At the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, members of Quaking Aspen, Fort Collins Modern, Boulder Modern, and Wa Shonaji quilt guilds brushed shoulders. Passing around copies of Quiltfolk, Issue 28: Colorado, people asked those who’d been featured to autograph their magazines. Someone said it reminded them of signing yearbooks.
On the afternoon of Sunday, October 22, about 80 folks gathered at the museum in Golden, Colorado, to celebrate the latest release of Quiltfolk. Many were interviewed in the magazine, including the party’s gracious hosts, eQuilter, and the museum’s leadership. “We’re hosting this event, and we wanted as many artists to come as possible, so we could meet and greet you,” said Karen Roxburgh, the museum’s director. She continued, “Quiltfolk probably could have filled two or three more issues with great artists from Colorado, and we wish they could have, but congratulations to the names that are in the magazine.”
Steven Garner described the experience of sharing his story with writer Meg Cox.
“Meg and I spoke several times. I only requested one thing. ‘When you write it,’ I said, ‘Do your best. If you do your best, that’s all I can ask for.’ I know that sometimes as a writer, their mind is all over the place,” Steven said. “Immediately, when I read it, and when I talked to her, I told her, ‘You’ve done your best.’ I was happy about it because all of us have a story to tell and when history records it, you want it to be recorded the right way. There may be things that are left out, but there are things that should not be left out.”
Patty and Allen Brown made their rounds while eQuilter’s Luana Rubin chatted with Diana Fox, who coincidentally opened a solo exhibit called Outside the Frame’s Edge just two days prior. In the main gallery, attendees, including Tierney Davis Hogan, Jeananne Wright, and Jeanette Zawacki, smiled for photos while quilts in the 19th Century Patchwork Divas | 25 Years of Scraps exhibition served as backdrops.
About her experience working with Quiltfolk’s photographer Melanie Zacek and stylist Kimberlee Ishii (Zacek), Sandra Dallas said she visited three locations. “It turned out to be a beautiful day. It was so easy. I talked to Meg [Cox] for maybe an hour, and got a few emails clarifying a few things, and spent maybe half a day with the photographers,” Sandra said. “Everybody was so nice, friendly, and accommodating to work with.”
Carmen Schell, a Quiltfolk production assistant turned contributing writer, described the experience of writing for and appearing in the pages of the magazine.
“I love getting to talk to people and learning their stories. That brings me a lot of joy and unexpected joy that I didn’t know that I was looking for. I’ve written one or two stories per issue,” Carmen said. “I’m so used to being behind the scenes, but it was a great experience. I love that there’s a family photo that made it into the magazine. It was emotional, and there were big smiles. My husband and I looked at the issue together when it arrived. He pointed out the editor’s note before my article, and asked, ‘Did you see this?’ I hadn’t, and that’s when I cried.”
Laura Loewen said, “The photographers were very nice. It was also interesting to see what they thought was photogenic within my house. If others are invited to be a part of a future Quiltfolk issue, I’d recommend it.”
As attendees shared their experiences with the magazine — expressing gratitude, joy, and the emotions evoked by their features — they encapsulated the essence of what Quiltfolk represents: a testament to the enduring spirit of quilting, storytelling, and the community it fosters. The pages of this issue not only capture talented makers, but also connection and shared passion, painting a vivid picture of Colorado’s rich quilting heritage. As the event drew to a close, the museum halls echoed with stories, warm encounters, and the celebration of artistry. It was evident that this vibrant community contributes to a larger, more colorful story, one that continues to inspire and weave new tales for generations to come.
