500 pieces. Quilt backs aren’t often celebrated, but Gwen Marston made hers sing. The stunning work of this legendary quilter, writer, and national treasure, has inspired several generations. Quiltfolk captured this image on Beaver Island, off the coast of Michigan, where we interviewed Marston for Issue 08: Michigan.

500 pieces. For Issue 12: Kentucky, quilter Sue Marshal welcomed Quiltfolk to her La Grange home where she divides her time between caring for three horses, restoring vintage sewing machines, and making quilts. Marshal’s beloved 25-year-old American Saddlebred, M. J., made the perfect model posing in her stable with a favorite colorful Star quilt.

1000 pieces. Vivid color and heavy embellishment come together in artist Jane Burch Cochran’s sensational quilts, which often feature bugle beads, pearlescent buttons, and fussy-cut fabrics. This detail of Face 5 shows Cochran’s expert technique, attention to detail, and enduring sense of play.