Interview with Fred Fuston, Karla Poggen, November 2, 2000

Partial Transcript: This is JoAnn Pospisil. Today's date is November 2nd, 2000.

Segment Synopsis: The appliqued top of this quilt was made by Raymond Fuston in 1933-1948, while he was on duty at the Paris, Texas firehouse. It is red and white - standard firefighter colors - and features international symbols of firefighting. Raymond was the father of Fred Fuston, grandfather of quilter Karla Poggen, who each contribute to this interview.

Keywords: Family; Fathers; Firefighters; Firefighting; Fred Fuston; Grandchildren; Granddaughters; Grandfathers; Karla Poggen; Machine applique; Paris (Tex.); Paris, Texas; Quilt purpose - Commemorative; Quilt tops; Raymond Fuston; Singer sewing machines; Sons

Subjects: Families.; Fire fighters.; Quilters; Quilting.; Quiltmakers; Quiltmaking; Quiltmaking process; Quiltmaking purpose; Quilts; Quilts--United States; Quilts--United States--History--20th century.

Partial Transcript: So, what happened--before we get away from the--we'll be--talk more about this quilt...

Segment Synopsis: Raymond Fuston made two other quilts while the family lived at the fire station. They are scrap patchwork quilts and include some fabric from feed sacks and flour sacks. The family intends to donate the firefighters' quilt along with a fire truck (built by Raymond) to a local museum.

Keywords: Fabric - Feedsack; Family; Fathers; Firefighters; Firefighting; Fred Fuston; Grandchildren; Granddaughters; Grandfathers; Hand piecing; Karla Poggen; Patchwork quilts; Quilt purpose - Personal enjoyment; Raymond Fuston; Scrap quilts; Sons

Subjects: Families.; Fire fighters.; Patchwork quilts; Quilters; Quilting.; Quiltmakers; Quiltmaking; Quiltmaking process; Quiltmaking purpose; Quilts; Quilts--United States; Quilts--United States--History--20th century.

Partial Transcript: Karla, can you tell us how your interest in quilting evolves?

Segment Synopsis: A lifelong sewer, Karla Poggen started quilting in 1996 after seeing some nontraditional quilts in a shop. She likes the geometric shapes that machine piecing allows her to do.

Keywords: Fabric/quilt shops; Machine piecing; Machine quilting; Modern quilts; Quilt design; Quilt purpose - Utilitarian; Sewing

Subjects: Families.; Machine quilting; Quilters; Quilting shops; Quilting today; Quilting.; Quiltmakers; Quiltmaking; Quiltmaking process; Quiltmaking purpose; Quilts; Quilts--Design; Quilts--United States

Partial Transcript: And, and if I might inject right there...

Segment Synopsis: Raymond Fuston's fireman's quilt top was stored in a cedar chest from 1945 to 1990. Significantly stained, it was cleaned and restored to its original white. The family had it professionally quilted in 1993.

Keywords: Everyday use; Family; Fathers; Firefighters; Firefighting; Georgetown (Tex.); Georgetown, Texas; Grandfathers; Handcrafters Unlimited; Quilt conservation; Quilt preservation; Quilt tops; Raymond Fuston

Subjects: Families.; Fire fighters.; Quilters; Quilting.; Quiltmakers; Quiltmaking; Quiltmaking process; Quilts; Quilts--United States; Quilts--United States--History--20th century.

Partial Transcript: Are there other quilters in the family?

Segment Synopsis: Poggen learned to quilt mostly from books. She likes watercolor and kaleidoscope quilts. Most of her quilts are wall hangings.

Keywords: "Watercolor Quilts"; Kaleidoscope quilts; Learning quiltmaking; Quilt books; Quilt design; Quilt guilds; Quilt purpose - Home decoration; Quilt shows/exhibitions; Scrap quilts

Subjects: Kaleidoscope quilts; Quilters; Quilting today; Quilting.; Quiltmakers; Quiltmaking; Quiltmaking process; Quiltmaking purpose; Quilts; Watercolor quilting

Partial Transcript: What is it that you find pleasing about quilting?

Segment Synopsis: Poggen uses fabric as her artistic medium. The inventive use of just one element (fabric choice, color, design, quilting) can make a quilt great. She feels great quilters are anyone who is passionate about quilting.

Keywords: Art quiltmaking; Color balance; Fabric; Fabric choice; Learning quiltmaking; Quilt design; Quiltmaking process

Subjects: Quilters; Quilting; Quilting today; Quilting.; Quiltmakers; Quiltmaking; Quiltmaking process; Quilts; Quilts--Design.

Partial Transcript: Um, what--how is quilting important in your life now?

Segment Synopsis: Quilting is Poggen's expressive outlet. She sees quilts emerging as a recognized art form today.

Keywords: Modern quiltmaking; Quilt purpose - Art or personal expression; Quilt purpose - Artistic expression; Quiltmaking inspiration; Quiltmaking style

Subjects: Quilters; Quilting today; Quilting.; Quiltmakers; Quiltmaking; Quiltmaking purpose; Quilts; Quilts--Design.; Quilts--United States