Writing About Quilts & Quiltmakers

“How did you get started writing about quilts?” I’m frequently asked by readers of my quilting articles, blogs and my book, The Magic of Patchwork.

Since I’m a writer by profession, as well as quiltmaker interested in quilt history, it seemed natural to combine these interests.  I first began mentioning quilts, patchwork items, and crafts in my weekly newspaper column, “Country Kitchen.” From there, I decided to find other outlets for my writing about these topics.

Image: sxc.hu

When I was involved in a home-based quiltmaking business, I approached a magazine about writing on the business aspects.  This lasted for eight years until the magazine was discontinued.  Then I wrote a business column for another quilting magazine for two years.

Researching these columns opened up the door for interviewing quiltmakers, attending shows, and writing about them for the magazines.  I often wrote about quilt related topics other than for my columns.

From this evolved my book, The Magic of Patchwork, talks to quilt groups and historical societies, teaching classes, and eventually blogging about quilts and crafts.

Whether you desire to write about quiltmaking or some other craft, start keeping a journal of thoughts and projects that come to mind.  Make notes about topics to include in articles, blogging posts, and columns.

Start your blog about the topic you desire to cover. You never know where this might lead you in the writing field if you stay alert for opportunities.