Artist Feature: Debbie Bass

Photo courtesy of Debbie Bass.

​Debbie Bass has spent more than five decades threading stories, memories, and meaning into fabric. Her journey as a quilter spans 54 years and continues to inspire those around her with a legacy stitched in warmth, healing, heart, and art.

​Debbie's passion for quilting began early in life. One of her earliest childhood memories is napping beneath a Sunbonnet Sue quilt at the age of eight—a quiet moment that sparked a lifelong calling. But, perhaps the most profound influence came from her great-uncle, a Cherokee man who began quilting in his 80s. With skilled hands, he made hand-stitched patriotic quilts for veterans, newborns, and those affected by disasters in and around Flint, Oklahoma. His generous spirit and humor made a lasting impression, ultimately guiding Debbie toward her own creative path.

Though inspired, Debbie didn’t know how to begin quilting until she got married. Her husband's grandmother, who was nearly blind, became her mentor. With her guidance, Debbie completed her first quilt for her firstborn child—and she hasn’t put her needle down since.

---

For many years, Debbie attended quilt shows as a devoted observer, admiring the craftsmanship of others. But it wasn't until the last five years that she began entering her own creations. As an active member of her local quilt guild, she now participates in their biennial shows and will have two quilts featured in the upcoming July 2025 exhibition.

Among the many quilts Debbie has made, one holds a particularly special place in her heart: her Lewis and Clark quilt. This piece was her first large-scale free-motion quilting project completed on her domestic sewing machine. Every stitch tells a story, depicting scenes and elements from the explorers' historic journey across the country. It’s a quilt that speaks not only to technical skill but also to narrative artistry.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Bass.

Debbie Bass, Lewis and Clark, quilting

​Debbie’s inspiration is as varied as the quilts she creates. Dreams often spark new ideas—frequently in the early hours of the morning. She’s drawn to patterns, as well, but always infuses them with her own creative touch.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Bass.

​Her talent goes far beyond aesthetics. For 13 years, Debbie dedicated herself to making ​Quilts of Valor for veterans. During that time, she and her fellow quilters awarded nearly 2,000 quilts to veterans in gratitude for their service. A large number of those quilts were sewn by Debbie herself, whose husband is a Vietnam veteran. Today, Debbie continues to quilt for a cause, creating comforting pieces for children, newborns, and women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Bass.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Bass.

Debbie encourages new quilters to start with simple patterns and find someone willing to guide them. She believes learning to understand your sewing machine is key, and perseverance is essential.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Bass.

Each quilt she makes is a gift of love. She hopes those who receive them feel healing, joy, warmth, and comfort. Debbie is also passionate about helping others understand the emotional weight behind a handmade quilt. For her, referring to a quilt as merely a "blanket" minimizes the care and spirit sewn into every stitch. She discovered just how deeply quilts can heal when she saw the reactions from veterans receiving their Quilts of Valor.

​With over five decades of experience, a heart full of service, and hands that never stop creating, Debbie Bass continues to create her art right here, in The Village, OK.

---

Are you an artist living in The Village, OK—or do you know someone who is?
We’re looking to feature local talent on the The Village Arts Association website! If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted, please send an email to our Community Outreach Director at [email protected].