An interview with Jane Morrow

Jane Morrow also created the patterns for the book cover quilt, adapting the original illustrations for her own unique designs.

Q. How long you have been quilting and what got you started?
A. In 1981 I was living in Cheshire, CT and joined a local quilt group as a substitute for a gal who moved. I started quilting and was hooked right away. In 1984 I moved to Wilton, CT and formed my own "Friendship Quilt Group" and have been running one ever since -- in Mass since 1997. Let me explain how the group works: The meetings are held once a month and at that time we assemble the quilt we have been working on. The group consists of 12 women; a queen size quilt is built of 12 22"x22" squares. Each member is assigned a specific month to get her quilt. At the meeting, once that month's quilt is finished, the next month's quilt "kits" are passed out to be completed. Each kit is made up of the fabrics, batting, directions, and matching tread. We have 4 weeks to assemble the square and then meet again, assemble that quilt -- and so on.

Q. Is there a particular style of quilting in which you specialize? If so, what do you like about that method?
A. We do only hand appliqué quilting since piece work is too precise for 12 different women to be working on. Appliqué is more portable and does not require each member to have a machine. It is also a means to adapt any pattern desired and it is very versatile. As the "teacher" I help each member design her quilt, shop for fabrics, and assemble her "kit". We use traditional patterns as well as patterns custom designed. My background is art so I am able to draft templates for any design desired.

Q. Tell me about your Friendship Quilt Group.
A. The quilting group is truly a "Friendship Group". We not only make beautiful quilts but build lasting friendships along the way. What thrills me the most is passing along my love for the art to new quilters -- they really get hooked and seem to enjoy it as much as I do.

Q. What are your thoughts on the book jacket quilt?
A. I had a lot of fun adapting the book jackets for the "Whitney Quilt" and searching for just the right fabrics to enhance the squares. It is rewarding to me to start with a pile of fabrics and watch it develop into a work of art.

Q. Do you sell your quilts or create patterns for other people?
A. I do not sell any of my quilts but I do make quite a few for gifts. I feel that they are special and a part of me to pass on to special people in my life. We did design, assemble, and donate a quilt this year for the families of 9/11 through a plea we heard of from a group in Ohio.

Q. Is there anything else you'd like to tell me about yourself?
A. About myself? Quilting, antiques, and golf are my main passions in life just behind my two sons, their wives, and my darling 2 year old grandaughter. I am an avid antique lover and have been collecting for 20 years. My quilts enhance my collection of early american pieces and the antiques influence my quilt designs.

Jane Morrow is delighted to share more of her experiences on quilting and being part of a Friendship Quilt Group. You can reach her via e-mail at ejmorrow@attbi.com.

Judy Hanson also did hand work on the quilt and you can read my interview with Judy here.