"Every Quilt Tells a Story" by Helen Kelly

Every Quilt Tells A Story
A Quilter's Stash of Wit and Wisdom

by Helen Kelley

"Every Quilt Tells a Story" book cover

A Book Review by Patricia Cummings

Helen’s book, Every Quilt Tells a Story, is a very fun little book. The short chapters recount one experience after another and are just ideal for quilters who want a sudden burst of inspiration based on Helen’s seasoned experience. Anyone who has tried to photograph a quilt outside will relate to one of her experiences, and anyone who has ever brushed up to a blooming Tiger Lily will recoil in disbelief, but with understanding of the events that ensued.

Like her columns in Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine since 1983, Helen’s unique perspective and sense of humor shine through in her writings. They give insight into the numerous ideas that she has developed over the many years that she has been quilting. In the book, she shares personal glimpses of her family, including her husband, the engineer, who, unlike Helen, thinks that the computer is a compelling tool for designing, whereas Helen is content with just using the machine’s word processing functions.

When I met Helen Kelley at the Vermont Quilt Festival some years ago, I told her how much I have enjoyed her column and that it is the first page I turn to with every new issue of QNM. Without missing a beat, she replied that it was great to meet someone with such good taste.

That is Helen: quick witted, consummately talented, and so willing to teach all of us in the quilting world through her classes and her columns. The book, Every Quilt Tells A Story, is a great addition to anyone’s library, quilter or not, and is well worth a “read.”

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Update: In 2007, Helen Kelley was nominated to be the (2008) inductee into the "Quilter's Hall of Fame." She is the author of several other books, Scarlet Ribbons: An Indian Technique for Today's Quilters, and Dating Quilts: From 1600 to the Present.

Note: As you can see, out of print books skyrocket in price, as do books for quilters who have received an honor. With fabrics or with quilt books, it is always a good idea to purchase them when they are readily available.

Sadly, Helen Kelley passed away in 2008. She is sorely missed in the quilt world and as a regular columnist in Quilter's Newsletter Magazine.

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Every Quilt Tells A Story A Quilter's Stash of Wit and Wisdom

Every Quilt Tells A Story
A Quilter's Stash of Wit and Wisdom