Short Biography

Phyllis has been trained and tested as a certified appraiser by the American Quilter's Society Appraiser Certification Program and is a member of the Professional Association of Appraisers-Quilted Textiles. She completed the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's graduate course "History of Quilts" and is the author of The Victorian Redwork Sampler Quilt. Past president of the Annapolis Quilt Guild and the Baltimore Appliqué Society, she lectures on quilt history and teaches quilting classes and workshops.


NOTE: Many of the 3 hour workshops listed below can be modified into 1 hour lectures.

Ratty Quilts Workshop

How can you repair or otherwise treat an old, worn, tattered quilt that has won your heart? Non-museum quality quilts can have great sentimental value. Learn basic restoration, conservation and replication techniques for quilts too dear to dismiss. Use reproduction fabrics to best advantage. You may bring one “ratty” quilt to class for analysis.  All levels. Materials List: Pencil and paper for note taking. A "ratty" quilt or quilt top for analysis (optional). Click on the thumbnail to the left for an example.

American Quilts of the 1800's Workshop

Discover the rich heritage of quilts created in the United States from one turn of the century to the next (1800-1900). See examples of evolving patterns, styles, and techniques used by the quilt makers. Observe the differences created by changes in dyes and fabric printing methods by looking at actual period samples. You may bring early quilts that you would like to share (optional). All levels. Materials List: Pencil (no pens) and paper for note taking.

American Quilts of the 1900's Workshop

How have quilts changed during the last 100 years? Using actual quilts, period fabrics, and ephemera, Phyllis will trace the path taken by quilt makers from prior to World War I until the recent turn of the century. See how colors, styles, and techniques made each decade unique. You may bring vintage quilts, tops, or blocks to class for analysis. You may bring one or two vintage quilts or quilt tops to class for analysis. All levels. Materials List: Pencil (no pens) and paper for note taking.

Victorian Redwork Embroidery

Hand embroider a 9" block using a classic embroidery design from Phyllis' Victorian Redwork Sampler Quilt book (see image on this site's book page). Or, using a fabric miniature replica of the antique quilt, embroider the lily border. Kits for both options will be available in class. (Kit fee $10; red on white, white on red, blue on white thread options).

How to Tell Time
 (Fabric oriented rather than whole quilts)

Just how do appraisers know the date a fabric or quilt was made? Is it a reproduction or an original? Learn by hands-on experience with actual fabric samples beginning with the 1770's. Differentiate among cotton, linen, wool, and silk. Watch for changes in color, pattern, and style that provide a fascinating look at the ever changing world of textiles. You may bring old fabrics or blocks for analysis. 

 

Additional workshops are available,
please request information about them.

 

Phyllis Twigg Hatcher
1410 Colonial Manor Court
Annapolis, MD 21409
Phyllis2775@hotmail.com