Quilt Artist of the Week: Irma Gail Hatcher
I met Irma Gail Hatcher several years ago when I lived in Little Rock, Arkansas and was a member of the same quilt guild, the Arkansas Quilters Guild. At the time she was probably the most famous quilter I had ever met. She had already a few books published including Hot Fudge Sundae and Conway Album (I’m Not From Baltimore). In case your curious Conway is the town where she lives in Arkansas.
She has designed many beautiful and award winning quilts based on the Baltimore Album quilts. The Baltimore style is one usually made of many appliqued blocks and could represent the life of the person receiving the quilt. The style is very recognizable. If you’ve seen the movie How to Make an American Quilt, the quilt being made during the movie is in this style. To view a history and virtual exhibit visit the Maryland Historical society which has an excellent site for learning as well as great interactive activities.
Irma Gail’s quilts may have a foundation of Baltimore style but they definitely have a style that is all hers including her workmanship. Irma Gail is one of the most dedicated and hardworking quilters of our time. Her Conway Album (I’m Not from Baltimore Quilt) was chosen as one of the 100 Best American Quilts of the 20th Century by the American Quilter’s Society and is part of the AQS’s museum collection. A short list of her other awards include: Gingher Award for Hand Workmanship, Mary Krickbaum Award for Best Hand Quilting at 1997 National Quilting Association Show, Best Workmanship Award at Quilt America and several other ribbons at various shows which you can see listed on her web site.
I continue to be in awe of her accomplishments and her workmanship. And, I’m still bummed that my car broke down and I had to miss a class she was teaching on hand quilting. Luckily she still teaches and hopefully I will get to take that class someday.
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