Patty Arensen: Out of Africa

Africa is well known for its colorful and bold-printed fabric, but did you know that there are many different styles each having its own country, design and cultural significance. There are specific fabrics worn by nobility, others by the common man (or woman). Some are worn as wraps, others are made into elaborate dresses.   Patty will share the stories of these fabrics--their histories and purposes. She will show examples and will tell us about her own quilts that she has made from these bright beauties and of other artists who have used these fabrics.

Patty grew up in Minneapolis in a family of sewists.  She made her first quilt at the age of 15 when she learned the basics of traditional quilting in a history class. This involved cardboard patterns, which she found frustrating and inaccurate.  After graduating from the U of MN, she was a teacher of missionaries' children…