Interview with Ivel Hunt, March 20, 2008

Partial Transcript: This is an interview for the Alliance for American Quilts: Quilters Save Our Stories.

Segment Synopsis: Ivel Hunt describes her "Blazing Star" quilt, stating that it is a chicken scratch stitch. Hunt recounts a visit to the library in which tried to check out a book but went to a quilting class instead. Hunt states that, prior to using chicken scratch, she had hand quilted, embroidered, and appliqued. She says that this quilt has not been used, but she would like to display it and ultimately leave it to her granddaughter.

Keywords: Alliance for American Quilts; Appliqué.; Blazing Star; Chicken scratch quilts; Chicken scratch stitch; Embroidery.; Machine quilting--Patterns.; Machine quilts; Needlework.; Quilt Alliance; Quilted goods; Quilters Save Our Stories; Quilts.

Partial Transcript: Tell me a little bit about your interest in quilt making.

Segment Synopsis: Hunt describes her interest in quilt making, stating that quilting passes the time and that she learned to quilt from her mother. Hunt recounts her first quilt memory as a quilt by her husband's ex-girlfriend of their grandmother's flower garden. Hunt also discusses her sister's work in quilt making. Hunt states that though she has not used quilting to get through a difficult time, she recounts when one of her quilts was used to wrap her husband after he had accidently caught on fire.

Keywords: Appliqué.; Chicken scratch quilts; Chicken scratch stitch; Embroidery.; Needlework.; Quilt Alliance; Quilted goods; Quilts.

Partial Transcript: What do you find pleasing about quilt making?

Segment Synopsis: Hunt states that creating both beauty and utility from pieces of fabric is one of her favorite aspects of quilting. Hunt also discusses her quilting process using a quilting machine, describing attaching the quilt's layers and binding. Hunt describes her composition process concerning her quilts' designs.

Keywords: Fabric; Machine quilting--Patterns.; Machine quilts; Quilt Alliance; Quilt binding; Quilt design; Quilted goods; Quilting machines; Quilting technique; Quilts--Design.; Quilts.

Partial Transcript: What do you think makes a great quilt?

Segment Synopsis: Hunt qualifies a great quilt by its sentimental value. She also says that though she believes quilts are artistically powerful through their color and originality, individual taste is different for everyone. Hunt describes great quilters as devoted to their craft. Hunt also discusses hand and machine quilting, stating that machine quilting can make quilts last longer.

Keywords: Art quilts.; Decorative arts.; Machine quilting--Patterns.; Machine quilts; Needlework.; Quilt Alliance; Quilted goods; Quilts.

Partial Transcript: Why is quilt making important to your life?

Segment Synopsis: Hunt discusses the importance of quiltmaking to her life, saying that quilts leave a piece of her behind to her family, though she would like her family to quilt themselves. Hunt also describes the various uses of quilt through history, saying their function was primarily utility before while now more are for decoration. She also discusses quilt preservation, as well as who her quilts have been given to.

Keywords: Quilt Alliance; Quilt's preservation; Quilters; Quilting history; Quilting importance; Quilting preservation; Quiltmakers.; Quilts' history; Quilts' importance; Quilts' usage; Quilts' use; Quilts.