Mourning a quilter I never knew
When I visit my family in Maple Valley, WA, we usually go thrifting. One second-hand store has its books well organized with a section just for quilting.
So I recently thrifted Simple Strategies for Scrap Quilts by Lynn Roddy Brown. I’ve known of Lynn for years and met her briefly once when she contributed to Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks. She’s a maker of scrap quilts like I am, and she’s written several books on the topic.
As soon as I started reading Lynn’s introduction called “Understanding Scrap Quilts,” I wanted to hug her. She was saying all the things I know to be true and have been trying to communicate to my own students. She was covering all the bases and doing it well.
She writes about value in a way that I think anyone can understand, and that’s saying something. Value and contrast can be hard to get your head around, and using them effectively as you create with fabrics is a lifelong pursuit.
It made me want to have a chat with Lynn. I wondered if I could just call her up! I imagined we could talk scrap quilts over coffee (or sweet tea, she’s a Texan) easily and nobody else would get a word in edgewise. I wondered if she still had her website, so I Googled.
My heart sank. She died a few months ago.
Even though I didn’t know her, I feel like I’ve lost a friend. I can’t shake the feeling.
I’ve been chewing on this for a few days, and I think it highlights a truth:
Many quilters have enough in common to become friends readily.
We talk about fabric and books and patterns. We discuss purchases and designers and fabric companies. We share techniques we’ve tried and failures we’ve had. We ask for advice. Occasionally we cover family members, pets or travel plans but we always come back to quilts and quilting.
And when you think about it, that’s the basis for a pretty good friendship. I will never get to know Lynn Roddy Brown, but I am so grateful for what she gave to the quilting world.
Her books are wonderful—full of insight. They’re still available on Amazon or through used-book channels. She often pieced simply and she knew how to let the fabric do the work.
Next week I am speaking to the Quilt Guild of Greater Houston, where Lynn was a member. Do you suppose I’d be lucky enough to meet some of her friends? I sure hope so. It would do my heart good.
Here is my takeaway:
Hug your friends, call someone you think of, drop a note in the mail. Don’t miss the chance while you still have it. Quilt on.
Tags: fabric savvy, lynn roddy brown, make extraordinary scrap quilts, quilt books, quilt design, scrap quilts
Charlotte Betts
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Lynn was a good friend of mine. Lynn loved to share her quilting knowledge. We miss her.
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Carol McCann
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I’m sad to learn about Lynn’s death I had a chance to hear her in Houston.
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Julie Gier
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What an interesting and sweet post Dianne! Just reading your review of her book made me want to know more about her and the examples shared are wonderful. I hope you meet many of her friends!
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Veronica Rutenberg
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A friend showed me this article during your workshop today but I just skimmed it. Didn’t realize you wrote it. I was in a bee with her for 30 years and everything I know about quilting came from her. She would have had tea (sweet) with you and talked the talk of quilts for hours. I’m so sorry to not have bonded with you over a remarkable woman. I will share this with the bee and her family! Big hug Veronica!
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Jean
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I took her class a few years ago and her teaching about contrast changed EVERYTHING for me! I use and share her concepts all the time. Rest in Peace, Lynn. You will be missed.
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Tanya T. in Houston
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I was fortunate enough to know Lynn Roddy Brown and to even take a class from her and to hear her speak. She signed all of her books for me. I teased her that she had “groupies”. She was full of wit, humor, common sense, practical quilting tips, and brilliance. She is definitely missed!
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SYDNEY STILLING
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Lynn left such a wonderful legacy. She was generous in sharing her talent and her love of quilting and scraps. She will be forever missed.
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bonnie
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just ordered 2 of her books!! thanks for this! I miss you! any classes coming to Nebraska soon??
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marilynI mattfeld
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I did not know Lynn passed away either. She will be missed. I never met her but I have admired her quilts for years..
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Lynn
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Hi Diane, I am in the midst of making the cover quilt from Lynn R-B’s Simple Strategies for Block-Swap Quilts, and I had the same thought – I want to contact Lynn because I love her quilts and approach to scrap quilting. That’s how I found your page.
I am sad to learn she passed, and will honor her by making more of her designs. I look forward to diving into your website.
A different Lynn who shares the passion for scrap quilts.
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Lyn Rogers
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I am only just learning of Lynn Roddy Brown She sounds just wonderful. I will look for her books. Reminds me of how I feel about Nancy Ziemam … such a loss to the quilting world.
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Jan Hebert
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This has happened to me several times, I find a kindred soul only to discover that this lovely person has passed on to the next life. It’s really heartbreaking. I’m so glad to read this post and I will see if I can find some of the quilting books she has written. Thank you for highlighting this beautiful person. Jan
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