TaMara Howard, Deanna Springer and The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show - Your Quilt Can Hug You!

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome TaMara Howard of Folk Quilts, an extraordinary artist, educator, and storyteller whose quilts speak volumes about heritage, identity, and innovation.

Born in Virginia and raised in Maryland, TaMara began her quilting journey in 1996—without even owning a sewing machine. Inspired by the colorful stories of her great-grandmother, Maggie V. Folk McClellan, TaMara pursued quilting as a craft and calling. What started as personal exploration has evolved into a full artistic practice, fusing African and American textile traditions with contemporary design.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo and earned her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business.

Known for her intricate geometric patterns and custom motifs, TaMara creates quilts that are as visually stunning as they are meaningful. Her award-winning work has been exhibited across the country and is part of permanent collections at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and the Heinz History Center. She’s a published contributor to Curated Quilts, PBS Wisconsin’s University Place, and the Modern Quilt Guild Journal, and she has been recognized by the Pittsburgh Foundation and Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council for her contributions to the arts.

Through longarm quilting, engaging lectures, and hands-on workshops, TaMara continues to inspire students and communities alike encouraging each to stitch their own stories while honoring the past. As she beautifully puts it, quilting allows her to “kente weave the threads of past and present” into every piece—a living tribute to her family’s legacy and a gift to future generations.

Also joining the conversation is Deanna Springer, a repeat guest on this podcast. A lifelong sewist, Deanna worked alongside the late Nancy Zieman as VP Marketing for Nancy Zieman Productions, and carries on Nancy’s legacy through the NZP Blog, and the new Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio & Quilt Shop. She launched the Stitch it! Sisters video series and is a co-founder of The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show. Deanna also serves as the moderator and creative guide for the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, curating meaningful experiences for quilters of all backgrounds.

This episode is a forerunner of the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, taking place September 4–6, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. This beloved annual event brings together thousands of quilters for workshops, exhibits, challenges, and celebration—and this year, TaMara Howard will be among the featured artists.

(3:12) Tamara introduces Maggy, her great-grandmother and inspiration for her work.

(4:40) How did TaMara start to quilt without a sewing machine?

(7:05) How does TaMara fuse innovation with historical design?

(8:43) TaMara has several degrees…business and engineering. How does this education shape her work?

(10:47) How did Deanna meet Tamara and what did she do to convince her to become a part of the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show?

(11:43) TaMara walks us through her creative process!

(14:22) TaMara explains Kente weaving and what it means to her work.

(16:00) A reoccurring guest on Sew & So, Deanna Springer talks of the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show and what she’s been up to since our last visit at this show.

(18:29) What do they do at the quilt show to support diverse voices in the Quilting World?

(19:33) What makes the quilt show stand out among the many quilt show offerings?

(21:15) How does the team create and moderate the show’s content. Learn the behind-the-scenes secrets! And how many volunteers does it take?

(23:49) So, what can attendees look forward to this year?

(27:35) What role does quilt play today as a creative outlet and cultural statement?

(30:00) As leaders in their respective areas of expertise…how do TaMara and Deanna expect to influence the history of quilting?

(34:20) What can attendees expect from TaMara’s classes at this year’s quilt show?

(35:30) Are their questions we didn’t ask? Hear Deanna’s special question for TaMara!

(36:00) Go to www.quiltshow.com to learn more about the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show.

To contact Tamara, go to www.folkquilts.com and Deanna can be found at www.shopNZP.com

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.