Stitchin’ Heaven Howdy

Ruth B. McDowell is one of the most sought after instructors of the art of quilting and will be teaching at Stitchin’ Heaven in February, 2008. I thought you might enjoy knowing a little bit about her.

After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1967 with a B.S. in Art and Design, Ruth spent several years working as an illustrator, while simultaneously expanding her interests in fibers and nature. She began her quilting career in 1972.

Since that time, she has become a full-time professional quilt artist, with over 350 quilts to her credit. Her wall quilts have been exhibited nationally and internationally in many galleries and museums, as well as in juried, invitational and several solo shows. They are also represented in many public, private and corporate art collections worldwide.

Ruth’s very active career includes teaching design workshops and lecturing about her work throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

Book Ruth’s most recent books, Ruth B. McDowell’s Piecing Workshop (C&T 2007) and Ruth B. McDowell’s Design Workshop (C&T Fall 2007) replace and update her well-loved Piecing: Expanding the Basics. They contain excellent instruction for quilt makers to explore Ruth’s methods for designing original pieced quilts. A Fabric Journey: An Inside Look at the quilts of Ruth B. McDowell (C&T 2005) discusses in detail the creation of 18 of her newest art quilts. Pieced Vegetables (C&T 2000) and When Quilters Gather (C&T 2002) are pattern books and visual feasts of great pieced quilt ideas.

For additional information on Ruth’s visit to Stitchin’ Heaven, please visit our website.