide a new twist on traditional blocks? Check out these patterns by Clark Street Quilts. VIEW ALL PATTERNS ▸
Fabric Design
I design feed sack- and 1930s-inspired fabric for Moda Fabrics. It’s cheerful, colorful, and perfect for quilts, clothing, and home décor. FABRIC ▸
