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Patricia Millender

Quiltmaker, Owner

  Detroit, Michigan, United States    

Great Lakes African American Quilters Network

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A fabulous Detroit Public School teacher introduced me to many art forms and artists. After spending several years in afterschool-art programs, I knew I wanted to be an artist. The impact of a great teacher is immeasurable.

In college I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Special Education and a Masters Degree in Audiology. While teaching, the summers off allowed me the opportunity to visit Europe and forty of our states. Later, I would live in Mexico for three years, and travel to Asia and Africa. This traveling allowed me the possibility to see many of the great pieces of art I studied in school.

In mid-life I returned to school to finally study Art-Interior Design. I also took several pottery classes. As a designer, I did commercial, residential and store design. Doing Interior Design I became a fabric lover, adoring both the look and feel of fibers.

After finishing design school I continued to do pottery, eventually finding my way to the internationally acclaimed “Pewabic Pottery”, where I would serve on the Board. I have continued studying pottery, selling my pieces at local craft shows. Loving fabric, I later added handmade pillows and purses to my “For Sale” items.

A sorority sister invited me to a Great Lakes African American Quilters Network quilt show. I was so taken by the beauty of each quilt, I knew I had to be a part of this group of women. I did not know how to quilt but I could sew. I joined at the next meeting and dove right in. I was fortunate to start quilting with an existing fabric stash. I have not looked back, and even brought three friends with me. I served as Vice President for two years. I feel it is important to pass on a love and respect for art. To that end, I have taught crafts to Girl Scouts with both my daughters and now for six years with my granddaughters. I also co-chair a week-long camp at Plymouth United Church of Christ, which features art, sewing and cooking, for six-fifteen year olds. I am looking forward to our fifth year. I have finished twenty-four quilts, selling about fifteen. I also continue to sell clay items, fabric wall hangings, nativity scenes and pillows.

When was the quiltmaker born?

01/30/1948

Ethnic background/tribal affiliation:

African American

Educational background:

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Special Education and a Masters Degree in Audiology; Masters of Interior Design

Religious affiliation:

Christian

Occupation (if retired, former occupation):

Retired Educator and Interior Designer

Where was the quiltmaker born?

Detroit, Michigan (MI), United States

Where did the quiltmaker grow up?

Urban

Quiltmaker's maiden name:

Millender

How did the quiltmaker learn to quilt?

From guild or club member

When did the quiltmaker learn to quilt?

Age 50 or over, After raising children, After retiring

Why does/did the quiltmaker quilt:

Pleasure

Other reasons the quiltmaker makes/made quilts.

I began quilting after attending a quilt show with the Great Lakes African American Quilters Network. I started by taking lessons with the group.

Name of quilting group(s):

Great Lakes African American Quilters Network (GLAAQN), Livonia Civic Park Senior Center
Friends of Friends

Estimate the number of quilts made by this maker:

20-50 quilts

Does/did the quiltmaker sell quilts?

yes

What price was charged for the quilts and when were they sold?

$100 - $1000

Does/did the quiltmaker teach quilting?

yes

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