Breaking Boundaries in Quilt-Making and Global Education: A Conversation with Dr. Erin French
- Dr. Eulanda Sanders
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
At iNNOVATION Insights…We transform our clients' career journeys through the art of storytelling via our consulting, coaching, and career management services.
At INNOVATION Insights, we celebrate pioneers who push boundaries, redefine their fields, and inspire new generations of thinkers and creators. Our recent episode featuring Dr. Erin French is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
Dr. French is a dedicated educator, instructional designer, historian, advocate for global education, and accomplished scholar in textile studies. Having served as her dissertation major professor and work colleague, I have always been deeply impressed by her innovative spirit, commitment to research, and ability to weave historical context into contemporary issues.
In our conversation, we explored her journey—from a childhood fascination with history to her groundbreaking research on men who quilt, her experiences in global education, and her advocacy for inclusivity in textile-based leisure activities.
A Lifelong Passion for History and Art
Dr. French's love for history started early. She recalls having an antique collection before age 12, nurtured by a family that valued genealogy and material culture. Her mother’s artistic background also played a role, fostering an appreciation for how objects tell stories across generations.
While studying at Simpson College, an art history course opened her eyes to the idea that art preserves history—a revelation that shaped her academic path. Her passion for decorative arts led her to the University of Glasgow, where she earned her master’s degree in Decorative Arts and Design History. This experience immersed her in the museum and heritage industries and sparked a love for global education and cultural exchange.
Global Citizenship and the Power of Study Abroad
One of the defining aspects of Dr. French’s career has been her commitment to global education. She spent 17 years at Iowa State University, first as a Program Coordinator in the College of Design, where she coordinated study abroad programs, and later as the Director of International Programs in the College of Human Sciences.
Her personal journey of studying and working abroad shaped her belief in global citizenship—a mindset that emphasizes curiosity, empathy, and advocacy for positive change. During the episode, she emphasized that students who cannot afford to study abroad can still cultivate a global perspective through coursework, community engagement, and online connections.
She also encouraged universities to make global education more accessible, highlighting exchange programs like the one between Iowa State and Glasgow Caledonian University, which allowed students to experience cross-cultural learning without barriers.
Groundbreaking Research: The Unexpected World of Men Who Quilt
Dr. French’s dissertation research on men who quilt challenged societal norms and opened up conversations about gender, creativity, and self-expression. While quiltmaking has traditionally been associated with women, her study explored why men engage in this craft and how they navigate stigma and societal expectations.
Through interviews with 15 male quilters across 12 states, she uncovered a range of motivations:
Self-empowerment and well-being—Many quilters describe the process as meditative, enjoying the rhythmic hum of a sewing machine or the repetitive motion of stitching as a form of relaxation.
Skill development and problem-solving – Many saw quiltmaking as a challenge that involved creativity, mathematical precision, and the ability to improvise solutions.
Social support and community building – While some men found acceptance in quilt guilds, others relied on social media connections to overcome isolation.
Acts of care and love – Many made quilts as gifts for loved ones, seeing their craft as a form of emotional connection.
Her recent publication, "Uncommon Threads: Motivations of Men Who Quilt," in the Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, offers an in-depth look at these findings, and she hopes it will help normalize men’s participation in textile-based leisure activities.
The Need for Inclusivity in Retail and Research
One striking takeaway from our conversation was the challenges men face when purchasing quilting supplies in retail. Many of her research participants reported being assumed to be shopping for their wives, sisters, or daughters, reinforcing stereotypes about who "should" be engaging in quiltmaking.
Dr. French called for better diversity and inclusion training in retail environments, urging stores to create welcoming spaces for all makers, regardless of gender. She also encouraged more scholars—especially male researchers—to document men's textile arts experiences, ensuring their stories and contributions were preserved.
Bridging Innovation and History
Dr. French’s perspective on innovation is deeply rooted in historical context. She believes innovation is about new ideas and understanding the past to shape the future. Her approach to quiltmaking as a metaphor for storytelling, craftsmanship, and creativity aligns beautifully with the broader mission of iNNOVATION Insights—to celebrate interdisciplinary thinkers who break boundaries in unexpected ways.
As she moves forward in her career, transitioning into instructional design and faculty development, Dr. French is applying her research skills to enhance teaching and learning methodologies. Her ability to blend qualitative research, educational innovation, and historical analysis makes her a trailblazer in multiple fields.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Creativity Without Boundaries
Dr. French’s journey is a powerful reminder that creativity transcends gender, discipline, and geography. Whether through quiltmaking, instructional design, or global education, her work challenges us to rethink our assumptions and create more inclusive spaces for learning and making.
As we wrapped up the episode, I asked her how she defines innovation. Her answer was simple yet profound:
“We do not know where we are going until we know where we have been. Innovation is an iterative process, learning from the past to create a better future.”
Dr. French’s insights invite scholars, educators, makers, and global citizens to embrace curiosity, challenge stereotypes, and innovate intentionally.
Let us continue to innovate, not just in what we build but in how we lead.
Keep innovating!
Eulanda
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