Hand quilting is a timeless technique that brings warmth and comfort to the beholder. A handmade quilt expresses deep love rooted in tradition and heritage. As a Heritage Quilter, I keep this method of quilting alive by sharing my passion with others. Today, most quilts are made by machine and completed quickly. My practice of quilting incorporates 10 “P’s,” which require quilters to slow down, self-reflect, and connect with their project. Quilting by hand brings peace and relaxation to the fast-paced problems of the world today. I teach quilters how to enjoy the process, taking moments to pull from within and creating their own unique patterns. I have learned that this process helps us join the rhythm of the world.

I was taught how to quilt by my grandmother, Loreda Baker, Big Mama, in 1981. She was born in 1907 and passed away in 1995. Her mother taught her, and this family tradition was passed down throughout the ages. Mississippians in the past used this same intimate technique. Teaching quilters this way preserves our heritage. The 10 “P’s” that I offer quilters from Big Momma’s quilting circle are patience, perseverance, promise, prayer, passion, pleasure, play, process, pride, and practice. I also teach that quilts have a voice. They speak to us and tell their stories. The quilt speaks to hand quilters to explain what we need to do to it. We narrate the story of the quilt and our culture through the patterns and stitches.