Please contact me if you are interested in scheduling a talk. My lecture fee will vary by topic, expenses associated with travel and if I am to perform other task such as judging and appraising.

My lecture style is conversational. I appreciate questions and audience interaction because this helps me to tailor the presentation to the interests of my audience. I recognize that this interactive style works better in informal settings and in groups smaller than 50, but I can adapt my style for larger groups so that there is a more formal presentation followed by questions. My goal is that everyone who wants to see an item “up close” be able to.

If one of these topics doesn’t quite fit your needs, please reach out. I am happy to customize a presentation to your needs. My current lectures include:

Topic 1:  Quilt Appraisals.

This lecture explains why appraising your quilt is important. It also talks a bit about insurance policies, and how to find a quilt appraiser and what happens during a quilt appraisal.

This lecture consists of 2 portions. About 30 minutes is used to cover the importance and process of an appraisal. The last 30-60 minutes uses quilts and quilt tops from my collection to illustrate things that I look for during an appraisal – such as age and condition. The show-and-tell items are from the 1800’s and the first half of the 1900’s. (60-90 minutes and 15 to 20 items)

Topic 2: Quilt & Fabric History 1775-1900.

This lecture walks through the history of the 1800’s from the perspective of fabric, dyes, printing technology, quilt styles and evolving techniques. Fabrics, quilts and quilt tops are presented as illustrations. (60-90 minutes with 20 to 30 items)

Topic 3: Quilt & Fabric History 1875-1960.

This lecture walks through key events of the early and mid 1900’s from the perspective of fabric, quilts, techniques and the women who made the quilts. It will identify fabric and quilting styles and how they evolved over time. Items include quilts and fabric that will be a trip down memory lane for many. These are the quilts that you remember from visiting your Grandmother. (60-90 minutes with 20-30 items)

Topic 4: Research a Signature Quilt.

We all know that every quilt has a story. Signature quilts are a great way to start investigating history. The names found on a quilt help identify the time when a quilt was made and where it came from. With a little more detective work it is frequently possible to identify why it was made. This lecture introduces where to start investigating your signature quilt. (60 minutes with 3-5 items).

Topic 5: Victorian Clothing.

This lecture considers turn of the century garments and how petticoats, chemises, bustles and dresses were used to realize the fashion of the day. Using vintage undergarments, period fabrics and reproduction dresses, bustles and corsets, we will recreate looks from the 1880 through 1920. (60-90 minutes)