Tammy Kelly, Quilter and Fiber Artist. 2025

Tammy Kelly, of Irish and Scottish descent, has lived in northern Arizona for over forty years, where the landscape inspires her quilting and fiber arts. A self-taught quilter, she has published patterns and books, exhibited internationally, and taught quilting across cultures and generations. Tammy now mentors her former quilting student and apprentice, Tina Largo, with whom she shares a commitment to preserving quilting traditions and passing them on to future generations.

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Tammy views quilting as a powerful, inclusive practice that brings people together—friendships form, skills and materials are shared, and individuality is honored. She believes quilting is a space where learning and connection thrive across generations and cultures.

Quilting was brought to the Americas by Europeans in the 1700s and quickly embraced by many cultural groups. Native American tribes developed distinct styles, such as Seminole strip piecing, Sioux star quilts, and Hopi quilts made from donated fabrics. African American quilts often told stories, while frugal quilters repurposed family clothing. Quilting bees became vital community gatherings, and quilts themselves were both functional and deeply treasured. Tammy emphasizes that preserving quilting traditions is more important than ever, as many people have grown up without sewing skills. When they finally learn, she says, they feel empowered and proud to create meaningful quilts for family or special events.

Tammy learned to sew at age ten from 4-H instructors in her neighborhood. The love of sewing was passed down from her great-aunt and grandmothers, whose hand- and machine-stitched pieces she still treasures. Using their traditional patterns, she taught herself to quilt, studying books and designs until she began writing her own patterns. Her work was published in Better Homes and Gardens quilting magazines, and she later published three quilting books. Tammy has exhibited her quilts internationally in trunk shows and art exhibits, including a highlight trip to Ireland for an international quilt show.

Teaching has been central to her life. She taught Beginning and Intermediate Quilting for credit at Coconino Community College, and continued teaching through local guilds, in the Philippines, and at the John C. Campbell Folk Art School in North Carolina. As a K–8 educator for 41 years, she led after-school sewing clubs for students on the Navajo Reservation, where quilting became a bridge across cultures. She has studied Amish quilts in Ohio and taught quilting to women in the Philippines who brought their own sewing skills from factory work.

In her teaching, Tammy emphasizes traditional quilt patterns, precision in piecing, color harmony, and finishing techniques. She encourages students to label each quilt with its name, maker, and date, instilling pride and continuity. Her students often gain confidence through the process and go on to teach others, extending the tradition further.

When designing, Tammy carefully selects fabrics and experiments with color, often drawing inspiration from the northern Arizona landscape. She works on skill-building in focused ways—designing with triangles, learning curved piecing, or creating snowball quilts. A design wall helps her arrange and refine each piece.

Tammy’s apprentice is Tina Largo, her former quilting student and longtime friend. They have known each other for over twenty years and share a commitment to quilting as both tradition and gift. Together they participate in activities at Odegaard’s Sewing Center, a four-generation family-owned store, and recognize the importance of gifting handmade quilts for family occasions such as births, graduations, and weddings. Tina hopes to pass quilting on to her nieces, and Tammy is honored to mentor her, ensuring that quilting continues to thrive in their community.