Stitched in Love and History
When faith, fabric, and patriotism come together in one studio.
A Journey to the Red Doors
Kathy Schaller has lived a life in motion. Born in Indiana, she moved frequently as a child — her father's career took the family from place to place, even landing her in New York City for a stretch. But when a friend invited her to St. Barnabas, something shifted. Like many in our congregation, she had grown up Catholic and was searching for something that felt familiar yet fresh.
"St. Barnabas felt like home the first time I entered through the red doors," she says simply — and she's been part of our family ever since.
A Lifelong Calling with a Needle and Thread
Quilting has been part of Kathy's life for decades. Her son is now in his forties, and she has been quilting since he was born. But the roots go even deeper. As a child, she sat and sewed with one grandmother, while the other was a dedicated quilter whose work fascinated her.
"Thankfully, I have a few of her quilts," she says — a quiet treasure she clearly holds close.
Her college degree in Interior Design gave her a formal foundation, but the impulse was always personal. She describes her process as layered and intuitive: the design stage is "very exciting," acquiring fabrics even more so. She works from a large studio at home, complete with multiple machines, expansive work surfaces, and a design wall where quilts quite literally build themselves over time. Friends often join her there to work on projects together.
Her style has ranged widely over the years, but she keeps returning to historic, traditional quilting for her most meaningful pieces. She has reproduced quilts from the Smithsonian collection and is currently deep in wool appliqué. One of her most cherished works is a reproduction of a quilt made by a mother as her son left to fight in the Civil War.
"The process of quilt-making for me is part of my being," she says. "I never finish a project until I am happy with the design."
Patriotism in Every Stitch
History and faith have always been woven into Kathy's life. Her mother, a genealogist, raised her children on road trips to historic sites and a steady diet of books. Kathy is a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and patriotism has always stood out to her throughout history. For her, Christian faith and love of country go hand in hand.
It's no surprise, then, that her most recent major work is a quilt made to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Working in the Log Cabin design — a pattern that grew popular after Lincoln's assassination — she chose red, white, and blue throughout, with an eagle at the center and, on the back, a fabric panel depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The center nearly looked very different. She had another design in place for weeks before something kept nagging at her.
"Finally, the eagle design got put on the wall and it worked," she says. For her, that's simply how the process goes — the quilt tells you what it needs, and you listen.
When asked what she hopes people feel standing in front of it, her answer is immediate: "Patriotism, and the heroic efforts of the men and women that built this wonderful country."
Gratitude at the Heart of It All
For all the artistry and history embedded in her work, Kathy is quick to point to something beyond technique.
"I always feel faith through my quilt making," she says, "and often say a prayer of thanks to God for giving me this artistic outlet."
There's one more thing Kathy would want the congregation to know, offered with characteristic warmth and a smile: she is an unabashed Purdue Basketball fan. She has been going to games since her years as a student — "no need to go into how many years ago," she adds.
We're glad you walked through those red doors, Kathy. And we'd love to see the quilt.