Katherine Toler’s home in Zachary is a work of art in its own right. Designed by legendary Louisiana architect A. Hays Town, it's one of his rare forays into midcentury modern design—an elegant departure from the traditional Southern style he’s known for. With its low-slung blonde brick and Y-shaped layout, the home quietly defies expectations and serves as the perfect gallery for a different kind of craftsmanship: the thoughtful, layered curation of an artist at home.

Step inside, and you’ll find more than 100 quilts on display, each stitched by Toler herself over the past 35 to 38 years. They’re hanging from doors, windows, draped over furniture, on every bed, and stacked neatly on chairs and trunks, all on exhibition for two local book clubs who recently toured her home to learn of her craft. 

Quilting is a sewing process that involves cutting strips of fabric and sewing them together to form a pattern for the top of the quilt. “My first one was a Log Cabin quilt,” she says, referring to the traditional American patchwork pattern with strips of fabric arranged around a central square. It’s a classic beginner’s design, one she learned at a sewing class in Baton Rouge nearly four decades ago. 

While there are several different types of quilting, Toler prefers the precision of the piecing technique–using measurements to sew with, lining things up just right. She’s part of several quilting clubs and groups and especially enjoys “Brown Bag Mysteries,” an online program that sends mystery fabric bundles and step-by-step instructions by mail—a fun twist that keeps each project exciting.

She has quilts for every season—stacks of Halloween and Christmas designs—and for just about every theme, too. “This one is The Wizard of Oz,” she says with a smile, unfolding the fabric. “My granddaughter Esther was Dorothy in a play, so I’m making it for her.” There’s a Little Red Riding Hood masterpiece hanging on a door, and a quilted bedspread with the likeness of her little black poodle, Jazz.

Not every quilt is a masterpiece in her eyes. “These ones I don’t like so well,” she shrugs, gesturing to a rack of quilts in the corner. “And this one was very easy—just 10-inch blocks. The fabric line is called French General.” But even the simplest designs require patience, concentration and skill—a quiet discipline that feels increasingly rare in today’s noisy, digital world.

Toler has never sold a quilt. “Most people don’t understand the time or the money that goes into them,” she says. “They’re not willing to pay for what it’s worth.” Still, she gives many away—especially to grandchildren, friends’ babies, and new parents. “This baby was born yesterday,” she says, holding up a soft duck-print receiving blanket.

She couldn’t be more thrilled about Cross Quilter, a boutique that just opened last year on Commerce Street in St. Francisville. They sell everything a quilter could need, and even offer classes.

“Ms. Katherine is one of my best and most loyal customers!” raves Cross Quilter owner Marsha Noland. “She is always working on something beautiful. As a small business owner, customer loyalty is so important to our success, and I have been blessed with wonderful community support,” Noland says. 

For those hoping to get started, Toler offers a bit of seasoned advice: “You need a sewing machine that can sew a consistent quarter-inch seam, and you really need to take a class,” she says. Fortunately, there are plenty of quilt shops nearby—including in Baton Rouge and St. Francisville, where cross-stitch is also making a big comeback.

“It’s everywhere right now,” Toler says of quilting—and in her home, it certainly is.

Cross Quilter - 5237 Commerce St Suite C, Saint Francisville, LA

Cross Quilter carries quilt fabrics from all the main quilt fabric companies - Moda, Riley Blake, Benartex, Marcus Brothers, Poppie Cotton, etc. We also have patterns, notions, thread, a... Read More »