We recently connected with Kimberly Exshaw and have shared our conversation below.

Kimberly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In 2020, I launched a home decor crochet business. I’ve crocheted for 30+ years so it felt natural and fun to do. I sold pieces regularly on Etsy but then something happened…

My niece was having a baby and I wanted to make her something sweet, something baby could love for years to come. So I got to work and crocheted a beautiful little blanket but I worried that his little hands would get tangled in the stitches so I decided I needed to make a quilt and thats how it all started. I fell in love with hand stitching it all together. Once I had finished, all I could think about was making another. Quilt designs just poured out of me. Soon I had a stack of designs that I just needed to make. I couldn’t ignore it. So, I transitioned from crocheting home decor to quilt making.

I’ve always enjoyed sewing. In fact, I had built a career around it. Years ago, I had created an independent clothing line featuring original work. I was proud of it; my Grandma Olga was proud of it. It was featured twice in DisFunkshion Magazine!! Sewing, designing and painting was something my Grandma and I bonded over but after her death, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it anymore because I missed her so terribly. Quilting brought me back home and reunited the connection I had with my Grandma and my craft. I know that when I create, she’s around and that’s comforting to feel.

I love the nostalgic feeling it gives me to hand stitch quilts together and hand dye fabric. There’s definitely a certain amount of folklore in it. Slow, intentional making makes my heart soar. There is something truly beautiful, timeless and magical about a hand stitched, naturally dyed quilt; they are full of yummy texture, warmth and comfort— something you can not find in a machine quilted piece. Taking 10-12 weeks (from start to finish) to make, they truly are a labor of love! My hope is that they make others feel the same way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Hi, my name is Kim Exshaw. I live in northern Canada in a small heritage log cabin on a hobby farm. I grew up making crafts, specifically knitting and crocheting. My mother was an advanced knitter; she was always knitting something elaborate for someone. I always admired her ability; it was really beautiful. In fact, I learned from watching her which is kinda funny now because I mirrored her stitches so everything I did was “backwards” lol; its no wonder why I found it so difficult at the time but I relearn how to knit the proper way and I haven’t stopped since. By the time I was 8 years old I could confidently knit and crochet a dishcloth. In high school I was voted best at textiles which totally made my life! I had classmates lining up to learn how to knit and crochet; it felt amazing to share and teach it! Its something I have definitely thought of doing again. I always have a project in progress either on my hook or needles. I love writing my own patterns too, especially pillow covers and sweaters! My Mom wasn’t a quilter so that was something I taught myself. I’m glad I did, it’s brought me so much personal peace and joy.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think society can support artists and creatives by simply purchasing items from their shops instead of copying what they see. Unfortunately, I see a lot of copycats happening rather than purchasing and its disheartening. I’ve personally had my quilt designs copied and it definitely makes you feel sick. Not only that but it steals income away from artists and creatives who have worked tirelessly creating that specific piece. My advice, protect your work and get legal advice.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission with my quilts is to keep tradition alive in terms of slow making ie: plant dyed fabrics and hand stitching. There’s something truly special about these processes. I’ve suffered from PTSD for decades and hand stitching quilts together has absolutely helped with that. It grounds and calms me in ways that other things have not. I am beyond grateful to have discovered this old tradition.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.exshawquilts.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exshaw
• Other: email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Kimberly Exshaw