November 2-16, 2018
Lower Commons
When I was growing up, we always had a treadle sewing machine in the family room which soon became my favorite place to be. At a very young age I made play clothes for my sister and me. By the time I was in high school, I was making most of my own clothes. I even made a reversible, corduroy coat because I was tired of wearing my mother’s old, out-of-style coat.
During the summer before my senior year at Westhampton College, I earned enough money to buy a second hand portable sewing machine, which accompanied my to school. Over the years, I have made many clothes including prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and wedding dresses for Arden, Juliana, and myself. When leisure suits were in style, I even made leisure suits for Sam, Sr. and Sam, Jr., and they were brave enough to wear them.
My mother sewed both clothes and quilts, but it was out of necessity rather than a passion for sewing. When I was in high school, my paternal grandmother had begun making beautiful quilts for family members. Although I did not live close enough to her for her to teach me how to quilt, when I was fifteen, I decided I could make quilts, too. Therefore, I found some leftover fabric, including printed feed sacks, and started sewing them together to make quilts. I attached them to the quilt frame my father had made, and thus began a life-long passion.
I actually took my first quilting class in the 1980s when we moved to Chesterfield County. Since then I have had an opportunity to learn valuable lessons from many famous teachers, such as the time I spent a week in Missouri studying with Shar Jorgenson. After I retired from a career as school librarian and English teacher, I worked for eight years teaching students how to use electronic sewing machines. This gave me the opportunity to go to several national conventions to learn from some very talented teachers.
I now consider quilting my mission as an opportunity to bring joy and warmth to friends and family.
Thanks for looking,
Julia Nixon
Meet the Artist Reception
Sunday, November 4, 2018
12:30 p.m., Lower Commons & LC #106
After the church reception, join Julia Nixon and the Arts Committee in the Lower Commons to see the exhibit and talk to Julia about her work! In addition, stop by LC #106 to see a slideshow of Julia’s full collection.