This wall hanging, sampler quilt (different blocks in one quilt) contains orphan blocks (quilt blocks that never made it into a completed quilt) from the 1940s-1950s. I added a couple of my favorite blocks to complete the assortment. This quilt finishes at approximately 30x46. Made with vintage feedsack, 100% cotton fabrics, cotton batting, then machine quilted and bound for longevity.

The back of all of the show quilts from Southern Charm are backed in a 100+ year old damask tablecloth. I received the tablecloth from an estate sale and it came with a lovely note and I wanted to preserve it further.

Southern Charm, at Awaken Coffee, June 2023

After listening to Dolly Parton’s America, the initial idea of this project,

Southern Charm, has grown to be so much deeper and more meaningful. Learning about the way she has evolved as an artist and grown as an independent woman while staying tied to her beautiful, mountain childhood resonated with me. I want these things to be true for myself, as well.

As I mature and unfold as a female artist, I’ve recently started looking back at my childhood in Waynesville, NC to rediscover my favorite things again; like Easter, pastels, ruffles, playing in the woods etc. A couple of similarities between Dolly and I stand out: home, comfort, inclusion and nostalgia.

This show is about channeling your inner child, listening to your heart and setting aside what doesn’t work for you any longer to continue on through hope, love and joy.

“Songwriting [Quilt-making] is my way of channeling my feelings and my thoughts. Not just mine, but the things I see, the people I care about. My head would explode if I didn’t get some of that stuff out.” Dolly Parton [Melissa Everett]