Meet Alice Kolb
Instructor for Baskets, Posies and More
Quilting Adventures - Hill Country Style
Seminar 1: February 26- March 3, 2006

What have you been up to lately?
Wow! What a question! This past year has pushed me in every direction, personally and professionally. Most recently I taught and lectured for 6 sessions in Houston at IQF, attended the National Teachers Reunion in Chicago and spent a week of "inspiration" in Santa Fe , New Mexico.

Do you enjoy writing books and articles?
This is one of my favorite directions within the quilt journey. I enjoy developing artistic ideas and extending them from the planning, to the sewing and lastly, the writing process. Developing an idea and completing it with directions is somewhat like parenting--it takes a long time to achieve the finished product and is worth every step.

Where do you get your ideas?
I usually react to print and texture in fabrics, often inspired by beautiful objects in books and magazines, or just going through my stash of fabrics. I'm a museum and art gallery fan and frequent their shows as often as possible. Ideas always come from these shows as well as travel, an antique junk hunt, gardening and visits with other creative people.

What colors do you prefer?
I often work in muted tones, but within the last year I've forced myself out of my "box" of tertiary colors. Color provides such energy and always a surprise. It is such fun to interplay colors and especially value, adding thread and magical stitches--plus a few beads --always. It is music feeding the soul.

What are your thoughts on creativity?
It is a great experience to feel creative--to stretch a bit beyond our last project or favorite color. I've often thought about the vast range of quilt styles and felt a connected sense of creativity with all the artists who stitched them. To me, creativity starts by "stretching" just beyond where we are, seeing the obvious in a new way. That's creativity--be it a small step or a leap.

How do I work with others in my classes?
Helping students with their vast collection of fabrics, ideas and enthusiasm is a bonanza and stimulant to me. I hope I inspire others through conversation and example, and convince them to believe in their skills and projects. My teaching style is a "hands-on"--showing my way, then providing time and guidance to develop an individual path. I love the informal setting of a classroom, everyone sharing and growing together.

Good things that have come my way via my career:
Taught in over 60 national quilt conferences, plus stores, retreats, etc.
Taught in Canada, Switzerland and Japan
Developed international contest "make your own fabric" for Bernina
Published over 100 magazine articles, columns in Creative Needle and Traditional Quilter (late 80's-mid 90's)
Book - Sashiko Made Simple --1991 (out of print)
Book - Sew Crazy - 2002 - AQS
Selected as one of three designers for Threads magazine "design challenge" - 2002
Invited member of National Teachers --Bernina of America