Denyse Schmidt Quilts
June 20th, 2006 by Mollie
I have a strong appreciation for unique and beautiful textiles. The combination of form and function is wonderful and I continue to be intrigued by the new creative spaces some people are able to explore using these age-old traditions. Denyse Schmidt is one of these people. Growing up with two parents that were highly skilled in their ability to create great pieces (her mom with fabric and her dad with wood) and a background in graphic design, Denyse eventually brought the two together when she started her own business 10 years ago, Denyse Schmidt Quilts (DSQ).
I recently got in touch with Denyse, via email, to find out more about her, her company, and her work. DSQ is a very small, 3 person, company. The studio they work out of is in an old Bridgeport, CT factory building. They all live in the community, something which is important to Denyse. DSQ tries to avoid throwing anything out, recycling when possible or donating scraps of batting, the cardboard tubes the fabric comes on and other items to school art departments. They also work on conserving their use of electricity and water. However, as is the case with most small businesses, it is difficult to dispose of everything responsibly because of limited time and resources.
Right now the supplies for their quilts are manufactured commercially and sadly, the textile industry is not without its environmental issues. Denyse wishes there were more options for sustainably produced raw goods, but what is out there now is much more expensive than what DSQ currently uses and unfortunately, because their prices are already difficult for some folks, it is not financially possible to make the switch.
The good news, from what Denyse says, is that the industry is definitely moving in the direction of sustainability. The even better news is that Denyse is looking into producing a line of organic solids with her fabric manufacturer and Sarita Handa Exports (SHE Home), the company in India that DSQ works with, is also researching organic materials. Denyse realizes that it is a slow process, but the important thing is that they are trying to move closer to better practices and as they do it is up to the market to financially support their positive changes.
In addition to everything else DSQ is doing, in honor of their decade celebration, they are donating 10% of the profits from each quilt purchased in 2006. The money will be divided between the National Marfan Foundation and The Alzheimer?s Association. Both of these organizations are very close to Denyse’s heart since her mother has Alzheimer’s and her sister and niece have Marfan’s. You can click on the links above to learn more information on Alzheimer’s Disease and Marfan Syndrome. In addition to this, DSQ also donate quilts throughout the year to various organizations to use in fundraising auctions.
Denyse’s quilts are singular pieces that beautifully impliment the use of color, pattern, and design. I own her book, Denyse Schmidt Quilts, 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects, which I love and hope to soon own one of her quilts! Also, check out her line of funky fabrics.