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about  . . . . . 

 Antique tablecloths, napkins,  and bed linens serve as the palette on which Kathleen Rountree creates.  Beginning with an ancient tablecloth, a pillowcase, or a simple cotton doily, she repurposes and enhances these items into intricate and inspirational wall quilts.

 

In the process, Kathleen becomes a partner with the artist who painstakingly embroidered on the original linen. The new details trigger a transformation in which a piece originally meant for a functional purpose becomes something that draws admiration from viewers as they study the intricate details and gorgeous designs created by not one, but two textile artists.

 

People frequently inquire "where did you find these wonderful antique linens?"   "Well," she responds, "some come from my grandmother's linen chest.  And the rest?  Well, I find them on - you know - eBay!"

 

Kathleen also makes bed quilts, modern quilts, and charity quilts, but it is her linen quilts that are being increasingly featured in shows, festivals, and museums.  She enjoys sharing her works with others, and is available to give trunk shows, lectures, or workshops.  Kathleen is also an experienced quilt judge and enjoys encouraging the artistry of quilters and designers .






Biography

Kathleen Rountree is a classical musician and university professor.  She has performed across three continents as a concert pianist and chamber musician and has served as a University Dean and Vice President.  She is also an internationally noted fiber artist and quilter.   Her work has appeared - and sometimes won prizes - at important national and international shows, including:

  • Quilts Unlimited
  • Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival
  • Savannah Quilt Fest
  • Road to California 
  • QuiltWeek Paducah, Daytona, and Savannah
  • Pacific International Quilt Festival
  • The Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza
  • Houston International Quilt Festival

As her works are becoming more well known, they are appearing in museums and galleries, including amsolo exhibition at the Virginia Quilt Museum, a solo show at the McLean Textile Gallery in McLean, Virginia in 2021, and an invitation to mount an Artist's Gallery at the Birmingham Festival of Quilts in 2020 (unfortunately canceled due to COVID).    She is active in festivals and competitions, both as a participant and a judge, on both the East and West coasts of the US.  

 

Kathleen lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina with her husband and two cats.  Approximately half of the space in her home is filled by quilting machines, fabric, and tools.  In addition to making show quilts, she is involved in the creation of quilts to be donated to people in need.  She is an enthusiastic and kind quilt show judge and considers having the opportunity to judge to be an honor and a gift from the quiltmaker.  

 

 

Programs, Trunk Shows, and Classes

"From Grandmother's Linen Closet:  Kathleen's Award-Winning Quilts", 90-minute trunk show & lecture


"Whole Cloth Quilts Made from Vintage Table Linens", 90-minute trunk show & lecture


"Creating Quilt Treasures from YOUR vintage embroidered linens", 5-hour class  AMAZING

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"Perky, Precious Pincushions, made from everyday table linens" 5-hour class.    NEW  and FUN


"Breathe Deeply, Still Your Mind, and Sew with Your Hands and a Needle:  Yes, You CAN Hand-Piece!"




please contact me by email for more detailed class descriptions, fees, and availability.

kat525252@yahoo.com









 

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