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Delta Peterson with quilt

Delta Peterson

Quilter Sparta, NC (Alleghany County)

Delta Peterson was born in Grayson County, Virginia, in 1937, into a family of thirteen children. She has been quilting for much of her life, learning initially from her mother when she was a child. Her parents inspired her to take pride in her work and to use good workmanship in whatever she attempted. Delta credits their support in making her quilting career successful.

The vast majority of her quilts are hand sewn. She pieces quilt blocks by machine, but she always applies appliques entirely by hand. While Delta uses some contemporary designs, she focuses primarily on traditional patterns. Most importantly, she knows the difference and can talk about that. Delta also creates her own designs to add a personal touch. To Delta, her quilts represent pride in workmanship, appreciation of beauty, and strong ties to her heritage. She feels quilting is an art to keep alive. “If not, we will loose an important part of our heritage,” she says.

Delta Peterson enjoys making quilts and exhibiting them. Her quilts have been shown at Wilkes County Arts Council Gallery, Ashe County Arts Council Gallery, Alleghany Quilters shows, Alleghany Arts Council Blue Ridge Mountain Fair and Quilt Show, North Carolina State Fair, Alleghany County Public Library, and various banks and businesses in Alleghany County. She has won many ribbons at quilt shows and fairs. Her quilts and quilted items are on display at Alleghany Arts & Crafts Cooperative store in Sparta.

In 1993, after retiring from her job in Washington D.C., Delta moved to Alleghany County, just across the state line from her birthplace in Virginia. Over the years, Delta has taken classes with local and national quilting instructors. Delta founded the Alleghany Quilters Guild in 1995, and she currently serves as President for the group. She enjoys being able to design her own quilt patterns, assist beginner quilters with their projects, and share friendships and fellowship with other quilters.

Availability:

Delta Peterson prefers making quilts and exhibiting them, but she also teaches quilting classes on a limited basis. She is available for quilting demonstrations.

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