Introducing You to Judie Fleming
Judie Fleming, our 2012 Featured Artist, was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She came to Long Beach, California in 1955 and moved to Visalia in 1956. She is a registered nurse, with a diploma from Samuel Merritt School of Nursing in Oakland, California. She has worked not only at hospitals in Visalia and Lancaster, but also at the Veteran’s Hospital in Waco, Texas.
Judie has always enjoyed sewing, embroidery and making decorative items, but it wasn’t until 1989, that she began quilting. In 1991, her husband’s job took them to Hong Kong. There she met some Australian and British quilters who helped Judie learn the proper skills needed to complete a quilt. In 1993, the Flemings relocated to Bangkok, Thailand, where they remained for thirteen years.
Although silk and wool were abundantly available in SE Asia, there were no quality cottons. Each visit to the states would result in Judie returning to Bangkok with a few household items and lots of fabric and sewing supplies. Judie took numerous online quilting classes through Quilt University, and was active in the Bangkok quilting group. She delighted in meeting quilters from all over the world, sharing various techniques, and learning about the different customs and cultures.
Judie has always been drawn to traditional quilting styles and is intrigued by the skills of the quilters in the 19th & early 20th centuries. She makes quilts in all sizes, ranging from a king size bed quilt to a small 18” quilt. Generally she chooses traditional styles, but may tweak the layout or color choices a bit.
While in Thailand, Judie met Tiew Suphamongkol, a woman who opened her home to 18 year old girls leaving the Child Welfare Home. They attended classes in basic sewing, and, along with several other expatriate quilters, Judie helped them learn to quilt. These girls now have a thriving business, doing custom hand quilting and making quilts to order. Their motto is “Helping each other through quilting,” a motto that rings true throughout the world.
Judie served as an associate editor of “Sawaddi,” a magazine published by the American Women’s Club of Thailand. “Sawaddi” showcases the art and culture of SE Asia. Judie also helped with the nonprofit organization Thai-Craft, which helped the Hill Tribes in Thailand develop and market their village handicrafts.
In 2006, Judie’s husband retired and they returned to Visalia, just in time to welcome their first grandchild. What perfect timing! Although she misses her friends in Asia, and the opportunity to travel, she is glad to be home.
For the past five years Judie has been a member of the Best of the Valley Quilt Show committee. She says she feels honored to be asked to be the Featured Artist and is looking forward to displaying her quilts. The feeling is mutual, Judie, we are honored to select you, as our 2012 Featured Artist.