Tamara Shpolyanska
master quilter
by Patricia L. Cummings
For quite a few years now, Tamara Shpolyanska and I have been friends and correspondents. She is from Ukraine and is currently living in Germany. She finds it difficult to live so far from her homeland. However, making very artistic quilts passes the time and allows her to do meaningful work.
Two lovely postcard quilts, gifts from Tamara to Patricia Cummings, in 2006 and 2007.
Tamara Shpolyanska's "Memory Quilt," 66" x 66."
The quilt was made between September 2004 and February 2005.
Most of her letters include one or more color photos of a recently completed quilt or embroidery project. Of course, I save every bit of correspondence from this very talented artist. Today's mail brought three more photos of her recent work. The first two photos really surprised me because they contain designs from one of my books!
Kewpie Designs Forever!
Using designs found in a reprint of a chapter of my last Redwork history book entitled, Redwork Embroidery and Needlework Traditions in Europe and America, that was published in The Quilter magazine, Tamara has created a stitched "book" for her two year old grandson. From the photos, it appears that the traditional Kewpie and Sunbonnet Sue designs have been beautifully embroidered! It is gratifying to learn that someone has taken the designs and put them to good use, thereby "saving" them, in this manner.
On the left, above, is a self-portrait in Redwork designed by Tamara.
The third photo that was received on January 18, 2007 is a picture of her with her quilt, "Dining With A Friend." That quilt was placed on display in a special exhibit entitled, "In the American Tradition," seen in both Houston and Chicago in Spring, 2004.
Not Short on Original Creative Ideas
Another beautiful quilt is one that she calls "Feng Shui." Tamara loves nature themes from the "oldest Chinese Philosophy."
The quilt below measures 63" x 63" and was made in May 2005.
"Red Roses" is a bed quilt that Tamara made for her own use. The quilt measures 84" x 98" and she completed it in 2002.
Someone Who Shares Her Talents
These photos are just a few of the many that Tamara has so kindly sent, as well as other unique creations. I enjoy receiving her letters and I particularly appreciate her enthusiasm and skill in so many facets of quilting and embroidery. Tamara does not keep all of her talents to herself. She teaches quilting at a church in her new home town. After knowing her for so long, there is no doubt in my mind that she is fully qualified to be called an International Master Quilter, the title of recognition she has earned.
©Copyright 2007. Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, New Hampshire. All rights reserved pat@quiltersmuse.com
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