November 13, 2000

Worland Quilter Highlighted in Thermopolis Show

More than 45 quilts by Carol McCormac, Worland, will be on display in the gallery at Dancing Bear Folk Center, Thermopolis, beginning Nov. 18. A nurse by profession, McCormac became interested in quilting about 10 years ago. "A friend took me into a fabric store, and when I saw all the wonderful fabric, I was hooked", she said. McCormac's work is known for unusual fabrics and color combinations. "I love working with bright and dark colors. Before I started quilting, I had done a lot of painting and weaving. I think those influences show in the quilts." She likes quilting because "it's fun, creative and you can quilt alone or with other people. And it's easy to carry when you travel". A number of changes have taken place in quilting during her decade of stitches. "There's a great resurgence in quilting. It's now the most popular needlework. There are a lot more fabrics designed for quilters today than even a few years ago -- more variety of colors and shades." McCormac is not the first quilter in her family. "My grandparents homesteaded in western Nebraska", she said. "My grandmother quilted most of her life. Wedding Ring was her favorite pattern. There was even a weaver in the family back there somewhere, and my mother was a great knitter who did hundreds of afghans." The quilts were machine-quilted by Vi Russell, Billings. "Not all old quilts were hand-quilted. As soon as sewing machines became affordable, women used them to speed up their work. After all, most of the time, quilts were made to keep the family warm." In true folk art tradition, McCormac rarely gives names to her quilts. Some are traditional; but most are original patterns. "When I start quilting, I'm not always sure where I'm going," she said. "I let the quilt talk to me and follow where it wants to go." The quilts will be on display through January. A number are for sale. Dancing Bear Folk Center is located in the Old West Wax Museum complex, 119 S. 6th in Thermopolis. Winter hours are Weds.-Sun., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Group tours (of more than 10) may be arranged daily by special arrangement. For more information, call 307 864 3391.