A local family who knew of my work in multimedia journalism heard through the grapevine that I was also a long-time quilter. The introduction led to a commission to conduct a quilt documentation project for an 89-year old Appalachian quilt-maker, Juanita Shockey Harris. Her grandson hoped to give the family a great surprise at Christmas— documentation of her quilts and an oral history exploring what her life-long practice as a quiltmaker brings to her experience.

The project began with an introductory meeting, where I could ascertain the basics. Juanita’s house was chock-full of quilts. Layered on every bed and carefully stashed in closets were quality pieced, appliquéd, and cross stitched quilts— some Juanita inherited from her mother and many that she had made herself. As if that were not enough, Juanita had a sparkling personality and a sweet voice that was full of wit.