Our general meetings are educational, fun, social events when we gather to celebrate our love of modern quilting! Meetings are free for members.
Lecture : Kristin Echols - Seminole Patchwork
Learn the history of the Seminole Indians and how their unique approach to patchwork became a vital source of income for the tribes. See examples of their patchwork over the decades in clothing and crafts and learn about the significance of the designs in their culture. Modern examples of Seminole quilts will also show the versatility of these beautiful designs.
I first learned about Seminole patchwork on a PBS quilting show in the early 2000s. I was fascinated by the bold designs that could be made using simple strips. I made a Seminole inspired quilt and then began teaching it at my local quilt shop. I also did a "Seminole Band of the Month" for my quilt guild. A couple years ago, I did the Global Quilt Connection Sampler Platter and shared a brief history of the Seminole Indians of Florida. Guilds started contacting me saying they enjoyed the history aspect and asking if I would do a 1-hour presentation on Seminole patchwork. I did a lot of research and reading and prepared my presentation including the following topics:
Origins of the Seminole Indians
Evolution of the patchwork designs through their clothing and handcrafts
Categorization of the different types of designs based on their construction
Use of Seminole designs in modern quilts
I believe it is very important to include the history of the Seminole Indians and give them credit for the designs and methods used. I have attached my bio and the marketing files for my Seminole presentation and workshop. The only difference between the 4- and 6-hour workshops is the number of designs taught. Please let me know if you have further questions.
Bio
Kristin began quilting in 1999 when she made a baby quilt for her best friend. She made the quilt using the fabric from the bridesmaid’s dress she wore in the wedding. Acetate is not the best fabric choice for a baby quilt, but Kristin got the quilting bug. She took classes, bought a Janome, got to know the ladies at her local quilt shop, and decided to pursue quilting as a hobby. It was a colorful and creative outlet to balance with her career as a computer engineer.
Kristin became intrigued by Seminole patchwork after seeing the technique on Simply Quilts. She found all the books she could on the subject and started incorporating Seminole strip piecing into her quilts and home dec projects. She has been teaching the techniques for over 15 years and she teaches an annual 12-week Seminole Sampler class where students learn to piece 10 Seminole bands and create a unique quilt layout using quilt-as-you-go techniques.
Kristin retired from the County of Sacramento where she spent 23 years as a computer geek. When not quilting or teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband Shawn, their three grown children and two grandkids. They live on 18 acres in beautiful Worley, Idaho where they enjoy gardening and raising chickens.
Visit Kristin’s website: KristinLaura.com and IG
Zoom link will be sent via email or find in Facebook Members Only Group Events.
Meeting Preview will be available on the blog about a week before the event.
Meeting Recap will be available on the blog about a week after the event.