Past Perfect: Liz Porter

Oak Leaf by Liz Porter

This month's Past Perfect quiltmaker is Liz Porter, who has spent her career interpreting vintage quilt design for new fabrics and techniques.

Marianne Fons and Liz Porter, two mothers with young children, met in a quilting class in Iowa in the early 1980s. When the class was over, the students wanted to continue so Liz and Marianne volunteered to teach. In the manner of many of us, they stayed one step ahead of the students and were glad to have a teaching partner.

They published a successful book Classic Quilted Vests in 1982, started a magazine, bought the magazine, sold the magazine and branched out into other media.

Neapolitan detail

My favorite quilts of Liz's are the simple patterns, done in traditional color schemes.

I guess I am just old-fashioned and so is she.

Martha Washington Star

Certainly with books, television shows and magazine, Liz has inspired many quilters to look to the past.

Match A Patch Star

Wheel of Chance

She retired a few years ago and moved to Texas.

LeMoyne Star

Snowball

Liz has made retirement quite a success too. She says she plays golf and spends time with four grandchildren and still quilts (as a hobby.) She and Marianne are going to be honored in the Quilters' Hall of Fame next summer.

Emily's Wedding Quilt

Friendship Rings

Since it's her hobby I have no photos of Liz's recent work but I bet they look much like these traditional quilts.