A. A couple of years ago, museum management decided to explore an affiliation with a fabric company to reproduce fabrics from quilts in our collection. Lorie Stubbs, a member of our Collections Committee and docent, is a quilter and quilt historian who has a particular interest in historic reproduction fabrics, so we asked her to head this project. Having used many wonderful reproduction fabrics from Judie Rothermel and Marcus Fabrics in her own quilts, Lorie was familiar with them. Judie and other members of the Marcus Fabrics team headed west for a memorable visit to the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, and an alliance was born. Soon, an Aunt Grace line, inspired by several 1930s quilts from the museum's collection, was released.

A. The museum has a collection of over 300 quilts that range from early 1800s traditional quilts to contemporary art quilts and everything in between. We particularly focus on quilts from the Rocky Mountain region, but our collection includes quilts from around the country.

Q. Please share some details about your Aunt Grace Quilt Challenge...

A. The Aunt Grace Quilt Challenge was a natural once we saw the fabrics from our first line--they are so appealing to so many people. We decided that having a challenge would allow quilters the opportunity to explore the many ways the 1930s reproduction fabrics could be used, and potentially have their quilt exhibited at the museum in a judged and juried show. (Rules and entry forms can be found on our website at www.rmqm.org.)

Q. What is your favorite part of your job? The most challenging?

A. My favorite part of the job is interacting with other quilters and quilt lovers from all over. There is an instant connection and a common understanding of the passion and obsession that commonly goes with quilting. The challenges come in the much less glamorous parts of the job-administration and fundraising.

Q. We know that RMQM is dedicated not only to the preservation and exhibition of quilts, but is equally dedicated to education. What are some of your current educational programs?

A. Education is a huge component of our mission. We are currently developing programs for youth that will tie in with the state curriculum and educational standards for art, history, and math, and we have developed classes where Girl Scouts can earn badges. In addition, we strive to present outstanding lectures and workshops for adults that focus on the art and history of American quilting, as well as hands-on technical classes. Our "Sunday at the Museum" lectures provide in-depth information about the exhibits, and we have a very active Quilt Research and History Club.

A. Many people are surprised by the diversity of quilts in our exhibits, and particularly by the contemporary art quilts. Most people are familiar with the traditional and often very functional quilts, but may never have had quilts presented to them as works of art.

Q. What is your favorite museum event?

A. Each spring RMQM hosts a fundraiser called "Fabric and Friends" where we get together for food, and live and silent auctions especially tailored for quilters. This is always a wonderful event, with opportunities to socialize, pick up a few "necessary items," and support the museum all at the same time.

Q. Can you offer our visitors a couple of tips for quilt care?

A. The most common question we get is on how to clean an old quilt. DO NOT TAKE IT TO THE DRY CLEANERS!!! Some old quilts will not withstand washing without serious running, fading, and/or damage. Once it is determined that a quilt can safely be washed and you are willing to take the risk, soak it in a bathtub of warm water with a non-ionic detergent, agitating as little as possible. Rinse very thoroughly and dry flat. For more details on storing, displaying and cleaning quilts, check on our web site at www.rmqm.org/html/quiltcare.html

Q. Anything else you'd like to add?

A. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Marcus Fabrics to create these wonderful reproduction fabrics. They have been a huge hit! We invite everyone to come to the museum to see the original quilts from which the fabrics were designed.

Be sure to check out our Creating with the Experts section, where Paula also shares some tips on displaying your quilts! For more information about the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum's unique offerings, the Aunt Grace Challenge, additional care tips and much more, visit the museum online, or in person at 1111 Washington Avenue in Golden, Colorado.