In the early 80s, she started designing Mariner Compass blocks,which required skilled piecing. Several of the blocks were inspired by Compasses on old maps. A class with David Walker in 1999 inspired her to finally set all her Mariner’s Compass blocks into a large quilt using his Machine Reverse Applique technique with metallic thread and beading. She does all her quilting on a domestic machine, loves using metallic thread and doing hand surface beading on her designs.
Karen started teaching hand piecing and quilting in 1979. She eventually got into teaching machine piecing and machine quilting. She was asked by Helen Thompson to teach at Getaway in 1981 and has taught there for many years. She has also taught to NQA and AQS in Paducah.
Karen says quilting has taught her so many life lessons. “Quilting offers a constant challenge and certainly artistic satisfaction, but also it has taught me to be stronger by opening myself to being vulnerable in the creative and exhibiting process.” She also tells herself that “When creating an art quilt, there is no such thing as a mistake, just a design opportunity.”
Like most quilters, Riggins has some unfinished projects that she has not yet been inspired to finish. One dates to the 1990s.
Karen is a charter member of KHQS and has served in nearly every leadership role at some point over the years. She credits the organization in large part for her growth as a textile artist. “I have learned from so many great teachers, and through KHQS I have made lifelong friendships with some absolutely wonderful people.
Riggins strongly encourages all quilters to journal their work. “Keep a record of your work, take progression and finished work photos, document what inspired the quilt, what materials were used, list of techniques, who it was made for,” she said. “It is never too late to begin that process and it is an important part of our quilting history.”