AROUND THE FRAME

KENT MICK:
A MAN AND HIS QUILTS

Apparently unable to find a third guest speaker in a row named “Lois” for the 25th annual Maumee Valley Antique Steam & Gas Association Quilt Show quilt, this year’s speaker was Kent Mick aka Practice Practice Practice Kent.

Nine years ago, Kent started to perfect the method of machine quilting quilts on a regular sewing machine. After blowing out the family’s 35 year-old Singer he buys a Bernina and today he is unfazed in whipping a queen-size quilt under it to quilt. It’s not something he learned to do overnight but perfected his skills after much practice and more practice.

Kent fell in love with quilting the Christmas he made four-poster doll beds for his young granddaughters. He and his wife felt they needed quilts. Through the process of making the doll quilts Kent becomes enthralled with choosing colors and the design process. He hasn’t stopped since.

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Although he is a “machine man,” Kent has the utmost respect for hand quilters. He doesn’t hand quilt because he wouldn’t live long enough to finish all the quilts he wants to create plus they would have too much blood on them!

Initially Kent takes three quilt classes: a beginner’s class so simple he could have taught it, a judging class and an appraisal class. Working as a scribe at quilt shows, Kent learns many of the tricks and nuances of judging. After the overall appearance, bindings are inspected next. They check to make certain it is filled and firm not limp. Hand stitch at no more than quarter inch intervals if you wish to score points. Machine stitch the binding to finish it and your chances of winning are finished.

Kent likes to go to quilt shows and pretend he is admiring the quilt next to his so he can overhear the comments made about his entry. One of his “stack and whack” creations drew the comment, “What the hell was she thinking putting those colors together?” Then looking at the entry form the woman informs everyone, “Oh! It’s a man!!!”

Known for his star designs, earthy tones and wild backing fabrics to better hide the stitching Kent won a major award at his first show. Later waiting to have his photo taken a group of 30-40 ladies gathered around. One elderly lady approaches him and asks, “Is this your quilt?” “Yes,” he answers. “Been quilting for about a year?” “Yes,” he replies. “First show you’ve ever entered?” “Yes,” he confirms. The lady looks him in the eye and informs him, “I’ve been quilting for 25 years and have entered many quilt contests and never won.” She then proceeds to hug and congratulate him then walks away!

Kent’s quilts are designed by progression. He starts with an idea and lets it develop and grow. His bed quilts are used on beds to sleep under with the exception of his pride and joy master quilt which is valued at $8000.

After his trunk show Kent gives a free-motion quilting demo on his trusty Bernina. If you would like to learn his techniques, Kent does teach classes through various quilt shops in the area. You may contact him at kmick1947@gmail.com

Lois Eubank restores quilts and sells vintage quilts and sewing accessories at Born Again Quilts located at 124 W. Wayne Street, Fort Wayne. Contact her at 515-9446.