JCCFS: Tell us more about your background in quilting and teaching textile arts.

TH: I am originally from Norway, but have lived in the United States since 1987. I have been a quilter for over 35 years, teaching quilting and surface design for over 25 years. My interest started with traditional quilt making, which has since developed into non-traditional and art-style quilts. I love to help students to create their own individual work instead of just working from a kit when I teach, so everyone will go home with their personal creations. Inspiration comes from the classrooms where quilters of all levels can discuss and create.

JCCFS: What’s exciting about your upcoming class, Each Arches with Variations, specifically?

TH: The Easy Arch is a fast machine piecing technique based on free-form rotary cutting. Several layers of fabrics are cut on the curve and assembled in an easy sequence, so you can finish several blocks at the same time. It can be done using any fabrics and any color combinations; the choices are limitless. These blocks can be cut again and again for many exciting and fun variations; there are so many ways to make these blocks.

JCCFS: What can students expect to leave class with?

TH: Depending on how much time you want to spend at the sewing machine, you will leave with a few wall, crib, or lap size finished tops. Students will have picked up a few technical skills, loosened up on using the rotary cutter without a ruler, and mastered the curved machine seam. As far as time not spent on the machine, you will have helped, advised, discussed and shared knowledge and wisdom with your fellow quilters. You will leave with a new appreciation of all that is possible to create with a positive mindset and fabric!

JCCFS: What is your favorite aspect of the John C. Campbell Folk School?

TH: I, like so many other instructors, enjoy the fellowship at the school. Just being able to talk to people from different parts of the United States and other countries is so inspiring. Mostly, I enjoy being in the Quilting Studio and sharing what I know with others. It is so much fun to see what comes out of each class, as everyone has some skill and knowledge to give to others. The positive attitudes and creativity is contagious, and it always makes me want to come back.

JCCFS: Where do you draw inspiration from for your work?

TH: For a long time my inspiration has come from places I visit and people around me. I love to travel and have been fortunate to be able to do so. Wonderful architecture around the world with shapes and colors are evident in most of my textile work. One of the classes I have taught several times at the Folk School, Quilting with Transfer-Painted Fabric, incorporates many fallen leaves collected at the school as a large design element. I keep collecting new leaves every time I am at the school, they are an endless source of inspiration.

JCCFS: What’s one piece you’ve made recently that you’re excited about?

TH: Since I work with different fiber techniques, I often combine these into some of my work. One of my most recent works is a “transfer paint” piece of ferns, using some ferns collected at the Folk School and some in Norway; I created some of the transfers at the Folk School in the spring, added free form machine quilting to finish. I also just finished a Gelli printing on fabric, another surface design technique, titled Homage to Dolly Parton that celebrates an iconic performer from here in East Tennessee. These two pieces represent what I do as a fiber artist.

JCCFS: What tips would you give an aspiring craftsperson?

TH: My advice: don’t wait with trying something that interest you. Get good tools and materials. You will spend lots of time, usually, on learning a craft or skill, and good quality tools are the best aid you can have. Learn from someone who has the experience of working with the craft, as they can usually answer most of your questions. Sign up for workshops. Much of my knowledge is self taught, but today there is so much accessible information: books, workshops, online videos, etc. I use these now to learn new things since they are out there and available, but I still enjoy taking classes and being part of a classroom. The social aspect is important too.

JCCFS: Is there anything else you want to mention?

TH: I truly enjoy teaching. I want to teach classes where I can help students develop their own individual ideas. I never teach classes where everyone makes the same identical project, and I want to see what is possible whether you are a beginner or more experienced. Anyone who come to class with an open mind will find something engaging. Fellowship is an important element of that.