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HOT SPRINGS – The final Meet the Artist event is Thursday at Pine Hills and features quilter Barbara Sharp. Sharp relayed the story of how she became interested in the stitching hobby. "I was always interested in art and fine crafts," she said. "So I investigated a hand-quilting class offered by a local Korean woman in New York City in 1975. I was the only American student. The focus was on quality hand stitches."

It is that quality that drives her still today to produce outstanding stitch work, whether by machine or by hand. "Hand quilting is a very inexpensive, traditional way of putting a quilt together," said Sharp, noting that there are several techniques. Hand or machine piecing each section of pattern can be followed up with hand or machine quilting, or tying, which creates a whole new set of fun ideas. Embroidery thread, yarn, buttons, and even ribbons have been used for tying off a quilt. "You can make it as obtrusive and fluffy if you want, or hidden and unobtrusive," Sharp said.

Sharp got into hand quilting because "nobody I know did it and for the pure joy of it." Her inspirations are manifold – magazines, rug patterns, art books, images on the Internet, her imagination. Once she decides on the design, she selects fabric from the shelves in her sewing room. "That's when all hell breaks loose and the whole room is covered with fabric," she said, sweeping her arm across the room. Sharp said it's important to use a high quality fabric when quilting. "It has a higher thread count; you can make smaller stitches, it feels better to the touch, and has what is called a 'graceful drape,' and it doesn't fade as quickly," she said.

Sharp's shelves house fabrics from around the world. A trip to Africa inspired her to create a quilt using the warm, rich, earthy tones of the African color palette, a work in progress. "Every artisan has unfinished projects," she said.

Sharp advises wannabe quilters, "There are a gazillion aids to help you." From templates, patterns, stencils, and pre-cut fabric, Sharp said there's a level for everybody, for every purpose, whether simple or complicated. "The whole quilting world is so huge now and gaining worldwide respect as an art form," she said. Sharp's first venture to art quilting was a piece made with hand-dyed silk and beads that reflect light. Titled Mystery, the quilt is "tempestuous and turbulent."

Sharp was instrumental in the establishment of the Minnekahta Quilters Guild, now in its 18th year, has taught hand quilting classes, and has won many awards for her stitching talents.

Sharp's trunk show and presentation are at 7 p.m. Thursday, February 12 at Pine Hills Retirement Community.