About Michele...
Michele has been quilting for over forty years and sewing since she was a child. She is the founder of the Lehigh Valley Quilt Study Group and has membership in various quilt organizations including the American Quilt Study Group.
After college, she worked for the United States House of Representatives before becoming an administrator at Cedar Crest College. For the last 15 years she has presented lectures and programs at museums, historical societies and quilt guilds with an emphasis on the special relationship textiles and women's studies.
New Programs available for 2019!!!
After college, she worked for the United States House of Representatives before becoming an administrator at Cedar Crest College. For the last 15 years she has presented lectures and programs at museums, historical societies and quilt guilds with an emphasis on the special relationship textiles and women's studies.
New Programs available for 2019!!!
By the Chimney No More: Women and Quilting from 1865-1920
The fifty-five years between the end of the Civil War and the ratification of the 19th Amendment were punctuated with great changes for women. Often, these changes are reflected in quilts. Beth Bacher joins with Michele for a trunk show that illustrates how the foundations of our modern day techniques and industries originated. Special emphasis will be made on the struggles and achievements women made leading up to their right to vote. This program is perfect for a tea party or celebration of women-- especially since the centennial of the 19th amendment is 2020!
As part of our celebration of suffragists, we are sponsoring The Suffrage Centennial Quilt Challenge! Details about the challenge can be found at http://pennsylvaniapiecemaker.blogspot.com/
The Girl in the Postage Stamp Quilt and Other Stories:
This fun program focuses on Michele's adventures in quilt collecting. Michele addresses the frequent questions she is asked about her inventory of textiles as well as similar experiences collectors share. Most importantly, she will share stories of the quilts and their makers that she has discovered on her journey.
Other Programs:
Project Sunway:
The History of the Sunbonnet Quilt Pattern
Sunbonnets remain one of the most beloved--and maligned--quilt patterns of the 20th century. Project Sunway remains one of Michele's most popular programs and provides an insight to the development of this quilt pattern.
Michele's trunk show features over 50 different examples and demonstrate the versatility and humor this pattern continues to provide quilt makers.
Audience members are encouraged to bring their own sunbonnet quilts for Michele to review and possibly identify the pattern.
The History of the Sunbonnet Quilt Pattern
Sunbonnets remain one of the most beloved--and maligned--quilt patterns of the 20th century. Project Sunway remains one of Michele's most popular programs and provides an insight to the development of this quilt pattern.
Michele's trunk show features over 50 different examples and demonstrate the versatility and humor this pattern continues to provide quilt makers.
Audience members are encouraged to bring their own sunbonnet quilts for Michele to review and possibly identify the pattern.
Quilts and History: Why you should care.
In 2010, a local museum requested a program about quilt history for an audience of non-quilting men. The Quilts and History program has become increasingly popular with guilds, libraries, and educational institutions.
Folklore about quilt making in the United States has often overshadowed the true (and more interesting) history of the craft. In Quilts and History, Michele challenges many myths with a extensive trunk show to highlight the unique impact quilting has imprinted on American culture and politics.
In 2010, a local museum requested a program about quilt history for an audience of non-quilting men. The Quilts and History program has become increasingly popular with guilds, libraries, and educational institutions.
Folklore about quilt making in the United States has often overshadowed the true (and more interesting) history of the craft. In Quilts and History, Michele challenges many myths with a extensive trunk show to highlight the unique impact quilting has imprinted on American culture and politics.
Story Time Stitches
What is more comforting for a child than a colorful quilt, a bedtime story, and a parent's hug? This program reflects the influence of children's books, illustrators, and cultural trends that are often reflected in the nursery, particularly in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Funfilled and full of whimsical moments, this program features Michele's extensive collection of children's quilts, coverlets, and textiles. Michele also provides some tips on how to incorporate vintage patterns into new quilts and how to care for vintage pieces.
A Perfect Match: Quilting and Embroidery
This program focuses on combining embroidery techniques and patterns with quilting. Special emphasis is on the relationship between quilt and embroidery technology, 20th century quilt styles and the recent trend among young sewers for nostalgic transfer style patterns. An extensive quilt show will be featured with a variety of examples. Guild members who have vintage embroidered quilts are encouraged to bring them to share as well!
Money, Myth, and Madder: Women, Quilting, and the Impact of the Civil War
Michele partners with quilt restorer/teacher, Beth Bacher, to present a look at the extraordinary contributions women made during the Civil War.
A variety of quilts and visual aids will be used to provide a more complete picture of women’s war efforts, the kinds of quilts they made and the impact of the war on women’s issues.
NEW: Designs STILL Worth Doing: A Celebration of Ruby Short McKim
This trunk show focuses on Ruby Short McKim, one of the most innovative and diverse quilt designers of the 20th century. Not only will the program feature vintage quilts she designed but examples will also be provided on how her patterns can be incorporated inot 21st century projects. Over 30 pieces are featured in the trunk show.
