About Geneva Ruth Dawson

Hello, my name is Geneva Ruth Dawson. I live in a small rural community in Rathdrum, Idaho, which is near the city of Coeur d’Alene. We are surrounded by mountains and rivers both. A better place for artistic inspiration would be difficult to find.

Sewing since I was 9 and working with quilts for over the last 30 years, I have always enjoyed designing and working with different textiles. Over time sewing and especially working with the quilted items has become a passion for me. I love to be able to design, create and or recreate things. Through out the years I have worked many of the aspects of the quilting world. This has included designing, hand and machine piecing, appliqué work, hand and machine quilting, hand embroidery, even restoration work of antique quilts. Not wanting to limit myself, sizes have ranged from small tabletop items, pillows and wall hangings, on up to king size quilts.

I absolutely love meeting and working with people across the United States and beyond. To me it is a sacred journey working on a quilt, and I am honored to be able to add a positive influence to my client’s lives.

I believe that the whole reason mankind was put on this earth was to help one another. I suppose that is a bit on the old–fashioned side, but I stand by this. When applying this belief to my work, customer service naturally has an elevated value, and the word “custom” holds special meaning to me. I work closely with each client, my goal is that my quilting designs and workmanship not only meets expectations, but hopefully exceeds them.

The quality of your quilt is extremely important to me! I do not believe in planned obsolescence. When I create a piece, it is done in a fashion and with care to be used and enjoyed, and – if taken care of – will last for a very long time.

You may have noticed some quirky elements in my quilts. I love being different and unique. I am a bit eccentric, and I like this fact. Life would be very boring if we were all the same, wouldn’t you agree? Variety is definitely the spice of life.

I started sewing when I was very young. Have always loved working with different textiles. More than anything, I like to create. Whether I am following a specific pattern or designing something from scratch, it is all the process of actually creating something beautiful.

Recycling is something that I believe in very strongly! This belief led me to use clothing in the creation of a variety of different quilted items.

Old clothing and other cloth items that have been set in a closet unused or in a box somewhere only take up space, are perfect candidates for a quilt. Often times, we do not want to get rid of these items, they simply have too many memories tied to them. Throwing these things away only adds to our overflowing land-fills. Turning clothing and other cloths into custom quilted items not only helps the planet, but it preserves memories while giving individuals a functional piece of art to use and cherish.

Living on a few acres, I grow fresh vegetables in a garden every year.  I enjoy eating healthy, and I can many of the fresh vegetables that I grow. There’s nothing much in the middle of winter that tastes better than home–canned green beans.

Being out in nature, whether at the shore of the ocean or high up in the mountains, I enjoy spending time with Mother Nature. For me, there simply is no better element to draw on for inspiration for art and life.

Idaho is relatively new to me as I recently moved from The Dalles, Oregon. Both areas represent the passion I have for nature. I look forward to keeping in touch with my old friends and clients, and meeting new ones in this exciting and beautiful state.

After the loss of personal friends and family, I was asked to do something with their clothes. Turning to what always has made me feel warm and comforted, I decided to create quilts from the clothing.  Personally liking things to be slightly different… just a bit unique.  I featured pockets, labels and name badges in places so that they could be seen and used.  Working with some very basic designs, as requested, I found these first “Memory Quilts” were a valuable and practical way to honor those we love who have passed.

From that point on, my imagination took over.  Now, after 15 years of working with others, creating “Memory Quilts” for people has become a passion.

Community Involvement

I believe in giving back. Here are some of the organizations that I have worked with throughout my quilting career.

Wrap Yourself In Comfortable Memories

Little did I know how much importance and value would be gleaned from my simple talent. I am overwhelmed at the response from people who use these memory quilts to heal from their loss, later to find great joy in remembering shared times:

A memory quilt helps surface and retained remembrances such as:

~  a favorite fishing hat – brings memories of boat outings and camping.

~  the patch of a flannel shirt – evokes memories of times of comfort

~  work-shirt pocket with name badge – speaks to a consistent presence and support

~  a patch from a hunting jacket – reflects back to hunting trips shared.

There is a joy to wrap yourself in a patchwork of the memories of your loved ones.

Since then, I have made many quilts, and all have been very special to me. I am honored that people trust me to such an important task.  I have learned that most people like to commemorating a quilt with Hand Embroidery work as a unique way of keeping the memories of their loved ones close.

I would be pleased to make a custom Memory Quilt or other quilted item for you with your memories. Please email or call me and I will be happy to discuss your ideas and needs.

Thank you!
Geneva Ruth