Welcome to The Quilt District
Tara Miller
I’m the creative mind behind The Quilt District—a space where quilters come to explore the rich intersections of design, color, and quilt history. As a speaker, instructor, pattern designer, author, and independent researcher, I’m here to celebrate and deepen our connections to quilting and women’s history. My workshops, lectures, and original quilt patterns are crafted to inspire, empower, and educate.
My purpose is to inspire quilters to feel confident and connected, to each other and to our foremothers.
Why Work with Me?
With a passion for storytelling and an unwavering dedication to preserving quilting’s heritage, I’ve had the privilege to teach, speak, and collaborate with the quilting community across borders. My lectures and trunk shows bring to life the history of quilting and women’s roles in its evolution, while my workshops guide quilters in building skills and confidence in their craft. You can explore my latest offerings on my Talks & Workshops page. I’m honored to teach and speak internationally, with recent engagements across the United States as well as in Canada and France.
Adding to this work, I also host a variety of retreats, where quilters and crafters can connect, create, and unwind. From quilting-focused getaways to craft and wellness retreats, and even historical explorations, my retreats offer a unique opportunity to gather with like-minded creators. You can find all current offerings on the Retreats tab on my website.
In Print
I regularly contribute to the quilting world through articles and patterns, including features in Quiltmania magazine. I was honored to appear in the April 2024 issue of Quiltmania both as a featured quilter and author of an article on the DAR exhibition, Sewn in America. Additionally, I’m spotlighted in Issue 30 – Georgia of Quiltfolk magazine as a featured quilter.
Professional Contributions
As a proud member of the Board of Directors for the American Quilt Study Group (AQSG), I’m committed to elevating the study and appreciation of quilting heritage. From 2021 to 2022, I produced and hosted Quiltside Chats, a monthly AQSG livestream show in partnership with the International Quilt Museum (IQM), with support from Quiltfolk magazine for several episodes. In January 2022, I was featured as a guest on Quiltside Chats alongside IQM curator Carolyn Ducey, where we honored Jean Ray Laury’s groundbreaking work. You can find Quiltside Chats on AQSG’s YouTube channel.
From April 2021 to September 2023, I led The Six Know-It-Alls, a dynamic panel featuring quilt historians Barbara Brackman, Merikay Waldvogel, Julie Silber, Alden O’Brien, Lynne Bassett, and Debby Cooney. I joined as a guest panelist in May 2023 for episode 25. The Know-It-Alls can be found on YouTube and Vimeo, alongside my own Quilt District YouTube channel, where I share museum visits, interviews, and quilt industry insights.
Ongoing Research
I am always engaged in research projects that honor quilting’s legacy and its cultural impact. Some of my current research includes:
- Stories of the Nebraska Quilt Project, grant funded through the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and the International Quilt Museum
- The life and work of Jean Ray Laury, an extraordinary woman and a pioneer in the art quilt movement
- Scripture and Biblical Quilts in the African American Experience, 1880-1920, partially funded through a Lucy Hilty Research Grant
Explore the Talks & Workshops and Retreats tabs on my website for my latest offerings, or get in touch to start a conversation about bringing one of these unique experiences to your community.
My purpose is to inspire quilters to feel confident and connected, to each other and to our foremothers.
