Interview with Henk Van Kooten, November 1, 2002

Partial Transcript: --is Carolyn Malaski.

Segment Synopsis: The interviewer introduces herself and the interviewee, as well as the time and date of the interview.

Keywords: Carolyn Malaski; Henk Van Kooten

Subjects: Male quiltmakers; Quilters; Quilting.; Quiltmakers.; Quilts.

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

Segment Synopsis: Van Kooten discusses how he started quilting, as well as his favorite parts of practicing the craft. He also talks about the way he utilizes the craft as a method of relaxation and creative release.

Keywords: Basic course; Colors; Exhibitions; Fabrics; Lessons; Quilts; Relaxation; Release; Sewing

Subjects: Hobbies & crafts; Male quiltmakers; Quilters; Quilting.; Quiltmakers.; Quilts.

Partial Transcript: Tell us a little bit about the quilt that you brought in today.

Segment Synopsis: Van Kooten introduces the wearable quilted item that he brought to the setting of the interview. He discusses the pattern and the colors that he used, as well as the significance of the item to him. He also talks about the competitions that the item has won, as well as the types of prizes that he has won in competitions that he has entered in Europe.

Keywords: Anniversary; Contests; Dutch Quilting Association; Europe; Japanese Kimono; Leaves; Magazines; Patterns; Prizes; Silk

Subjects: Fabrics; Male quiltmakers; Quilters; Quilting--United States--Patterns.; Quilting.; Quiltmakers.; Quilts--Design.; Quilts.

Partial Transcript: What do you think makes a great quilt or a great piece of quilting?

Segment Synopsis: Van Kooten discusses what he believes makes a great quilt and quilter. He talks about his admiration for the technical side for quiltmaking, as well as the difference between quilting in the United States and Holland.

Keywords: Colors; Details; Exhibitions; Fabrics; Happiness; Holland; Message; Museums; Pattern; Qualities; Special collections; Technical; Utilitarian

Subjects: Male quiltmakers; Quilters; Quilting.; Quiltmakers.; Quilts--Design.; Quilts.

Partial Transcript: How do you feel about machine quilting versus hand quilting?

Segment Synopsis: Van Kooten discusses the reflection of his native Dutch culture in the quilts that he makes, as well as how the valued tradition of quilting in Holland is mirrored in the quilts (i.e. his preference of hand sewing and quilting as opposed to using a machine).

Keywords: Community; Dutch; Dutch Quilting Association; Factory; Hand quilting; History; Holland; Kimono; Machine quilting; Patterns; Technical; Traditional

Subjects: Culture.; Male quiltmakers; Quilters; Quilting.; Quiltmakers.; Quilts--Design.; Quilts.; Sewing machines.

Partial Transcript: How do you think quilts can be used?

Segment Synopsis: Van Kooten discusses how he utilizes the quilts that he makes, as well as how it feels to be a male in a female dominated craft and how that influences his relationships with other males. He also talks about the influence that quilting has on young people in Holland and the importance of getting young people involved in traditional crafts.

Keywords: Bed quilts; Classes; Display; Dutch Magazine; Exhibitions; Feedback; Festivals; Gifts; Holland; Male; Traditional quilting; Young people

Subjects: Male quiltmakers; Quilters; Quilting.; Quiltmakers.; Quilts.

Partial Transcript: Henk's going to explain a little bit about the name of his, uh, quilted item--uh, wearable item and, uh, he'll tell us a little bit about that now.

Segment Synopsis: Van Kooten briefly discusses the name of the wearable quilt item that he brought to the setting of the interview and introduces it as the "Kootomono," which is a combination of the traditional Japanese word "kimono" and his last name.

Keywords: "Kootomono"; Exhibition; Japanese kimono

Subjects: Craft and art; Male quiltmakers; Quilters; Quilting.; Quiltmakers.; Quilts--Design.; Quilts.