By Debra Sigel
Ann Luther has been sewing since she was nine years old. And over the past 20 years, she has fallen in love with the quilt-making process.
“I love to do it,” she said. “I love the texture, the color, the array of threads and all the wonderful fabrics to choose from.”
And for the first time ever, her work will be displayed as the colorful art form it is at the Indianapolis Jewish Community Center through February.
By day she’s a civil engineer with a degree from Purdue, and Luther said she uses her background and the tools of her trade to immerse herself in the design process.
“Today, so many wonderful fabrics are available, it’s almost as if the materials reach out and grab you, pulling the money right out of your purse,” Luther said. “I make six baby quilts a year to give to family members, colleagues and neighbors. I think every baby should have a quilt, because that means it is covered with love.”
A quilt is made up of three layers. The first is the usage layer, the second is the batting and the third is the back. The quilting is the stitching that holds it all together.
“Pinks and purples are the colors my friends would say that I like best. But colors that are very rich and vivid are really the ones I prefer,” she said.
But giving feels just as good as designing. Once a year Luther designs a quilt for the Indianapolis Quilt Guild that will wind up as a donation to a charitable organization such as the Lutherwood Charity.
Luther said the reason she enjoys quilting is because the whole process of sewing, designing, stitching, cutting and marrying it all together with embellishments like beads is what makes her smile.
The one thing she hopes to instill in her audience is, “They should smile and the work should bring them joy.”
“Threads of Life”: Quilt works by Ann Luther ● Artist reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16. ● Indianapolis JCC ● 6701 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis ● Through Feb. 28 ● For more information, visit jccindy.org.
