Gwen Marston: Abstract Quilts in Solids

This week saw the passing of quilt icon, Gwen Marston. Gwen was a fiber artist, author, and teacher who taught nationally for over three decades. Two of her 29 books received awards: Mary Schafer: American Quilt Maker - 2005 Michigan Notable Book award and 37 Sketches - 2012 New York Book Show Award. Her work has been exhibited around the world.

Gwen was one of a kind in the quilting world and we will miss her.

We were lucky enough to see her special exhibit at QuiltCon West 2016 - Gwen Marston: Abstract Quilts in Solids, featuring Gwen's contemporary abstract work. We share it with you here.

Comments

#17 Pennylm 2019-04-26 05:36

Gwen was one of my initial inspirations when I began my quilting journey in 1979. It was hard to find those who worked the entire process from designing to finishing a quilt. Her simple designs and beautiful hand quilting inspired me (a working mother) to begin this life of quilting. Gwen will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

#16 Laurie Wilkey 2019-04-19 20:41

Gwen was matter of fact about everything. She would show us how to cut and sew a curve or how to create a tiny square. Then she would say, "And that is that." I was so humbled when she chose my Singer 301 to do a demo. Still have the picture I took with my phone. She inspired me and sent me on an improv road that I am still traveling. May God bless and keep her.

#15 Annie Dimit-Buckley. 2019-04-19 20:15

I attended Gwen's Beaver Island Quilt Retreats nearly every year over a 20 year period. The first thing I remember her saying is " This is how we do it. Take from it what works for you". I knew I'd chosen the right retreat. Every quilt I started at her retreats got finished and many still hang in my home. Her spirit will live on.

#14 Annie Dimit-Buckley. 2019-04-19 20:10

I attended her Beaver Island Quilt retreats nearly every year over a 20 year period.The first time she began saying, " This is how we do it. Take from this what works for you". I knew I'd come to the right place. I finished every quilt I started at her retreats and have several of them hanging in my home still. Her spirit will live on.

#13 Irene Raby, Iowa 2019-04-19 15:07

I took a class with her many, many, many yeaars ago in California where I lived at the time. I had just begun quilting. She was warm, funny, and encouraged me to trust myself. I will never forget her.

#12 judy degraff 2019-04-19 14:40

Gwen was a special lady - talented, funny, generous. She was a mainstay in my early quilting years.

#11 Kathy H 2019-04-19 14:37

so sorry to hear this, she was a wonderful teacher as well!

#10 Jan P 2019-04-19 12:03

Gwen and Joe came to the Icehouse in Grayling, MI in the late 80's. They taught a class about how to draw your own feather design for quilting, so that it would fit your borders. It was a very informative class and fun to boot!

#9 Dolly M. 2019-04-19 11:58

I took class with Gwen and she was delightful. I often look at the quilt we made in class and remember the great time we had. I also was saw her exhibit at Quilt Con and loved it. Yes, she will be missed.

#8 Elaine Adair 2019-04-19 09:58

Gwen was the first quilter who agreed with MY instinct that not every rule had to be followed. Her free spirit will be missed.

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