Are you following Sandra Starley? A creative mind behind Textile Time Travels, Sandra is a nationally certified quilt appraiser, historian, researcher, quilt collector, lecturer, designer and instructor. She maintains an extensive collection of both antique quilts (early, unusual and masterpieces) and research materials and is active in the American Quilt Study Group. Sandra presents trunk shows on quilt history/dating and antique quilts as material culture and enjoys reproducing quilts from her collection, especially in small scale. She has won national awards for both her antique reproductions and has been part of several traveling exhibits and has quilts featured in national quilt magazines and several historical quilt books.
We asked Sandra a few questions about her creative process and here’s what she told us!
Island Batik: What sparked your interest in quilting, and how did your journey begin? Was there a particular quilt or moment that ignited your passion?
Sandra: I saw my Mom and Sis having fun and I wanted to join in. Initially I tried appliqué as I already did other handwork and then started taking classes and learning new techniques and I was hooked.
Where do you find inspiration for your quilt designs? Are there specific experiences, places, or memories that influence your work?
I am inspired by my antique quilt collection and love giving new life to old quilts by recreating and updating them.
Can you describe your creative process from concept to completion? How do you decide on colors, patterns, and fabrics?
I generally find an antique quilt that I was to remake and usually in a smaller or miniature version. I then decide whether I want to follow the color scheme of the antique or make it more modern or bright. I love learning about quilters from the 1800s by recreating their quilts.
How do your quilts reflect your personal emotions or experiences? Do you find that quilting helps you process or express these emotions?
My quilts reflect my experiences as a quilt historian and antique quilt collector. I find hand quilting very zen.
What is the most challenging quilt you’ve ever made, and how did you overcome those challenges? What did you learn from that experience?
Many have been very challenging often because I create for national quilt challenges with tight deadlines but I really enjoy learning how to deal with the challenges. I always learn new techniques and method and that is what I love about quilting. Last year’s Flying Geese challenge (see below) involved a LOT of Y seams which I have always avoided. The quilt was difficult but I felt a sense of accomplishment after figuring it out.
How does your cultural background or heritage influence your quilting? Are there specific traditions or techniques you incorporate into your work?
There is strong heritage of quilting and needlework in my background and I am proud to carry on the tradition.
How has your quilting style evolved over the years? Can you identify key moments or pieces that marked significant changes in your approach?
I originally did a lot of hand appliqué and hand quilting and only 1 or 2 pieces a year. But I quickly started learning/adding new techniques and fell in love with paper piecing (machine). As an IB Ambassador, I now make almost a dozen quilts a year almost all by machine though I just added hand quilting to a mini quilt.
If you could have any superpower to assist you in your quilting, what would it be and why?
The ability to have sewing automatically completed – twitch my nose and the seam is sewn. I love designing but the actual sewing takes so long. It would be great to have sewing elves who would just stitch away while I designed.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, on a quilt project, who would it be and what kind of quilt would you create together?
I’d love to collaborate with my Great Grandmother Isabell Rogers – actually I already did work with her by recreating her Rocky Road quilt for the March 2023 challenge. I never met her but I felt close to her by remaking one of her quilts.
What are your future goals or dreams for your quilting? Are there new techniques, themes, or projects you’re excited to explore?
I want to do more teaching and sharing of my antique quilts and my new quilts. I want to write a book or 2 sharing my collection. I am always ready to learn new things and challenge myself.
Be sure to follow Sandra on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to her blog to see what she’s working on right now!
To see the whole 2024 Island Batik Ambassador team, please visit: https://islandbatik.com/2024-ambassadors/
Is there anything else you want to ask Sandra? Leave us a comment below!