Margaret's Kawandi

Margaret Fabrizio is interviewed by Joe Cunningham, to tell the story of her encounter with Kawandi, and going to India to learn how to make them. Along the way we learn how she got started in quilts, and what she is doing now.

[@dlh1947us]

Thanks for the great experience of Margaret's Kawandi. It's so nice to run across another artist who does similar work and thinks about her materials like I do. I've never went into a fabric store and bought yards of new lifeless material. Old clothes, sheets, or irregular fabric is what I use and create with since 1971. I am now 75 years old and have pieced every size of quilt imaginable from miniatures with 1/4" pieces to my specialty :crazy quilts and my own forms of "Kiwandi". After watching Margaret, I think that instead of letting my old hands rest, I will be inspired to make yet one more quilt. Annette Hepner

[@katkohlerschwartz7386]

It’s interesting how people are inspired to quilt. I have been inspired by my mother. She started to tell me how wonderful it was when I was in my 30’s. I continually told her I am not a quilter. Here I am 35 years later, now quilting in small amounts of time. I cannot get enough of the beautiful fabrics and designs. I’m still working, but I now collect fabrics and designs so when I retire I can quilt until I can no longer. I’m a writer, an aromatherapist, and herbalist. I never thought I would quilt.

[@dennisniec4063]

Thank you so much for introducing us to Margaret, the Siddis and the Kawandi way. Just finished watching the whole thing during lunch and found it richly fascinating. The passion, love, and respect you both have for quilting and other cultures is infectious (in this day and age we should celebrate GOOD infections!). You’re presentation was spot on, casual, but educational, and I look forward to more. We loved hearing from Margaret about her journey. A few things stick with us. Margaret’s face during “having an adventure”…comparing Kawandi style to jazz…”you can imitate, but you can’t know their heart”. In a world that often rewards spurious and frivolous dialogue , thank you for an authentic 46 minute and 7 second experience.

[@healgrowlovecommunity8397]

Joe - thank you so much for this inspiring video about Margaret. I came here from Kathryn at K3n cloth tales channel where we are learning about slow stitch. Margaret is fabulous and her kwandi are exquisite! I'm also happy to have found your channel. So much inspiration, so little time... Mary x

[@lindaderoos5240]

Only just learnt about Margaret from another KZbin and now I’ve found you’re wonderful presentation Thankyou and Margaret for the priceless demonstration 💞😘

[@suelambert5760]

Excellent interview! How fortunate you are to know her and quilt with her!

[@tigq1430]

I worked for an artist who also quilted. An amazing quilter. She had scraps on the table and said she didn't know what she was going to do with them all. I said they would make a beautiful quilt. She thought "no way". I received the most beautiful, unique, inspiring quilt & pillow case ever for my birthday. Absolutely, gorgeous! What a treasure!

[@margaretblank9351]

This is one of the finest interviews I've watched in recent years.

[@Videogal54]

I'm the type of quilter who likes to work with what i have and figure out what to do with it. I love how Margaret said, if we never bought another piece of fabric in a store, wed still be able to continue quilting. Yes. Thats when a lightbulb went off and i smiled, because she said it so plainly. It's what we all know. Thanks for sharing.....❤

[@lizzyq844]

This reminds me of how my grandmother made crazy quilts. She started with a backing the size of the finished quilt and added pieces from the outside to the inside until she got the whole piece covered. She only used feather stitch for the edges of the pieces and added a bit of embroidery when the pieces were too large. I made both of our oldest children crazy quilts that way.

[@ladytj4u]

I’m in love with U Margaret❤ Thanks for all your wisdom!

[@digupstuff]

I love you so much Joe Cunningham! And now I have fallen in love with Margaret ss well!!! OMG! Such a WONDERFUL and BEAUTIFUL video to share with the world! I love this new way of quilting!!! It's so GORGEOUS but very time consuming, aye? Lovely lady and her quilts are so unique and beautiful! Thank you for sharing!!! 🤟💋😘♥️🙏🥀🦋🪡

[@tuto108]

This was wonderful and so much fun! Thank you so much for the presentation. I am delighted to meet you both. I was fascinated from beginning to end and Margaret is a true inspiration, as are you, Joe. Thank you!!

[@lisawilde781]

I love this story.. she's so lovely just having all this knowledge of everything and everyone ❤️

[@carmenbalko1372]

Totally LOVE “making it up; as You go along”,,,IMPROVE…my FAVORITE and most CREATIVE way of STITCHING…OH YES

[@susyboyer9764]

I am in love with Margaret Fabrizio. I am so deeply inspired by her beautiful soul. I feel so lucky to have found your interview with her Joe. This had made my day, life! Thank you.

[@charliepinto9657]

I love this woman. That is how I want to quilt

[@b.bailey8244]

"Kawandi's are like Jazz"... Yes! This is why I love them, and improv quilting. Wonderful interview. I've been watching her youtube videos for awhile, but this intervierw is my favorite of all. Thank you, Joe Cunningham; you are as inspiring an interviewer as you are a quilter and a teacher. Margaret's thoughts on all of this are a delight - and her quilts! She really has made this art form her own. I also love Margaret's backdrops and her clothes - for instance, that african fabric jacket and the same fabric behind her- her style is original and unique.

[@ChezVies]

I can't thank you enough for this video, Joe. She's amazing. Love to listen to her adventures, and see her passion, and her love for the craft. 18:00 - 19:23 I totally agree. At the end of the day, Kawandi will be a reflection of who we are. 31:00 I can totally relate to that. 34:23 I need to stop shopping and sew my stash!! Thank you once again Margareth and Joe for this invaluable video.

[@christinegreen999]

What a wonderful, inspirational lady and I so identify with her thoughts about shopping for new fabrics to make a quilt. All of my fabrics are car boot finds, second hand, donated and charity shop treasures. The idea of spending a lot of money on brand new fabric when the world has more than enough fabric ready to be repurposed is madness. And the sheer joy of mixing and matching my eclectic collection is a huge part of why I quilt. Thank you so much for this great interview I shall be sharing it with lots of folks.

[@madhavidharankar]

Absolutely

[@LoiLaing]

Thanks for sharing this. I've been watching all her videos and so appreciated her curiosity and willingness to learn and report back.

[@pialindeg]

Thank you so much - I am another quilter after this stunning experience. I am so grateful to meet people who really spoke to me.

[@judithburke1539]

Thank you so much for this video. It helped to clarify the process of making this type of artwork.

[@anniemoemski4057]

what a beautiful person, her journey and zest for life is so beautiful and she inspires me. It has always been a wonder of me whether crafts are connected all over the world being a woman in the life where crafts passed down from mother to daughter. her demonstration reminded me of; Boro is the ultimate result of repetitive Sashiko stitching over many generations. The Japanese had to use the fabric even if it becomes tattered outside of normal use. They patched and stitched the fabric to make it usable. Boro is just the result of continuous sewing. Or the hand stitched Mola made by Kuna Indians of Panama. Mola is a form of cutwork and applique and also little stitches. and now the Siddis and the Kaqandi way because of you thanks for sharing

[@rainbowtoes152]

I only came across Kawandi on KZbin yesterday. If only I’d known about the Siddi people 20yrs ago when in India. Thank you for this video both of you.

[@raylenekruger9052]

Love Love Love this video! Thanks so very much to both of you. From one Michigander to another sew on my friend sew on!

[@mambakind]

So enriching! Thank you, Joe! Thank you, Margaret!

[@elizabethallen3028]

I’ve been a fan of Margaret’s Kawandi Journey for years. I’ve been to her exhibit when it was in San Diego years ago, I’ve devoured all her videos on KZbin. She’s a huge inspiration for life and living and quilting. I had a rare chance to meet her but got sick from a kind fellow passenger on an airplane and didn’t feel right exposing her to my germs. Needless to say I was heart broken. I grew up in Novato, but live in South Carolina now and to this day I still get lathered up when Margaret posts a new video either on KZbin or Instagram. I have made my version of Kawandis (as I can’t figure it out myself) a few times. This Friday I’m taking a virtual class on how to make them and feel like this video is my introduction to the class. I’m a huge fan of yours too and share your love of Gees Bend’s quilts also. Thank you so much for this video, this treasure about a treasure and made by you, a treasure! Beth in SC

[@Joethequilter]

Thanks, Elizabeth. Good luck with your kawandi ventures!

[@iriswidelski8215]

Couldn’t have said it any better Elizabeth. Thank you Joe, this interview is perfect.

[@christycahill4587]

Joe, this was so insightful! I’m in love with it all - Margaret is so special…

[@pattireen6041]

Hi Joe! I’m a former Flintite, we knew each other then. I attended the first Beaver Island retreat in 1983 😳 thank you so much for this video!! I just completed my first Kawandi after watching this a couple of times. I love everything about it. I admire the quilting life you’re living 😊 Take care and thanks again for this visual gift 😊

[@Joethequilter]

Hi Patti!! Thanks for your nice note. I feel lucky to have been able to live in Flint, on the island and now in San Francisco-lucky to have quilts in my life.

[@marshaburdick7629]

What a wonderful film you have all made about such a creative and special person. Thank you so much ch for sharing it with us.

[@wendywilson1736]

I loved meeting Mararet, and learning about a quilting method I'd never heard of. Thank you, Joe the Quilter, and Margaret, for teaching me more about quilting, even though I'd started over 50 years ago, helping with my cousin's wedding quilt..This was quite an interesting video, and interview, and I enjoyed it.❤😊

[@debbcraig3232]

I am so honored to own one of her Kawandi! Hopefully I can own more in the future!! Thank you Joe! Working on getting the illustrations for my little book inspired by you!! ❤

[@chavakern3124]

Thank you so much for the documentary and the introduction to Margaret and kawandis. From a personal artistic perspective-it was mindblowing. Given me a lot to think about. All the best.

[@cathybehle-ernst5796]

What a great video, Joe . . . . . . .thank you.

[@estherchandy6292]

This is such a well made show on so many levels. The questions, the marvelous changes of background, the surprising silent "kawandi masterclass" and finally the gallery. Really appreciate the quality of the program.

[@Joethequilter]

Thanks, Esther. It was a joy to make.

[@LesleyChandlercrafts]

Wow I stumbled on to this and just enjoyed it so much. What a lovely lady-so interesting. I would. love to sit and quilt with her and listen to her stories. Thanks for sharing this.

[@minkaf4243]

Fabulous! Thank you!

[@coffeebeen65]

Thank you for reintroducing me to this beautiful and fascinating quilting style!

[@CJFarm]

Thanks to both you and Margaret, Joe, for this wonderful video. It leaves me with deep feelings and much to say. I will be composing my thoughts over the next days in a Word doc to be sure I've expressed myself clearly. And then, when it feels complete, I'll post it. Thanks again for this precious and touching video.

[@kimlangley7022]

stumbled onto your video- I don't sew-but I love art-and this lady is a wonderful artist-wow!

[@Tori57]

what a wonderful film! so inspiring! thank you so much

[@corrinamckend2097]

Wow. What an amazing lady. I love her interpretation of the the quilting process. I have been quilting 15 years and it has been getting stagnant. It is the creative process that is missing. I’m excited to try again and be a creative me.

[@SaraHarley.studio]

Fascinating, interesting, inspiring! Thank you.

[@darcy2965]

This video is full of knowledge and culture and individual exploration, inside and out. Cultural respect and understanding. Very valuable about life and kawandi. Thank you both

[@quiltingforthesoul]

I so love her and appreciate her quilts and just to hear her speak. She is so a master of her craft thank you for telling her story. God bless you and your family. I’m new to your channel but I have watched your videos before thank again God bless.

[@madhavidharankar]

Cannot thank u enough for this video. Was amazing to listen to u as well as Margaret. Especially cud relate so much to her sentences like "when u buy a fabric from store, the door is closed" and "even if no quilter buys any fabric, it is kot that they cannot quilt". Being a scrap quilter myself, I felt like dancing to listen to this. She has so perfected captured the feelings of amy scrap quilter!

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

I use to follow and watch mRgaret on KZbin years ago! She’s a hoot! Love her strength and mind and tenacity and sense of humor. I’ve not been online much these days, renovating old house and garden etc in smoky mtns of western nc. Good to see this! Thank you

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

I can’t wait for you to go back to gees bend. I think I have a gees bend quilt. I know you hear that all the time... I lived on Cumberland island ga and know coastal geechee styles etc and grew up in la., that’s Louisiana lol Anyway, it was sold to me as one but I brushed that off. It’s a large quilt made of the pine cone techniques in blocks. Is very heavy so I suspect another quilt is inside with denim backing. I need to get it out. I have so many stored old quilts. I need to find homes for them... I’d love to send you a photo, if I could. Perhaps you could send to some of the matriarchs at gees bend and get their thoughts . I’d love to go there. I was isolated on Cumberland island national seashore with no bridges or stores or mail and quilted a lot when there. It was retained rights estate for husbands life , so when he died 8 yrs ago, I had 90 days to vacate our home.so I up and moved to N C remote western smokies, which is now being bombarded and houses selling overnight sight unseen by people escaping cities due to covid and other problems in cities, with ability to work from home and live for less.... oh well. I digress. Thanks joe

[@deboldenburg541]

have fallen down the Kawandi rabbit hole on the internet. Wow. what a wonderful process to make a quilt. No frames no organization no static square blocks-one after another......just what you have and imagination. It has helped me as i have had severe ADD since covid. I have many things to finish did I do them NO. Time just slipping away with no energy or direction ...I have now done one small piece to understand the process..... started and am close to finishing a 45 by 45. Have now started a twin size. oh my gosh they are growing all by themselves. Thank you so much for the energy from Margaret and your wonderful interview. I think I have watched it 10 times. have to say Sujata Shuh was also on the quilt show and showed a demo on the process which peaked my interest but you two sealed the deal. Feeling so much better making quilts again.....

[@dgorski2]

Thank you so much Joe. What an amazing artist and thoughtful woman.

[@nondanelson9553]

Thank you for sharing yourselves.

[@HandmadeCreations]

That was delightful! Thank you for sharing this!

[@user-ol5he6fx4c]

Captivating! Thank you!

[@QuiltingWithMeSew]

Thank you, Joe! I absolutely LOVED this video ❤️

[@raye5072]

I loved watching this episode ❤❤❤ thank you for my life changing view, also Margaret you are an incredible woman, and my tears welled over your stories, I could listen for days bless you.

[@robinmanly7381]

Beautiful! Thank you!

[@Dianaprimartinez]

Wonderful interview and presentation. I loved it. Thanks for putting it together. Definitely a wonderful person

[@carolynwatson3842]

So wonderful!! I loved Margaret! I am an artist. She expresses exactly how I feel about making quilts with patterns! I never wanted to make them! I recently started slow stitching and it is so freeing! Now I know I can make Kawandie quilts and it will be fun and creative! Thank you and her! I am so glad I discovered your channel!

[@PinkSallyProductions]

It’s great to see this video on your channel! I watched it when it was released on the Sant Cruz quilting website, great video. I am a great fan of Margaret Fabrizio, been a subscriber for about ten years. Thank you for getting her Kawandi insights and passions into one video and also thank you so much for putting it onto KZbin! 🌹

[@debbierawlyk5148]

Fascinating! Thanks so much for sharing the adventure and insights gained.

[@christinegrossi4430]

Wow. This is wonderful. Thank you so much for presenting Margaret and her work. I can’t wait to find out more and try Kawandi myself.

[@edbalko3082]

HAVE now Fallen in LOVE with KAWANDI style STITCHING and THE BEAUTIFUL QUILTS…AND have now SHARED THE information WITH OTHER STITCH LOVERS…and. They too are now becoming addicted to this Marvelous INCREDIBLE ARTWORK…I LOVE NO MATH no measuring …total FREEDOM …Just so GRATEFUL for this Media and FINDING THIS AMAZING LADY and Her Love and Interest and LEARNING about THE KANWANDI. QUILTS…IT’S AMAZING SINCERELY CARMEN BALKO

[@Joethequilter]

Thanks, Carmen! If you want more glimpses into the world of quilt freedom, you can look at my newsletter and see what I teach every month! mailchi.mp/3a7dc1b3ae69/joe-the-quilters-newsletter?e=b999aee5ba

[@kimberleygirl7533]

Great video Joe. Thanks! I’ve followed Margret for a few years, because she appealed to my frugality of reusing fabric. I still make a practice of using such recycling in my quilts. 🇦🇺

[@annettes7460]

Thank you, Joe, for the very interesting interview with the intriguing Margaret Fabrizio! I not only loved all her outfits and quilts, but also her pointers on fabric sourcing and quilt construction. She's right, of course. She was so brave, IMO, to have traveled several times to India at an age when I (being 78 myself) would definitely choose to stay closer to home.

[@kimlaffont9951]

Thank you. That is very inspiring. I admire your courage to pursue your passion into wild places.

[@gillyanderson2494]

A fascination tales of an extraordinary woman, thank you Joe.

[@hollys1498]

What a great presentation. Thanks so much!!

[@carmenbalko1372]

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING

[@cfussell49]

This is so great! Thanks to all of you!

[@fernemcallister6774]

Lovely interview,. Gorgeous quilts! Thank you both so much!

[@lynneschipp9283]

Amazing! Thank you for posting.

[@lindahunt5634]

Excellent and inspirational. Thank you.

[@pjyellowdog2178]

amazing woman...Thank you

[@anilovesmeemee]

SO happy you did this video with Margaret Joe!! This past Saturday I was fortunate to take a virtual workshop with Sujatah Shah, of San Francisco, on the way to make a kawandi. I am in love with the technique and the various Siddi cultural aspects behind the bits which make up the technique. Fascinating stuff, Margaret is fascinating! Sujatah gave Margaret as a reference to research on kawandi, and here I find your video! AWESOME SAUCE!

[@edbalko3082]

OMG..THIS WAS BEYOND EXTRAORDINARY..OMG OMG OMG.WOW...

[@hollys1498]

Wonderful. Thanks so much fir sharing.

[@betsylewis9432]

Great video! This process reminds me of the boro sashiko technique. I’m so glad I saw this. I’m going to watch her you tube videos and follow you too Joe.

[@nicolemitchell446]

It reminded me of boro too.

[@lejci38]

Oh, my goodness..amazing work!

[@karlastille9105]

Thank you Joe!

[@jackystojonic496]

Thank you! So inspiring.

[@padmarubiales5184]

Wonderful interview! Thank you so much! Nice to get to know you, and great to find out you are just across the bay from me.

[@suehorn4182]

Thank you Joe.

[@sallyal5266]

Great video! Ive discovered Joe and Margaret and a new art form all at once! Bless her she must be so patient, i was saying ' pop the pin in it ' when her fabric kept moving in her demo, but she very patiently kept rearranging it...I have much to learn it seems 😊thank you! I love those quilts and the stories of Margarets travels.... The wooden bench on the train just needed a quilt or two on it, ouch 😂

[@marysuncin4302]

What an awesome quilt you created. Thank you for sharing your tips and demonstrating how you create your unique quilts.

[@bradscott5293]

Inspiring on many levels.

[@user-po8br1fu2f]

Inspiring!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@peggypisani8067]

So interesting! Thank you.

[@redparrot9489]

That was superb.

[@joypolk3093]

Lovely presentation ❣️ What a good friend you are to each other🤩❤️

[@lynettesmith6539]

What a wonderful experience you have shared . I’m going to try the process based on tutorials I have seen but I will always think of Margaret while doing it .

[@pamfrank3962]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@susanlamb7431]

What an amazing lady!

[@pegasusquilts]

Truly beautifully done. I like her Hmong embroidered hat too: I'll bet that's another travel souvenir! (Closed captioning not so great though! 😉)

[@maryboyle5531]

Such a wonderful per😊

[@lisabres1]

Thank you ❤

[@janiceboan5823]

Completely amazing

[@Craftylisa69]

Fabulous just fabulous 🥰🎉🥰

[@darlenewoods880]

Amazing!

[@carmenbailey1560]

Amazing quilting 👏👏👏

[@user-ug4gn1hy5d]

Awesome video.