* All Photographs of Fannye's Quilt Tops courtesy of Paul La Victoire,
retired head of printing from the Dakota County Area Vocational-Technical Institute, and currently lives in Winston-Salem, NC *
Fannye will always be missed. Those of us who learned from her, worked with her and
worked for her feel her absence. For those that never got the chance to learn from her (and if you met her and you
paid attention ... you learned something), we are taking this opportunity to share a little of her influence.
Everyone has a favorite “Fannye” story. Here are just a few sentiments:
- From Linda Whicker
The word I would use to describe Fannye is devoted. She was the most loyal and devoted member of our Guild.
I remember her from the first meeting I attended. She was always the first to make a visitor feel welcome. She
believed strongly in the focus and projects of the guild and when Fannye “asked” you to do something for the guild,
you couldn’t say no. She just didn’t accept that as an answer. I don’t ever remember a meeting when Fannye wasn’t
there. She was an integral, vital part of all guild activities and she is tremendously missed.
- From Debbie Voigt
I was a brand new quilter. Not knowing any better, I entered that first quilt; with it's wavy borders and puckered,
gathered binding into our Guild's show! I worked at that show; helping to scribe for the judges and, hopefully, to
learn a lot. I heard one of the judges remark about my quilt, when it's time came to be judged: "someone needs to show
this woman how to put on a binding and turn a corner". I dutifully wrote down, "binding can use improvement" as directed
by the judge. I hoped no one noticed my pained expression, I was working hard to guard my own anonymity. Fannye was in
the room at the time, folding quilts and stacking them for hanging. At lunch time Fannye requested that I sit beside her,
she quickly and efficiently showed me right then and there how to bind a quilt and turn a sharp, square corner at the
same time! I was amazed that she had known the quilt belonged to me!
Fannye knew all, and was always quick to share her skills and knowledge with all of us; that we might be better quilt
makers. We became friends from that day on. I did learn a LOT that day. I think of, and thank, Fannye with every
single quilt I bind to this day! Fannye is deeply missed, I am so happy to have known her and will always treasure
her kindness.
- From Rosann Davis
I will always remember a conversation I had with Fannye a long, long time ago. We were talking about some classes
which were being offered at a quilting get-together (I don't remember now which one or where it was). I showed the class
list to Fannye and said "I don't know whether to take the beginning or the intermediate class." She replied "I always
take the beginner's class and I always learn something, I'll never know enough to be an 'intermediate', there's to much
to learn". Today, whenever I am looking at class lists and trying to choose which one I would like to take, I hear
Fannye's reply to my question asked so many years ago. She was a very special lady.
- From Martha Claire Henzler
Fannye was most persuasive, often with gestures and not words. She handed me a stack of books and information on
two separate occasions: One when she wanted me to co-chair teachers for the 1997 symposium. Again when I was directed
(not asked) to be the next 1st Vice-President of guild. I took both jobs. Obviously Fannye got what she wanted!
- From Margaret Harrison
I remember so well the 1990 guild Christmas party when I won the drawing for 12 Christmas squares created by
guild members. My friend and neighbor Brenda Blackburn did not attend and wanted me to include a square that she made.
How was I going to make a quilt with 13 squares? Well, of course Fannye knew exactly what to do. I was attending her
class at South Fork Recreation Center and she showed me how to put 9 squares on the diagonal in the center and one in
each corner with appropriate sashing. This is a treasured quilt with each square signed and dated by the quilter and
Fannye's expertise helped with the creation of this very special keepsake quilt.
- From Linda Pettit
The first time I met Fannye she asked me when I was bringing refreshments to the guild meeting. I quickly
responded, March? She said thanks.
- From Gretchen Braswell
I am so glad to have a chance to tell a little of what Fannye meant to me. First of all Fannye was always there. She
was like Dooley at Emory University. You didn't even have to see her. She was just there. She could anticipate what you
may need at a meeting or what you were feeling about something. She always wanted to make you feel good and to feel like
you were doing a good job. She jumped right in on ANY project. I especially remember when we as a guild started making
quilts for our Victory Junction project. She was right there to help and it wasn't to be a big deal for personal gain.
It was that she knew some people like me just had not gotten some of the little things ironed out. Like how to get
the borders lined up even all around, miter a corner properly and easily. How to "tie" a quilt. She didn't have to toot
her own horn. She wanted to help the rest of us learn and sit back to listen to toot OUR horns. That is what Fannye
taught me most. How to learn. I asked a dumb question one time, knowing the answer. She never made me feel stupid. Of
all things. . . "Should I pre-shrink linen fabric to make clothing." We had a good laugh but she never made me feel
stupid. I just needed to learn. Still haven't had the nerve to load that big piece of purple into my washer but I
expect Fannye to be right there with me when I do. I will learn.
- From Lisa Alley
One of my favorite memories of Fannye is spending a Sunday afternoon at her house calling unsuspecting guild members
to fill board and committee chairs. Glenna Williams and Fannye were supporting me, the incoming Guild President by
being my “nominating” committee. Fannye says to me “Here, let me show you how it’s done” and proceeded to call
Jesslyn Allen, my friend who I was hoping to talk into being 2nd Vice President. Jess answers the phone and Fannye says
“Jess, this is Fannye Hall. Congratulations. You’re the next 2nd Vice President for the quilt guild” and hung up!
Fannye turns to me and says “THAT’S how it’s done!” Glenna and I were laughing so hard during the whole thing that
Jess could hear us before Fannye hung up and she thought it was a joke! She didn’t realize until later that we
weren’t kidding, it really was Fannye and she really was 2nd VP. She did it because Fannye “asked” her to do it. That’s
the kind of power Fannye had. She could get things done. Better yet, she taught us all how to get things done. I miss
her terribly.
- From Ann Tedrow
I have the newspaper article and picture from the quilts we delivered to Victory Junction. She was such a help with
all the quilts, etc. Always there. when ever I needed her. It was such a fun day we had. They gave us a tour of Victory
Junction, just before it opened. I do remember her telling the girls storing the quilts, "To get them out of the plastic
bags or they would have a mildew problem!!"
- From Sandra Hamby
I took a quilting class from Fannye beginning 1996 at the South Fork Rec Center. I took it partly because I love
color and one of the girls I used to work with was taking the class. I figured if Patty could make a quilt, so could I.
I figured "how hard could this be, oh, I should be done in about 6 or 8 weeks". About 6 months later I realized I was
sewing mine all by hand and every one else in the class was "doing" theirs on the machine. Even Fannye didn't tell me
that it was a "life long project" or so it would seem that way. I finally finished my quilt (king size, too!) with a
friends help in finishing the binding and proudly showed Fannye that I had "stick to it" gumption. Thanks Fannye!!
- From Debbie Layne
I wasn't around as long as some to really get to know Fannye like most. I remember my first contact with her was
at the very first Guild meeting I ever came to. She came and introduced herself and asked me my name. She then told me
that if I continued to attend she wanted to add my name to the refreshments lists. I got a big kick out of that and
told her I would be happy to supply a dessert. That name I certainly remembered.
- From Margaret Varner
For many years I worked with Fannye as the Hospitality Chairmen for the Quilt Guild. We organized the snacks
and drinks for the regular meetings and helped arrange the dishes at the Pot-Luck dinners in June and December. She
was a pleasure to work with and she made sure everything was just right. I still expect to see her at the meetings
sitting at the table by the door.
- From Cheryl Kiser
I first took a beginner's class from Fannye in the late 70's. What I learned from Fannye about quilting was
patience and precision. What I learned from Fannye about Fannye was her love of the art, her dedication to the
perpetuation of quilting, her love of teaching, and her incredible knowledge that she was willing to share with
anyone willing to listen. She was quite a lady, and an incredible artist.
- From Laura Patridge
I took a quilting class from Fannye and can to this day remember her looking over my shoulder and saying,
“Take the G.D. mess out! You can do better!” And she was right. I could. And I did. I sure do miss her.
- From Ann C. Roth
I will miss Fannye so much. I live in Keeling, Va. now, which is near Danville, Va. but lived in Winston-Salem
from 70's to late 90's. I always sent her a Christmas card and got one in return. She was a special quilting and
sewing friend--very colorful in language!!! ---But what a big heart she had for all people!!!! I loved being with
her at meetings, quilt workshops, etc. I have known Fannye for a lot of years since becoming a quilter back in
early 80's. She was President of the Guild when I joined back then. We met in Polo Rec facility--not the one on
Country Club, but she was a "hoot" even back then. I substituted for her several times in her Forsyth Tech quilt
class on Thursday nights in the early 1990's and to repay me she gave me a lovely crocheted Afghan. That is laying
on the back of my recliner right now. She taught classes-- quilting and sewing-- in my quilt shop, Fabric Village,
in Clemmons until I sold it in 1999. Her students always loved her!!!! I think she may have taught quilting or
sewing to everyone in W-S and Forsyth County at some time. Fannye Hall will be sorely missed!!!!
- From Gene McGinnis
Fannye Hall I met at Forsyth Piecers and Quilters Guild meeting at Polo Park Rec Center when I moved to
Winston-Salem from Kentucky. She was quite a “character” in my life…I was fortunate to volunteer with her to
demonstrate quilting at the State Museum one year. Another time I went to a class she taught on “Santa” dolls.
Every Christmas when I take it out, I think of her. I miss her “greetings” at our quilt guild meetings.
- From Kathy Byrd
After hearing the name and wonderful reputation of knowledge and teaching ability, all of my “quilting life”,
I joined the guild and finally met her. I had always said I would take a class from her someday, knowing she
could teach everything. Alas, I never took a class with her but will always remember at “Back to School” night
last fall, Fannye was demonstrating mitered corners on borders – and I do remember one statement in her words:
“Pins are a quilter’s best friend.” Now I always think of Fannye when I pin – I use lots of pins, and now I know,
it’s okay.
- From Ann Wilson
By the time my employment brought me to Greensboro in the mid-80's, I was bored with the knitting, crocheting
that I love, and wanted a new challenge. I saw the word "Quilting" in the Guilford Tech Community College class
schedule and signed up. I was hooked— in love like a teenager. I heard about the Greensboro guild, joined, took
my quilting with me next meeting, and sat there working on hexagons.
Next to me was the nicest, very quiet, tailored-dressed little lady, steadily, intently, watching me work away,
joining my hexagons with the cardboard inside. She never said a word, so I thought maybe she would like to know
what I was doing, and that the cardboard would be coming out. She listened intently and finally commented, "well,
you keep it up; it looks like you know what you are doing and are enjoying it. That's good work".
Never a mention of who she was, the status she held even at that time, she gave me both silent and verbal
encouragement. I went home with a big head; I felt crowned. Little did I know… and when I found out who she was,
and how pompous I was, I was in even more awe. I love her dearly. I took a million classes and saw Fannye at
nearly everyone. We both had our precious Featherweights with us. But I still felt I needed to walk several
paces behind her. Though she was so quiet at our first meeting, I also found she can be very verbal—as in,
"Ann, I am signing you up for refreshments in February for Guild." "But I can't be here then." (I don't drive
in dark any more). Fannye said quite quickly: "March then." ...Those same steady, intent eyes. I drove in March,
with a refreshment.
- From Penny Sharp
I was a member of Fannye's South Fork quilting class for years and, in all that time, I never saw Fannye throw
away a piece of cotton fabric. She always said that you didn't need pretty fabrics to make pretty quilts. As a
result, she used any fabric she was given in her quilts....most of which turned out to be beautiful; however, some
turned out to be "interesting"!
As I think about the people who I feel have enriched my life, Fannye is one of them. If I asked her for her opinion,
she gave it to me with no hemming and hawing. In addition, she loved quilting and passed her skill and appreciation
of the art of quilting on to so many people. She was a real character and I miss her!
- From Beth Holcombe
Fannye was the very first person I met when attending my first guild meeting. She personally showed me around
and introduced me to many members. Every meeting thereafter, she always sat in the same place by the door instantly
recognizing the newcomers. To me, she was the guild. Our loss is St. Peter’s gain.
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