The Quiet Quilter

Cindy Vermillion Hamilton

 

I never had to learn the lesson about feeling fortunate about having friends.  It seemed to be in me to appreciate those with similar interests from the time I was born.  And, as friends have moved in and out of my life, I have gained something from each of them….even those good-for-nothing boyfriends of years ago.  But, I must admit that quilting has brought me some of my most cherished friends. 

One of the things I gained from an old boyfriend was the craft of quilting.  I had been an embroiderer for years, and never really settled in on quilting.  But, it was with his prodding that I bought my first fat quarter and dusted off my sewing machine.  I remember the two of us visiting a local quilt show where I purchased a number of older Quilters Newsletter magazines.  I had purchased the issues based on the cover quilts, and soon learned that there was a quilter that I was totally inspired by.  Her name was Cindy Vermillion Hamilton and never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would consider her one of my dear friends. 

This past Spring Cindy and I set out (with a few others quilters) to England to attend the famed V&A exhibit.  It was my second trip with Cindy to the country we both have loved for decades.  I won’t go on about all her quilts that have graced the covers of magazines, or all the high awards she’s earned at Paducah, etc.  But, I will encourage you to search out a copy of her book, Medallion Quilts — Inspiration & Patterns published by AQS.  

 So, here is a picture of her…my quiet quilter friend…who is happy to sit for hours stitching in the window of her hotel room in Barnard Castle, North Yorkshire.  Wish we were there right now. 

–Penny

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