A Visit with Michele Muska

Our guild is always excited to have visitors, especially one of our own. Michele Muska lives in Connecticut where she works in crafts, needle arts, and of course, the quilting industry.  She has appeared in many magazines, books and on television. She also is on the board of several organizations such as the Quilter's Alliance.

Her latest amazing work is her book called "Quilting the New Classics: 20 Inspired Quilt Projects Tradional to Modern Designs.  

Now isn't that a gorgeous looking book! Just imagine what's inside...gorgeous quilts fill the pages. Lucky for us, we got an up close and personal look at all of them.

Our members excitedly awaited Michele and her technical editor Barbara Parsons Cartier.

Michele started off by reading  to us from her preface.  Lines such as "For most quilters, collecting fabric is in our makeup," and "Our stash is always waiting for us like a dear sweet friend," resonated for us all.

Michele reminded us that every quilt has a story. It is important to keep that story alive. Labeling quilts and documenting the inspiration, stories, and memories behind the quilts are a must. 

She shared many a quilt. This one she created for her husband in college. Embroidery played a big part in her quilts around that time. Hearing the stories behind the quilts makes the quilts that much more precious.

A pair of pants from her high school days. Crafty genes! (pun intended)

Michele's book juxtaposes the traditional and the modern.  Each chapter displays a traditional block interpretation and a modern one.  It goes to show that the possibilities for self-expression are endless. 

Above, we glimpsed a traditional double wedding ring quilt. Michele explained that these quilts were popular during the Great Depression. Different demographics used different color palettes back then. Usually done in pastels, people who were having an especially hard time would use bold and dark fabrics.  The sky is the limit these days. Below, you see a modern interpretation. 

Two hours of bliss spent looking at beautiful quilts, and hearing some funny stories behind them.  You will have to hear Michele present to get in on those.

A modern crazy quilt

A tradional crazy quilt

A traditional bear paw

A modern bear paw

An antique quilt made from velvet and silks-very cool!

We loved the historical commentary.  In the olden days, yo-yos were laid on a solid background.  If she hadn't told us her quilt was traditional, I think we all would have placed it in the modern category.  

Of course, Michele presented a ton more quilts, but we don't want to spoil the book for you. If you want to see the rest, you can go here to get a copy. 

Unfortunately, the fun did come to an end as all great events do.  Before she left, Michele told us about the Quilt Alliance and the animal inspired quilt contest they are holding.

A quilt for a special little girl in her life

She also signed our books and gave us a treat: acrylic mini tools from e-z quilting. We will work with Michele to come up with a challenge using those tools.

Thank you Michele for your wonderful presentation and can't wait for your next visit! We look forward to making yo-yos with you.