Member Spotlight on Virginia Fry
(page last updated October 05, 2009)

About ¨ Friends ¨ Interview ¨ Photos

  

Spotlight written by Pam Wilson

About

The start of her sewing career was memorable for all the wrong reasons. As a first-grader, she stitched through her finger while using the family's treadle sewing machine. In junior high, she accidentally set fire to the home-ec teacher's hair. Undaunted, she persevered and eventually learned to sew most of her own wardrobe, clothes for her children, and umpteen accessories for her home as well.

A local girl, she grew up in rural Maryland before there was a Columbia. She attended the earliest meetings of Faithful Circle, dropped out for awhile when life interfered, and came back when she could.

Her quilts are amazing. They range from intricate Baltimore album to whimsical appliqué to Oriental-inspired Shashiko. One of her quilts is autographed by former first lady, Barbara Bush. Her friends at Faithful Circle admire her versatility, envy her technique, benefit from her generosity, and just plain love to hear her laugh.

Friends

Friends remark on Virginia Fry.

Virginia is an amazing woman. Not only is she an avid quilter, but also a wonderful seamstress, homemaker, entertainer, cook, gardener and antique collector—to mention just a few of her interests. I can't think of anything she does not know how to sew. Nothing is too much for her. She has made an unspecified number of baby quilts, wall hangings, and bed quilts which she has donated or given away. She is very active in her church and even with all she accomplishes, she still has time to help others. She is interested in learning everything she can in life and packs as much as humanly possible into her days. | SALLY TIMKO

Virginia is such a good friend that it is difficult to know what to say. She is kind and generous—and loads of fun! Most FCQ members know that she is one of our best hand quilters. She does more than her share in designing our raffle quilts, making door prizes, giving patterns and directions to all who ask, and in general, helping wherever she is needed. Quilting aside, I have always been impressed with her other talents as well. Virginia is a great cook. She is always baking and giving samples to her friends. She and Cal have designed, planted, and maintained a lovely flower garden and fish pond in back of their home. They also have large vegetable garden.
Finally, on a personal basis, I have always admired Virginia for her ability to enjoy life to the fullest. She was a single mom while her children were growing up and at the same time, she had a full-time job. She is good to her family in many ways; her 90 year-old father still comes for dinner at least once a week. | GWEN HARTONG

I met Virginia in 1989 when I joined Faithful Circle and we've been friends ever since. I recognized from the beginning she was an extremely talented quilter and artist. We both share the love of quilting and art. She’s proud of her children and grandchildren, and they are talented as well.  Virginia is always willing to share her knowledge and help out where and when she’s needed. If you've been around Virginia for any length of time, you know she's generous with everyone who comes into her life. We’ve shared quilting stories and life stories—that’s what friends do. Faithful Circle is lucky to have her as a member, and I’m privileged to count her as my friend. | SANDY McDONALD

Interview

Interview by Pam Wilson

How did you learn to sew?

One of our neighbors, Miss Elsie Wessel (we called her Aunt Elsie), started a 4H group. She was the main influence on my learning to sew. She could do anything—painting, gardening, making lace, creating hats, etc. Needless to say, she was a great inspiration to me. When I got married, Aunt Elsie helped me make my wedding dress, veil, and all of the bridesmaid dresses and hats. My grandmother was also a wonderful seamstress and always gave me lots of encouragement.

What was this area like before Columbia was developed?

We lived on a farm in Fulton and moved to Clarksville when I was in the fifth grade. It was very rural with many open spaces. My brother was a landscape engineer who worked for the Rouse Company. Because of this, we had first-hand knowledge of the community as it developed. It was exciting and it changed our environment, but for the better, I think.

Children? Grandkids?

Cal and I have been married for 27 years and we live in Fulton. We also have a condo in Lake Worth (FL) near Palm Beach and spend 3 or 4 months there each winter.

My daughter, Karen, illustrates children's books and teaches art at Howard Community College. She recently moved back from California and is currently living with us—which we love.

Tell us about your 30-year career at Johns Hopkins Research Lab.

I did administrative work in Plant Engineering and then switched to Strategic Systems. I loved working at the Lab, but am really enjoying retirement since September 1999.

Do you have additional hobbies?

Gardening is my second-favorite thing after sewing. I also love keeping house, decorating, and canning too. Cal and I built a huge water garden in our backyard and it has given us many hours of enjoyment.

Do you belong to a church? Other organizations?

I have attended the Linden Linthicum United Methodist Church in Clarksville since I was a child. I belong to the UMW (United Methodist Women's Group), two bridge groups which meet monthly, and the Women's Club of Fulton (formerly a Homemaker Club)

REGARDING GUILD HISTORY

What did you expect when you attended the first FCQ meeting at Peggy Hood's house in 1971?

My friend, Helen, saw an ad in the Ellicott City Times which invited women interested in quilting to call a number. My first husband had just decided he didn't want to be married any longer. Helen thought this would help me, so I joined the group.

Who were some of the other "charter" members?

Mary Anderson and Emily Wheeler

How did Faithful Circle get its name? Who suggested it and why was it chosen?

I'm really not sure.

What were the early meetings like? How have they changed?

Meetings were a lot smaller. Everyone became good friends and shared their lives with each other.

At one point, you dropped out of the guild due to family and work circumstances. Why did you return? Why do you renew your membership now?

I ran into Mary Anderson and she invited me to come back. After attending just one meeting, almost every member called to make sure I would come back. I was a single mom and working full time but I decided I would try to squeeze in the time and have never been sorry. I just love this group, am always learning so many new things, and I love that Faithful Circle does so much for the community.

Is there a FCQ member (past or present) who was/is your mentor or inspiration?

I always admire Ellie Layman. She makes new members feel welcome and always remembers their name.

Can you relate any humorous or memorable stories about FCQ meetings or members?

One of the most memorable stories is when we made quilts for fallen firemen's families and delivered them in person. Seven of us traveled to New Jersey. We were picked up by a limousine, which took us to each fire department where we met the men who were saved from the horrible 9-11 disaster. I will never forget that day.

REGARDING QUILTING

What is an album quilt? Why was Baltimore the center of this movement?

Baltimore Album quilts originated in Baltimore and were usually made by many people to give to a bride, deacon, retiring minister, etc, in honor of a special anniversary or event.

What colors and fabrics were used in early presentation quilts?

Turkey red was a must in these quilts, plus greens, gold, and blues.

As you sew, do you feel a connection with the ladies of the 1850s?

I do, but I'm glad I live in this century. With all of the fabrics and patterns available, quilting is much easier.

There are many different appliqué methods. What technique(s) do you use? Special tools?

When I first started doing appliqué, I used the needle turn method. Then I learned the freezer paper method, which I thought was better than sliced bread! Recently, I took a class from Karen Kay Buckley who taught a different type of needle turn method that I really like, so I will combine this method with freezer paper. No special tools, only a thimble and needle.

What kind of batting do you prefer? What backing?

I like Hobbs Thermore. It is an ultra thin batting and I can getting more stitches per inch. I use 100 percent cotton for the backing.

Most recently, you have made a Sashiko quilt. Oriental seems far-removed from Baltimore album. Why does this style of quilt and design appeal to you?

I love to make all different types of quilts, and the reason I enjoy doing sashiko quilts is because of the heavy hand quilting done on these pieces.

What kind of fabrics make it into your stash? Which are your favorites?

I like a large variety of fabric, especially unusual fabrics which I like to use as a backing. I tend to collect earth-toned fabrics. If you could see my stash, you would understand. I have been collecting feed sacks and old fabric for 15 to 20 years, with plans to make antique-looking quilts. I sure hope I live long enough to use up all of my fabric!

What advice do you have for beginners who want to learn appliqué? Which pattern(s) should they choose?

I always tell beginners to start with something simple so that the project is not overwhelming and can be finished.

Tell us about your family's "presidential" quilt.

This quilt was made for my daughter as her inheritance (only kidding). Barbara Bush signed it. I have also made my son a Baltimore album quilt.

You once made a large appliqué quilt called "An English Garden" on commission. Was it hard to part with this quilt?

My friend, Pat Valentino, asked me to make this quilt for her daughter (to be her wedding present when she gets married). Pat selected the pattern and I selected the fabrics. I made the quilt while I was in Florida. I love the quilt, but had no trouble parting with it. Both Pat and her husband were thrilled, but their unmarried daughter has not seen it yet.

Have you ever made a "quilt-from-hell"?

The Baltimore quilt I made for my son fits that description, in fact, that is the name of the quilt. It would take too long to write about everything that went wrong, but the quilt turned out wonderful.

Pam [aside]: We should all have a quilt-from-hell that looks like this!

How do you care for and store your quilts?

My husband had a carpet company and we discovered that the fat tubes on which the carpet was rolled were wonderful for rolling my quilts as well. I cover the tubes with dense batting, roll 2 to 3 quilts on a tube and cover with a long pillow case I make out of cotton fabric. I stand the tubes in the corner of my clothes cupboard and do not have to re-fold to prevent fold marks. Works great.

PAM TO VIRGINIA

We hope you NEVER run out of quilt patterns or fabric in your stash!

Photos