Wednesday, February 10, 2021

In memoriam: Roberta Horton

 The Quilt Show posted the news that renowned quiltmaker Roberta Horton passed away on February 4.  Their tribute is here with a link to a TQS episode featuring Roberta and her twin sister Mary Mashuta. [It's a 57-minute show, so allow yourself some time.]



My first encounter with Roberta's work was in the mid 1990's.  I belonged to the Better Homes and Gardens Craft Club.  One month they offered a kit with woven plaids designed by Roberta.  There are 20 fat 8ths. The pattern is a simple square-in-square. The fabric is so nicely-woven and soft. I couldn't bear to cut into it.  That was 25+ years ago and I still haven't.  




I met Roberta and Mary in person in 2001.  Here's the tale: 


(Note: QFALA = Quilters' Forum of ALA. Now we are the ALA Biblioquilters.)



 


I have two of Roberta's books -- in fact, I have managed to acquire two copies of these two.  There is a definite appeal to the array of fabrics used in her quilts and those of her students and colleagues. Scrappy but without jarring contrasts. Nothing trendy, just comfortable.  That's a style I like!

. . . And maybe I will cut into those woven plaids from so long ago . . .

10 comments:

  1. omigosh....so sorry to hear....lovely post...

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  2. I have the scrap quilt book, and I love it. Would love to look at the calico and beyond one...I think I will see if the library has it. I will miss her; an inspiration to me.

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  3. I have 4 of Roberta's books and I love all of them. For some reason I don't have the Scrap Quilt book. I taught from her "Amish Adventure" book in the early 1980's. I have used lots of her plaids and stripes, both my collection and an additional collection I purchased at a deceased quilter's garage sale. I took a workshop from her too about plaids, and every time she came by my table she would tell me "you just aren't getting it" so.....I never made a "Roberta" plaid quilt but have made many successful Wanda plaid quilts. She was a great visionary of working with unusual fabrics.

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  4. Oh that makes me so sad. She will be greatly missed. I remember watching her one time and she said she had only given away one quilt and still regretted it. We all feel differently about our quilts and I guess they became part of who she was and she didn't want to let them go. I have her improv quilt book, so much useful information.

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  5. I have the Scrap Quilts book and one of hers on 'the fabric makes the quilt' - I love them. I'm sorry to hear that she is gone. And yes, you should, in her honor, cut into those plaids and make a quilt for yourself!

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  6. Roberta was a quilting icon and she will be missed.

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  7. She will be missed indeed . You haven’t changed much in the years since! I’m jealous!

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  8. It was a very sad day to find that Roberta had passed away. What a great story of meeting Mary and Roberta. Fabulous quilt makers and teachers, too!

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  9. Yes cut into it... enjoy!
    I have that classic Scrap Quilts book too, but never had the pleasure to meet Roberta.

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  10. I learned from both twins, having taken classes in W. VA. Loved learning from Roberta- her no nonsense way of teaching. Have most of their books in my studio library

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