Millie Cumming

About Millie Cumming

Millie Cumming

I have been a quilter since 1993, having discovered the joy of creating in fabric as a result of motherhood. I am a retired physician; first over twelve years as a family physician, delivering lots of babies, then for nineteen years as a palliative care physician, where I learned many things but especially about the strength and grace of people in difficult times.

More about my medical background

My commitment to fibre arts has been strong ever since my beginning into working with fabric. Nature, textiles and family are my major sources of inspiration, and I have a strong interest in the recycling/upcycling of fabrics. I feel privileged to be part of a long tradition of needleworkers, and as I explore new ways of expression in my quilts, I gain a new appreciation for the rich heritage left to us by the quilters and other fabric artists of previous generations.

There are three main themes in my work:
1. cottage quilts – quilts that reflect the peace and renewal I experience when at our cottage in Muskoka
2. “linen quilts” that incorporate the needlework of women in previous times, often undervalued
3. memory quilts

In almost all my quilts, I enjoy incorporating recycled, one-of-a-kind, or unusual fabrics along with the many wonderful new fabrics available.

In addition to guild presentations and workshops, my work has been exhibited in a number of venues, including FAN shows (I was a member of the Fibre Arts Network since it began in 1997, until I moved to Ontario in 2008), Canadian Quilters’ Association National Juried Shows, Grand National Shows and SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) shows. I enjoy owning (and reading and indexing) a large collection of quilt books and magazines and reference materials.

More about my Exhibitions
More about my Quilt Publications
More about my Affiliations

I have a strong commitment to my extended family, and especially to my husband Graeme Chalmers, our son Andrew, and my stepson and our granddaughter. Graeme and I live in a heritage stone home on the banks of the Grand River in lovely Fergus, Ontario.

My other passions include canoeing in Muskoka, music, photography, and being part of a caring church community.