Meet the Maker: Ralph Jarvis

Hi Stashers! I was born on a farm in rural Newfoundland and now spend my time between St. John’s and a converted church in New Chelsea, Trinity Bay. I’ve enjoyed a multi-faceted career which has blended natural history, environmental education, graphic design and artistic expression. I have been an interpretive naturalist, nature park manager and museum curator. A love of nature, particularly the incredible spaces and species of Newfoundland and Labrador have driven my creative instincts and curiosity. As an artist, I have contributed paintings and illustrations to museum exhibits, publications, educational materials and gallery exhibitions in Canada and abroad.   

My sister and niece were the first people ever to draw my attention to quilting. The projects I saw them create helped me to realize the complexity and diversity of techniques and projects it encompasses. When Corey and I first established The Quilted Stash, I provided technical design assistance and pattern drafting support. Pretty soon I found myself painting on fabric, collaging and exploring surface pattern design, all of which drew on my understanding of the elements of design and love of a story. Only more recently have I begun to piece.

Working with Corey to establish The Quilted Stash and develop our initial product lines based on Newfoundland and Labrador themes deepened that knowledge. Recently, I came across some notes I had made when Corey and I first created The Quilted Stash. Some of the key principles we wanted to embody were local relevance, original design and the development of patterns that were economical to make. A lot of our patterns can be made using material you likely have at hand. We like that improv and scrap piecing fits well with our commitment to environmental sustainability. Our projects are bespoke. Our printing is on demand. We want to embody sustainable practices in what we create and market. 

Quilts and quilting must be emblematic of the cultural mosaic that is this country. It should stitch together divides, not deny or embellish them. We will endeavour to work using generous hearts, intelligence, positivity and most importantly our creativity. When need be, we will use our voices to speak up against what we understand to be wrong.

I am very excited about the launch of our website, online store and blog. We will do our best to keep you entertained, inspired, and occupied. We are so grateful for the interest and support we have received from the quilting and creative industries in the past and are excited about being a part of your future efforts.