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Update from David Taylor: (from his May 2016 Newsletter)
After the fire
By now, you've probably heard that my home in Steamboat Springs experienced a gas line explosion and house fire. I am in a temporary rental condo, getting my life back in some semblance of order. My home studio was devastated by the blast and fire. All of my machines and equipment, notions, knick-knacks and gadgets, collected over many decades, are a total loss. About the only thing to survive is my fabric stash. Although many yards are scorched and smoky, the members of the Delectable Mountain Quilters Guild had volunteered to wash what could be salvaged. I am indebted to my friends Madeleine and Cindy, for braving the freezing temperatures and barely breathable air in the house in February to help inventory and recover what we could. The countless wishes, gifts, messages, emails, texts, and kind words from the quilting community has been very much appreciated over the past few months. I am overwhelmed. Thank you, all.
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From February 2016:
(View from upstairs studio down into the living room)
Here are more details about the explosion and fire at David Taylor’s home last Tuesday evening, February 17, 2016. The explosion is under investigation, but it appears that ice/snow slid from the roof onto the gas meter causing it to breach the line and trigger the explosion. David was teaching in Chicago at the time.
What was lost:
His very first quilt is gone. It was made from his Grandmother’s pattern from calico prints. In David’s words, “It’s just gone, it’s nothing but charred ruins."
His first pictorial quilt, Woodland Sprits, is gone.
The quilt he has worked on as a personal project since 2003 (which was nearing completion and was on his Handi Quilter), is gone.
His BERNINA sewing machines and his Handi Quilter Sweet 16 is gone.
All of his threads are gone.
What was not lost:
His extensive Harry Potter collection is untouched - pristine, untouched.
His bedroom, untouched.
His new Hogwarts model that he created after Christmas was in his kitchen. Most everything in the kitchen is gone, but the Hogwarts model is untouched.
His fabrics are covered in soot, but appear to be salvageable and members of his guild in Steamboat Springs will assist in caring for them.
His most beloved quilt, “Did you Wash your Beak?," is on exhibit at the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum so it was not in his home at the time.
Insurance:
David says he has excellent insurance which had been recently increased due to nearby wildfires in recent years. The insurance will replace everything that is replaceable. Obviously it cannot replace his one-of-a-kind treasured quilts.
The future:
David’s insurance will also provide him lodging until he can return home. At this time it is not sure if the structure will be restored, torn down and rebuilt, or whether he will have to relocate. David expects several months of being displaced.
He plans to continue with his teaching commitments.
David has a very strong support group so he will not be abandoned in his time of need.
Show your support:
For those who wish to support him and let him know you care, Ricky is creating a thread drive to replace his threads. David only uses cotton threads, both solid and variegated threads by Superior, Sulky, YLI, and Aurifil. If you would like to help replenish David’s collection, please send a spool or two (doesn’t have to be new), to:
Threads for David
c/o Ricky Tims
PO Box 392
La Veta, CO 81055
Quilt: Woodland Spirits (below) by David Taylor was lost in the fire.
.jpg "2019 Sponsor - BERNINA Q 24")
I hope all this devastation from the explosion will be behind you in a short amount of time and you will once again feel comfort in your home!
Rainey Doyle (quilter from Maine)
I know this may sound bad but I think your Harry Potter collection was saved because it had so much magic a round it
We met at Hand Quilter as I was one of the lucky 13 that told their HQ story. I had such a wonderful time meeting you and drooling over your amazing quilts. I will forever remember watching you load your arms up with fabric bolts at the quilt shop. I will be sending some thread. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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