Interview with Lynne Edwards, November 2, 2001

Interview Summary

Lynne Edwards describes how she first learned to create cathedral window quilts under the tutelage of an embroiderer. She talks about her attitude about art quilts versus utilitarian quilts when she first began and how that attitude changed over time. She talks about "breaking the rules" of traditional styles, as well as the importance of learning the basic skills and techniques before breaking the rules. She talks about the first quilt she made, in the 1970s. She talks about visiting a museum in America and being inspired by the American quilts there. Edwards talks about the use of quilting to survive through difficult times, as well as the counseling and support among the members of quilting groups. Edwards talks about the differences between the role of quilting in American history versus English history. She talks about how quilting was an important part of American history but is rarely documented or referenced in works of the time. Edwards talks about the criteria for a museum-quality quilt versus an art gallery-quality quilt. She talks about how criteria for judging quilt shows can be a negative influence on quilters. She talks about her beliefs on the kinds of expectations quilters should have about the preservation of their quilts when giving them as gifts.

Interview Keyword

Cathedral window (quilt pattern) Wall quilts Teaching quiltmaking Quiltmaking classes England Quilting community Historical significance Quilts as gifts Quilt purpose - Gift or presentation

Interview LC Subject

Arts and crafts. Quilting. Quilts. Quilts--Design. Artists Decorative arts Textile artists Textiles

Interview Rights

All rights to the Quilters' S.O.S. -- Save Our Stories (QSOS) oral history project, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred from the Quilt Alliance to the University of Kentucky Libraries. Please contact the Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History regarding rights pertaining to individual interviews.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.