From 2012 through 2024, I've been immersed in "Inspired By" projects on a variety of subjects. It has been a wonderful journey over the past 12 years heading up these huge quilt challenges. 5 books later, with 750 quilts showcasing hundreds of fiber artists and featured in 97 special exhibits all over the country, I am catching my breath.
As the fifth project wrapped up, I was invited to join the Board of Directors at the Virginia Quilt Museum, and I am served in that capacity for two years. Mary Kerr and I have just co-authored Stitching Together History, released by Schiffer Publishing. This book was published in the spring of 2026, in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, and it features 250 quilts that were specially made by various fiber artists to celebrate all things Virginia.
I am a collector of quilters. And my treasured network of quilters are asking me "What's next?!"
Like many others, I have found myself in a funk for the past few months. As much as I try to avoid the news, it creeps in, you know? And sometimes the feelings of despair come close to plunging me into a world of solitude. I drift from gloomy Facebook posts to coffee with despondent friends and then a sense of foreboding.
The day after the Inauguration, I caught a livestream of a prayer service at National Cathedral. Bishop Mariann Budde was giving a heartfelt sermon that reminded me that we must continue to follow the light. Much good remains in this troubled world, and we are called to seek that light, not the darkness.
Thus began my "What's Next": The Modern Day Heroes Quilt project. Periodically a modern day hero steps up who is remarkable and who needs a quilt. Quilters come together to answer the call to make quilt blocks. We make these blocks, thinking about the hero all the while, and then we join the blocks together to make a quilt to be given to the hero. Participation is open to anyone who would like to join us in honoring and supporting individuals who give so much to make the world better.
Six of these projects are complete. First we made a quilt for Bishop Budde, then we made a quilt for President Zelenskyy. Next came Heather Cox Richardson and then Rachel Maddow, followed by Dr. Anthony Fauci and Bruce Springsteen.
As of 2026, four more quilts are near completion, for Gabby Giffords, Mark Kelly, Chef Jose Andreas and Michael Fanone.
I've just put out a call to make blocks for a quilt to honor Pope Leo, to honor his focus on peace.
I realize these selections may not be to everyone's liking. If you have a hero you would like to support and honor, please put out a call and do so!
Of course, we would love like-mindeds to join us here!