Stitch by Stitch: The Quilting Art of Majorie Kelley
Stitch by Stitch: The Quilting Art of Majorie Kelley
Majorie Kelley was born in upstate New York and grew up in Vestal, one of four girls in a bustling household. Her mother was a jack-of-all-trades, making clothes for her daughters, crafting, and cooking. Majorie inherited her mother’s sewing skills, which would later become the foundation of her quilting passion.
After graduating high school, Majorie was hired by IBM as an electro-mechanical designer, even before she received her diploma. She worked at IBM for 17 years, where she met her husband, Glenn. The couple eventually relocated to Raleigh, where Majorie worked for North Carolina State University (NCSU) as the Business Manager/Treasurer for the Athletic Department for 28 years. She cherished her time working with college students, finding joy in their energy and enthusiasm.
Majorie retired in 2002, and a few years later, she and her sisters embarked on a girls’ weekend, exploring quilt shops in Lancaster, Lebanon, and Berks counties. Although quilting didn’t initially pique her interest, she purchased an Amish quilt and some fabric during the trip. With the fabric she bought, Majorie decided to teach herself how to quilt, using the sewing skills she had honed throughout her life.
An avid Disney fan, Majorie and Glenn took trips to Disney World 1-2 times a year. Glenn would take pictures of the mosaic tile floors, and Majorie would design quilt patterns inspired by those photos. Over the years, she has created 30-40 quilts, each one a labor of love that could take weeks to complete. She often had several quilt projects ongoing at once, with cutting fabric being the most time-consuming part.
For Majorie, quilting goes beyond merely stitching fabric pieces together. It’s about creating something meaningful; when the pieces come together, the patterns and colors form a masterpiece that tells a story or evokes cherished memories.
Quilting is a common interest between Majorie, her sisters, and her friends. She enjoys spending time with her sister Bonnie, exploring new fabric stores and sharing their passion for quilting. In September 2024, Majorie moved to Cornwall Manor, selecting her charming Bradley Hall apartment as it provided the ideal space for showcasing her quilts, establishing her quilt workshop, and neatly storing her sewing machines and fabric collections.
Majorie finds ideas and patterns on the internet and Pinterest, always eager to try new designs. Comfortable and happy quilting on her own, she has settled into her apartment and created a space where her creativity could flourish. Her apartment is adorned with vibrant quilts, each telling a unique story and adding warmth to her home.
“Quilting is more than just a hobby,” Majorie said. “It’s a way to connect with others, to share stories, and to create something beautiful that can be cherished.”
The tradition of quilting is deeply rooted, dating back as far as 3400 B.C., and it carries with it stories of generations and cultures from across the globe. So much so that in 1989, National Quilting Day appeared on calendars as a designated special day for quilters. Whether attending quilting events, workshops, sharing skills, completing projects or tidying up a creative space, it’s a reminder of the sense of fulfillment that quilting provides.
She knew that through her quilts, she had not only created beautiful pieces of art but also woven herself into the heart of the Cornwall Manor community.
