Anita Marsh McSorley

 

With affection, respect and sadness, we would like to tell you a little about Anita Marsh McSorley, a prolific and talented local quilting leader who recently lost her battle with cancer.

We don't want to dwell on the sad aspects of Anita's passing, but on her kind spirit, abundant textile talent and skill and dedication to helping the Albuquerque fiber arts community grow and thrive.

If you were ever part of the Row by Row crush of visitors to Hip Stitch a few years ago, from you saw Anita's design prowess. Some of Hip Stitch's whimsical blocks in that annual promotional program were designed by Anita. (See one of her Row by Row block designs pictured above.) One year, her block showcased our new shop, and another year, she included Sock Monkey, which by default has become one of our shop mascots. (Or at least our spirit guide, because we aren't a very serious bunch at Hip Stitch.)

One of Anita's textile gifts was a deftness with color in both her own quilting and design work, and her hand-dyed fabric cuts. We had the privilege of offering Anita's hand-dyed fabrics to customers, as well as other pattern designs she created from time to time.

Anita was also active in the Albuquerque chapter of the Modern Quilt Guild, but perhaps her most notable quilty accomplishments came from her work with the Albuquerque Fiber Arts Council (FAC), which encompasses more than 16 different fiber arts guilds in the city. For six years, Anita was also director of the Fiber Arts Fiesta, a biennial show hosted by the FAC.  She managed the various aspects of show production with skill and diplomacy, only recently turning leadership of the 2021 Fiesta over to others.   

All that said, you know what we remember most about Anita? Her sunny spirit and friendliness. Her positive attitude and openness to new ideas and projects. A darned nice lady who loved people and quilts.