Embracing Appalachian Heritage through Quilting
5 Questions with Mary Ruth Isaacs, Appalachia Reframed May Grant Recipient
Appalachia is a region full of rich history and vibrant cultural traditions, and one of the many ways Appalachians keep their heritage alive is through the art of quilting. Mary Ruth Isaacs’ initiative, Sew Much Fun: Quilting in Appalachia, aims to thread the needle across generations in Jackson County, Kentucky by stitching the past with the present. Led by Mary Ruth, this sewing workshop series will preserve time-honored quilting techniques and celebrate the legacy of this craft in Appalachia. We caught up with Mary Ruth to hear about her vision for shaping a hopeful future in Appalachia.
What inspired you to pursue your current project?
I grew up with handmade quilts that were always on my bed. I saw my mother and grandmother make quilts and I have fond memories of watching them. As technology continues to consume the world in which we live, I have noticed handmade items are not as popular as they once were. I think we need to get back to the basics and teach adults and the younger generation the importance of passing on the tradition and rich history of quilting in Appalachia. To have a quilt designed, pieced, and made by one’s own hands (or one’s own sewing machine) is a priceless treasure and I would like to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with others about my favorite hobby — quilting!
Who are the audiences and communities you are working to impact with your project?
One of the goals of my project is to impact youth and adults about the importance of preserving a dying art and enjoying the process of creativity by quilting.
What is the key message that you want your audience to take away?
Quilting is both an art and a science and each person who makes a quilt preserves a piece of history and a piece of themselves in each stitch. Memories can be made and shared, one piece at a time.
What do you hope to see for the future of Appalachia — and how does your project fit into that vision?
I hope to see a better appreciation for Appalachian culture and traditions (i.e., quilting) that make Appalachia the special place it truly is.
What’s one cool thing you want people to know about your community that they couldn’t find out by just googling it?
My community is home to some of the nicest, most talented people in the world!
To register for Sew Much Fun: Quilting in Appalachia, contact Mary Ruth via email (maryruthisaacs@hotmail.com) or find her on Facebook.
Appalachia Reframed supports the next generation of Appalachians by funding community-focused projects that depict a hopeful future for the region. Each month the program awards a grant of $1,000 to a creator and changemaker in Central Appalachia. Through small investments in passionate people, we’re sparking conversations and driving momentum for change.
