In 2018, I experienced a devastating fire which destroyed my life’s work as an artist, author, teacher, art collector and chef. This fire, a 7 – alarm blaze lasted 21 days as my publishing inventory of books, patterns and specialty rulers continued to burn. I was left homeless with the clothes on my back.

The entire Historic Melrose Inn was my dream come true….it was a 25,000 square foot – 19-bedroom, 26-bathroom Quilting Center finally manifested.  It facilitated my Quilters Retreat Center in Tryon N.C.  This historic beauty is now only a memory with all my possessions. Over 1,000 quilts and all teaching supplies – up in flames.  A magnificent collection of art decorating the entire Melrose Inn including the 19 unique and individually themed bedrooms – each with their own private baths. There was NO insurance. I was unable to ensure the building or contents because the fire department told the assorted insurance agents. 1. They are volunteers and would never make it. 2. The structure was old and when firetrucks arrived (if there was a fire ), they would focus on keeping the buildings on either side safe.   Which is what (all) they did.

All of my published inventory was destroyed……financial ruin was immediate! I had 37 guests checking in the very next day, for the World Olympic Equestrian Games. They too were devastated. My ability to recover in any way was beyond my means financially, logistically, and emotionally. My published items included over 47 titles (10,000 – 30,000 of each title) in addition to my 7 specialty rulers. Which by the way are a petroleum product – BOY DO THEY BURN, fossil fuel!!!  No inventory to sell to recover and ultimately reinvest in replacement publications! With the assistance of my friend and bookkeeper, Bindu Johnson, we began to purchase (from around the world) 1 copy of each book and pattern I published, from private individuals.  They are my only source to re-print from. Someday I hope to have these amazing items back in print for quilters to enjoy.

The small inventory which remained in Seattle Washington has finally been arranged to be shipped to a private warehouse in Tryon N.C. It has been a long and challenging journey of recovery in every way imaginable.

What kept me going was – Guess What?  Soul searching as to finding value in my recovery & of course Quilting!!!  I borrowed a machine and worked with donated fabric. I moved 13 times inside of the first year and sewed 6-12 hours a day.  Finally, I am BACK! Have made some amazing quilts in the process and have regained dynamic enthusiasm for sharing my talents and skills via inspiring classes, lectures, and retreats. Please consider having me come to your guild or local quilt shops ,  I am ready!

The cost of petroleum – due to recent political situations – has massively escalated the cost to produce my quality 9 Degree Circle Wedge Rulers and my 45 Degree Wedge Ruler. They will be the first products to be “re-published/manufactured”. Please know this causes an extensive retail increase.

What I like to remind you of, when considering the purchase of my rulers…and their costs, is that I provide instructions for the use of the tools with the purchase.  The 9 Degree Circle Wedge Rulers each come with over 20 individual techniques and wedge designs on the instruction board PLUS 15 more for FREE online! Let’s do some math, 35 patterns and a ruler for 1 price……less than $1.00 -$ 1.50 a pattern and THE RULERS ARE FREE!!!!

Questions??? Please e-mail me directly and say, “Quilter – student question” in the subject line.

[email protected]    Phone  864 457-6584

Comments from a happy student:

Dear Marilyn, as I was going through my photos, I found pictures of the bargello quilt class during Quiltexpo 1994 in Karlsruhe. This Expo opened a whole new world for me! I enjoyed all classes I attended and was impressed by the energy you sent out to us! These experiences had a big impact in my life. I taught patchwork and quilting classes for 20 years, in 2005 I opened the first professional longarm quilting service in Austria. Now that I am retired I still make quilts. I want to thank you for the joy you brought into my life by teaching us a wonderful technique! I attached the photo of the finished quilt I started in the class in 1994.

Sincerely, Edda Katz

If you’ve ever wondered what a class with me is like, Terry Turnage at the Tsquared Life Blog does an absolute fan-tastic (pun intended : )  ) break-down on her blog. Filled with pictures, descriptions and enthusiasm, she shows you the tons of strata possibilities and color combinations we created during our time together.  This class was one of three in a series sponsored by the Mississippi Quilter’s Association this month.  I really enjoyed working with these quilters and seeing their imaginations come to life!