…..
When life gives you lemons, make a quilt! Sarah Kaufman certainly did! After being diagnosed with arthritis, she could easily have given up her passion for making quilts. However, she didn’t let it get in her way of her fondness for fabric; instead she created a new technique by folding fabric to create beautiful log cabin quits. She shows how it’s done in her new book Folded Log Cabin Quilts.
What was your career prior to being an artist?
I was the owner/operator of a high end fabric shop and a Real Estate broker.
What and when was your first experience as an artist?
I have always sewn my own clothes, often re-designing Vogue patterns. I began making quilts when my three children were small – AND NEVER STOPPED!
Birthday Cake, 15" x 20", from Folded Log Cabin Quilts by Sarah Kaufman
What inspired you to make a career of your art?
It’s WHO! Judy D. Hopkins – lifelong friend and quilt book author
How has your artistry changed over the years?
I made a transition from fine needlework—appliqué, and English paper piecing—to Folded Log Cabin piecing in the early 90s after developing arthritis in my hands. I find machine sewing of pre-pressed strips—with no more ironing—workable AND relaxing!
Do you have a process or ritual for starting new projects?
I start with my stash and a plan in mind. Later I head to the fabric store with swatches in hand. I always sketch designs on graph paper, quicky, with just a few notes. I often take a long walk as I contemplate my idea.
Fungus Among Us, 37" x 37", from Folded Log Cabin Quilts by Sarah Kaufman
When you finish a project, what happens? Do you celebrate?
I am never without two more quilts in progress. There are always two more in my head, impatient to be started! I am ALWAYS celebrating.
What would you like to create that you have not tried yet?
A Native American-like root basket, done in FLC blocks; an all-linen quilt; a log cabin piece made entirely of clothing labels appliquéd onto linen napkins. I’ll start this next week at a Hawaii quilt retreat.
What memorable moments can you share about your travels or teaching experience?
The Yokohama Quilt Show I attended in Japan in 2004 was fabulous. I visited an indigo dye factory in Kyoto and bought scraps of old indigo pieces in a barrel. Also, I was a featured quilter in 2006 at the LaConner Quilt & Textile Museum in Washington. What an honor to do a 3-month show.
Zoom Lens, 29" x 22.5", from Folded Log Cabin Quilts by Sarah Kaufman
Related posts:
3 Comments
I love the dimensionality that you get with the folded log cabin quilts. It really gives them a new look.
HI Sarah,
got to see your new book in August and Joan made sure i gave it back as it was a raffle gift that i did not win !and now i want my own copy ! good to hear you interviewed . we miss you and celebrate you!
Sonja
Sarah: I am back in So. Cal. and thought I had your e-mail down here to send you my completed table runner photo as promised, but I don’t seem to have it …I would like to send the photo to you…I took the cass at Quilt Works from Maryanne…and when I called you, you said I must send you a pix…It looks great on my dining room table here in Rancho Palos Verdes…and I think I will put it in my quilt guild’s quilt show in February…Please e-mail me at Gwenbrock@aol.com
Thanks and Merry Christmas!