Patricia Lynne Grace Cummings
Educational Background and Publications
Patricia Lynne Grace Cummings graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1973, with honors. In 1972-73, she studied at the University of Navarra, a small Catholic university, nestled in the rainy mountains of Pamplona, Spain. There, she studied the History of Spanish Art and Spanish Architecture, and German, and earned a certificate of sobresaliente (A+) for her work.
She was awarded a B.A. degree in Spanish, having earned 48 credits in her major, whereas only 32 credits were actually needed to fulfill degree requirements. Education was her minor course of study, as well as her graduate coursework. She was certified to teach Spanish in New Hampshire and California.
At the University of New Hampshire, her work included courses in the History of Latin America, as well as a graduate level course about the History of Spain, taken as an undergraduate.
On the night that she was inducted into Sigma Delta Pi, the national collegiate society to honor Spanish scholars, she had the privilege of meeting Jorge Luis Borges, a famous writer from Argentina who flew in from that country for the special occasion.
Before becoming a full time studio quilter, and a professional writer on topics of quilt history, she taught Spanish at the college level, and substitute-taught English, History, Spanish, and Science in grades K-12. Classes that Pat has provided have included "English As A Second Language" for Spanish medical students, as a private group tutor, with classes held at the University of Navarra.
Although Spanish often "comes in handy," the main focus of Pat's scholarship for the past 20 years has been in the area of quilt history and women's history studies. In 2001, Patricia participated in a distance learning class, "History of Quilts" at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
With education, ideas take wings. photo by James Cummings
Long History of Involvement with Writing
Patricia achieved honors as a student of English, Spanish, and German since high school. She served as Copy Editor of her high school newspaper. One of her summer jobs, while in college, was teaching swimming at an all-girls summer camp and heading up their Journalism group, to assist the children in producing a camp newspaper.
With a keen interest in the written word since childhood, in her adult life, Patricia has written short stories, poetry, non-fictional, journalistic articles, and scholarly articles and books. She delights in humor, and stories that provide insight into the human condition. She loves to provide instructive words, whether they are step-by-step directions or information and tips. Usually, History is at the center of most of what she shares in published articles.
This "Tudor Rose" design was cross-stitched by Patricia Cummings from a kit, a gift from her son, James Patrick Gorham, who purchased it at the Tower of London. A Ph.D. candidate, he was invited to present a paper at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Seminar in London.
Teacher, Lecturer, and Writer
Pat has taught quilting classes for quilt guilds and for Community Education. She has provided talks for museum groups and historical societies, and has designed quilt projects for publication.
In the year 2000, she was certified as a "master craftsman in quilting" by the Embroiderers' Guild of America, after nine years of working toward the goal. She held Board positions with the Northern New England Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild, including Treasurer, Newsletter Editor, Outreach Chairman and has led Group Correspondence courses and provided a number of programs for that same group.
Patricia was one of the first Regional Coordinators for the American Quilt Study Group. She has served as a quilt show judge. Patricia's articles have appeared in many newspapers, newsletters, and magazines, and she wrote nine books. Five of her books are currently available as electronic books (e-books).
Affiliations
Patricia is a member of the Alliance for American Quilts, Colonial Williamsburg, the International Association of Professional Quilters, Musterfield Farm Museum, New Hampshire State Quilters Association, the New Hampshire Historical Society, and the Association of Historical Societies of New Hampshire.
Patricia has written three books about Outline Stitch Embroidery,
a Victorian NeedleArt
To peruse a list of quilt history and other articles that Pat has written for The Quilter magazine and other venues, please see: Publications by Pat
To view Pat's e-books that are currently available to purchase, please view our Products Available Page. Paypal accepted.
Pat is available for presentations to groups and is currently planning for Fall 2010. For more information, please contact her at: pat@quiltersmuse.com or call (603) 226-2887.
Read about Jim Cummings, whose photos are unsurpassed and are a vital complement to Pat's writings.
Jim and I both hope that you thoroughly enjoy the diversity of our website, that you learn much, and come back often. We strive to provide quality content to promote quilting and textiles and to enhance your educational experience of the arts, in general. Thanks for visiting!
~ Patricia and James Cummings ~
2010. Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, NH.
Contact us at: pat@quiltersmuse.com