Karen Poce has over 20 years of museum experience at the Royal Ontario Museum where as a Preparator she installed numerous galleries specializing in textiles, mount making for a variety of artefacts and creating mannequins for Ethnographic textiles. She has been sharing the history of quilts as a dealer at antique shows like Aberfoyle, Christie, Elora and the St Lawrence Markets for many years. She continues to enjoy documenting, conditioning and restoring family quilts, along with the many quilts in her collection.

Testimonials

 
Testimonials
Testimonial 8

Karen’s presentation, "Restoring Vintage Quilts," was interesting and informative, starting with a description of how she acquired her quilts as a "picker" on a used fabric sorting assembly line. Every quilt had a story based on Karen’s research into the style of the quilt, fabric used, and approximate age. Karen’s presentation style is interactive, encouraging dialogue and discussion with guild members. Karen’s presentation was enjoyed by all.

Bluewater Quilting Guild May 2023

Testemonial 7

Karen shared an amazing variety of vintage quilts, ranging from simple utilitarian quilts to absolutely incredible pieces of art. Her presentation was so entertaining and fun, with lots of little nuggets of learning too. She challenged us to think about the story of these quilts: the hours of work, the love, the beauty, and the mystery of each quilt's journey. It certainly made us all think about our craft as quilters in a new way.

Brenda Dagg, Program Co-chair

Testimonial 6

This note is to thank you for the wonderful restoration work you did on my great-grandmother's 'Friendship Flower" quilt from the 1940s . I was so dismayed to discover moths and moisture had wreaked havoc with it while it was in storage -- and obviously not well-stored :( But your work was amazing! I can barely tell where it was repaired. And thanks also for so carefully washing it and providing guidance for future care.

Shelley

Testimonial 5

‘I was so pleased with her fastidious work that I had to show it to my 88 year old Mom in time for Valentine's Day. In spite of the relatively last minute notice, Karen was able to complete this endeavour in time for the event.’

Laura, Owen Sound

Testimonial 4

Karen literally breathed new life into this antique treasure. She replaced the badly worn patches with vintage material, hand quilted these additions and the quilt has been renewed, given a new life if you like. Her workmanship and attention to detail is impeccable!

Michael, Toronto

Testimonial 3

‘I would highly recommend Karen as a guest speaker at any guild, she is delightful and her stories are very interesting, she is engaging and a wonderful addition to any meeting.’

Leslie and Jane

Programme Co-ordinators, Ancaster Quilter’s Guild

Testimonial 2

‘I would recommend Karen to anyone, vintage or new to the world of textiles, for a fabulous talk.’

Annette Verhey, Ancaster Modern Quilt Guild

Testimonial 1

'I would highly recommend Karen to conserve your quilts. She went over and above to preserve my family treasures for future generations to enjoy. She was very informative, professional and honest. I didn't do a thing and now know it's been done right'

Penny, Chesley, Ontario