myFM sat down with Tammy Sparling (pictured above) - proud owner of Exeter's Quilt Kitchen
Quilts have long held a special place in the hearts of communities and families, serving as tangible pieces of history and culture.
myFM sat down with Tammy Sparling, the proud owner of Exeter’s own Quilt Kitchen, and we explored the enduring charm of quilting and its deep rooted ties to heritage.
Sparling’s foray into quilting didn’t start until she had children, and wanted to make something special for them.
Through classes and self-discovery, she ventured into the world of quilting and eventually opened Quilt Kitchen, where she continues to foster the legacy of community and creativity.
One of the questions that frequently arise is the historic significance of quilts and why they continue to captivate our interest. Sparling explained that the allure of quilts lies in their origins as a product of resourcefulness,
She says that fabric scraps could serve as a reminder of a shirt your grandmother used to wear, or your father’s suit – a tapestry of memories.
Community has always been a cornerstone of quilting, with individuals coming together for hand quilting sessions, fostering a sense of togetherness and camaraderie.
At the Quilt Kitchen, this sense of community endures as they host quilting classes, and actively engage young people to pass on this precious art form to future generations.
Despite the rise of factory manufacturing, the culture of quilting has thrived, and Sparling believes the reasons are deeply personal,
Quilting continues to serve as a powerful link between the past and present, a weaving together of history, culture, and community.
As quilters like Sparling continue to nurture this art form and pass it on to future generations, the heritage of quilting remains alive and vibrant, reminding us of the value in creativity, resourcefulness, and the bonds we forge through crafting with love.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
