Who is Carolie Hensley?
Carolie Hensley is one of the founders of the Cotton Patch and has been the sole proprietor for the last 26 years. Like most in this quilting community, she's been at a sewing machine since she could reach the pedal and, has quite enjoyed being on the forefront of quilting's reemergence.
In 1983, when one of Carolie's instructors was unable to find anyone to publish her work, Carolie and her husband, created C(arolie) &T(om) Publishing to fill this void. By establishing C&T Pub, Carolie and Tom contributed to quilting reemergence. Over the years, C&T Pub has worked with the foremost quilting talent, helping to widen the awareness of the quilting arts and in the process making C&T Pub one of the largest quilt and craft publishers in the world. Keeping it in the family, C&T is now owned by their sons, who continue to expand the company.
Throughout her many years in quilting, Carolie has won many local and national awards. The most prestigious, presented at Quilt Market 2004, was the National Michael Kile Award for helping to further the quilting industry. Fun Fact: When Carolie and Tom first began attending QM, it consisted of one ballroom and all the vendors knew each other. Now, QM involves an extensive itinerary and 3 days for Carolie to view the entire show. Red is Carolie’s favorite color. Well, red with dots, to be exact. The Cotton Patch reflects that love - the walkway and front door are an inviting shade of red accented by crisp white. Venture inside and one senses a bright, welcoming feel -much like her personality. A rose garden in front of the shop, (stealing roses from the neighbors - with permission), and cats in back hint at a few of her other passions.
