Episode 90 - Ann Brauer – It Floated Away

Ann Brauer’s work has been featured in numerous museums, institutions and private collections including the American Museum of Art + Design, the Lodge at Turning Stone in Verona, NY, the Federal District Courthouse in Springfield, MA and Pat Metheny.

When born on a farm in Illinois, her grandmother made a postage stamp quilt made from feed sack cloth which Ann slept under for years and always found different patterns and fabrics she used to create the overall design. She sewed her first doll dress at 5 and made it known to her mother that to spend time together, they would have to do so at the local fabric shop.

Ann quit sewing in college, then took it up again after graduation. Working as a lawyer post education she used some quilting techniques to write complex citations!

She has won numerous awards, been featured in myriad publications and had created several commissioned pieces.

(2:28) Ann tells us about the special quilt her grandmother made for her when she was born.

(3:17) She sewed her first doll clothing at 5 years of age with the help of a family friend and shares that story with us.

(4:02) In high school Ann created costumes for musicals…she tells us about her favorite costume creations and why she chose to do this. And then…there was 4H!

(5:42) Ann loved to create from Vogue patterns…the challenge was so much fun, but she didn’t wear her creations.

(6:57) After college Ann took to quilting as she would hang out in the fabric shops in Boston’s Chinatown. It was her roommate that got her going. And, her first quilt…an Ohio Star!

(8:44) What’s her favorite quilt?

(10:00) While practicing law, Ann used quilting techniques to prepare her briefs. She explains this unusual approach.

(11:46) At age 30, Ann found a cabin, moved there and decided to see if she could support herself as a quilt maker. How did that work out for her? Find out here!

(17:20) Ann talks about life and quilt creation during the Art Quilt movement and described her quilts which are on display in various museums.

(19:43) How did the events of 9/11 affect hew work? It definitely increased the traffic into her studio.

(21:01) Ann tells us why she chose to locate her studio in Shelburne Falls, MA.

(22:44) Tropical Storm Irene managed to uproot Ann’s beloved studio and float it down the river. Ann was out of town as was her husband…she wasn’t worried. But then she got the phone call.

(30:22) So, what’s Ann creating today?! And what’s next?

(32:19) What’s her dream?

You can reach Ann at www.annbrauer.com and on Instagram @Annbrauerquilts. Or visit her at her studio…the address is on the website.

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.