CARROLLTON, Ohio — Veteran quilter Susan Cook grew up on a dairy farm, went to college, and taught elementary school in Coshocton County for 30 years.
Along the way, she learned how to quilt. It’s a hobby she’s carried close to her heart for the past 50 years.
“My style is basically hand work applique, like the quilt behind me here, where I can just sit, prop my feet up, relax and just do the needlework,” said Cook.
That needle work has earned her awards across the state and country, as well as recognition at the McCook House Museum in Carrollton where dozens of her works of art are on display.
Of the more than 200 quilts she’s made over the decades, she’s given away 100 of them to people with illnesses, those recovering from surgery, veterans in need, and disaster victims.
“I do it because I think the recipient feels the love and the comfort from the quilt. I spend a lot of time making these quilts. I think are pretty special, and I do enjoy having them shown to other people,” said Cook.
McCook House Site Manager Kathleen Horn has a deep appreciation for the lost craft of quilting, and she hopes those who view the quilt exhibit will be motivated to create their own art.
“A true artist cannot be taught, and it comes from the heart, and it comes from just experience. And her quilts might encourage someone to quilt. And that’s very important to us,” said Horn.
Cook said she’s a teacher at heart and is still open to giving lessons to someone willing to learn.
As for some advice from a quilter of 50 years, Cook said to have patience.
“They just need to start with something simple, take some classes, and just do it. It does take a lot of time and a lot of effort and most people are in a hurry. Good quilts, good artwork, doesn’t get done that way,” says Cook.
Susan Cook’s award-winning quilt exhibit is on display at the McCook House in Carrollton through the first week of August.
