Joyce E. Harvill

Contact Information:

1101 Cherokee Road
Johnson City, TN 37604
Phone:  423 - 928 - 7486
email:  tnhusker@xtn.net

Biography
My first quilt teacher was Marguerite Ickis, the author of The Standard Book of Quilt Making and Collecting.  She was the author of one of the two books on "how to quilt" in the book store in our town.  Together, we made a nine patch and I have been making quilts ever since.  Even though I am a fifth generation quilter, I was not taught how to quilt because it was old fashioned and my mother did not enjoy quilting.  I was taught how to do embroidery and to crochet along with sewing clothes.  My other passion besides quilting is counted cross stitch.

Because of my family history of quilting, I  became interested in quilt history and wanted to learn more about it.  That eventually brought me to appraising quilts.  I was certified by American Quilter's Society as a quilt appraiser in 1992.  I have been recertified every three years since then.

Interests
I appraise both new and old quilts as well as traditional and contemporary quilts.  I do appraisals for individuals by appointment or at quilt shows.  I also give programs to quilt guilds.

The programs that I offer are:

Show and Tell
Does your group have antique quilts they would like to know more about?  In this program, your group can bring antique quilts and tell the story about their own quilts.  I provide a circa (approximate) date and pattern name if unknown.  The care of quilts is also covered.

Caring for your quilts
The care and documentation of new and old quilts will be presented.  Topics covered will be use and display, storage, washing, and repair of quilts along with keeping the quilt's story with the quilt.

Quilt documentation and labeling
Every quilt has a story to tell.  In this program, the importance of documenting and labeling the quilts in your possession is discussed.  Information is given on what needs to be written on labels as well as how to make labels for your own quilts.  Labeling both antique quilts and new quilts is covered.

Treasures from yesterday
The quilts, quilt tops and blocks that were made years ago are "treasures from yesterday."  This class explores the many possibilities of how they can be used today.  After much use, the quilts of yesterday are showing wear.  Tips will be given on how to repair those quilts to extend their life.  Those attending this class are encouraged to bring their treasures; each one will be looked at and suggestions on how to repair, quilt, and how to turn those blocks into quilts are given.

Please contact me for additional information concerning lectures and classes that I offer.