Perhaps best known for her 27 years of television programs, “Lap Quilting with Georgia Bonesteel,”
and her series of books associated with the program, Bonesteel has made a lasting impact on
quilters and the history of quilting at home and abroad. Her television series alone has reached
millions, helping to educate a whole new generation of quilters each decade since she first went on
the air. Author, teacher of international renown, founder of a flourishing quilt guild and quilt pattern
club; pioneer and inventor of tools as well as techniques; hostess and coordinator of quilting tours
and cruises, Georgia Bonesteel has continually striven to encourage originality and innovation
among her far flung students.
Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Bonesteel first appeared on television in New Orleans teaching sewing for
Sears, Roebuck and Company in the early 70s. With her move to Hendersonville, North Carolina, in
1972, she soon added traditional quilting to her skills. She quickly began teaching quilting herself at
the old Flat Rock Center, and it was here that she first experimented with the idea of quilting is
sections so that one could carry the work wherever one traveled. Encouraged by a family member to
approach UNC-TV about a teaching series, her first 6-part series was launched in 1980, with a full
13-part series added in 1981 as a result of enthusiastic public response. Also founding President of
Western North Carolina Quilt Guild, Bonesteel was teaching at Blue Ridge Community College by
1982, and selected as the Featured Artist at BRCC’s 5th Annual Arida Arts Symposium in 1997 and
honored a second time at the 10th anniversary of Arida Arts Symposium along with 9 other
previouse honorees. In addition to her own active teaching career, Bonesteel is an active member of
the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild, National Quilting Association, American International
Quilting Association, and the American Quilt Study Group. QHF President, Hazel Carter, in
announcing Bonesteel’s selection as the 34th Honoree stated, “Georgia Bonesteel’s recognition as
an outstanding contributor to the advancement of the art and history of quilting is well deserved.”
Website: http://www.georgiabonesteel.com
and her series of books associated with the program, Bonesteel has made a lasting impact on
quilters and the history of quilting at home and abroad. Her television series alone has reached
millions, helping to educate a whole new generation of quilters each decade since she first went on
the air. Author, teacher of international renown, founder of a flourishing quilt guild and quilt pattern
club; pioneer and inventor of tools as well as techniques; hostess and coordinator of quilting tours
and cruises, Georgia Bonesteel has continually striven to encourage originality and innovation
among her far flung students.
Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Bonesteel first appeared on television in New Orleans teaching sewing for
Sears, Roebuck and Company in the early 70s. With her move to Hendersonville, North Carolina, in
1972, she soon added traditional quilting to her skills. She quickly began teaching quilting herself at
the old Flat Rock Center, and it was here that she first experimented with the idea of quilting is
sections so that one could carry the work wherever one traveled. Encouraged by a family member to
approach UNC-TV about a teaching series, her first 6-part series was launched in 1980, with a full
13-part series added in 1981 as a result of enthusiastic public response. Also founding President of
Western North Carolina Quilt Guild, Bonesteel was teaching at Blue Ridge Community College by
1982, and selected as the Featured Artist at BRCC’s 5th Annual Arida Arts Symposium in 1997 and
honored a second time at the 10th anniversary of Arida Arts Symposium along with 9 other
previouse honorees. In addition to her own active teaching career, Bonesteel is an active member of
the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild, National Quilting Association, American International
Quilting Association, and the American Quilt Study Group. QHF President, Hazel Carter, in
announcing Bonesteel’s selection as the 34th Honoree stated, “Georgia Bonesteel’s recognition as
an outstanding contributor to the advancement of the art and history of quilting is well deserved.”
Website: http://www.georgiabonesteel.com
| Georgia Bonesteel |
Author, teacher, founder of quilt pattern club and guilds.
Inducted in 2003.
Inducted in 2003.