a visit with blair stocker

By Patricia Belyea

SEATTLE WA  Earlier this week I drove 92 blocks north to the home of Blair Stocker, the force behind Wise Craft Handmade. Blair is known for turning meaningful fabrics into modern quilts.

When I pulled up to Blair’s address, I spied her classic Craftsman house through the gray November rain. Once inside, I discovered an airy home filled with all sorts of crafty delights—including a rack of quilts, of course.

For a short while, Blair and I chatted upstairs about what we’ve been up to and our aspirations for 2019. Then we descended into her envy-inspiring full basement studio. On one end was an extensive library, on the other a design wall, and in between all sorts of spaces for Blair to be creative.

Blair kindly gave me one of her trademarked Ruby Rulers, an essential tool for discerning the color values of fabrics. This is great for understanding the contrast between patterned lights and darks for dynamic quilt designs—especially in scrap quilts. I’ll definitely be using the Ruby Ruler in my practice.

Although most folks know Blair as a speaker, teacher and author, I was amazed to learn that she’s produced a workshop video that teaches aspiring and experienced quilters every step for making a quilt—from her philosophy to designing to finishing. That’s a very ambitious project!

Titled Dream, Learn, Quilt!, the online workshop is perfect for anyone wanting to learn right from her own sewing room. 

Blair and I could have kept talking but it was time for me to head back to my own studio. I drove south thinking about all the facets of Blair’s quilting and stitching endeavors—quilt making, two books, patterns, commissions, handmade goods (including her Found & Foraged Collection), and now an indie video workshop series. What an amazing neighbor!

To visit Blair’s website, Wise Craft Handmade +click here

To learn about Blair’s Dream, Learn, Quilt online workshop +click here