Quiltfolk Issue 31 Oklahoma

For most Quiltfolk trips, one thing we try to consider is what the weather will be like when we’re there and how conducive it will be to our ability to travel. When planning for the Oklahoma issue, we wanted to make sure we avoided the infamous tornado season. While we love shots of quilts blowing in the wind, we didn’t want to push our luck.

Still, when we asked Oklahomans what their spring weather was like, most quoted actor and Oklahoma native Will Rogers: ​​“If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, wait a minute, and it’ll change.” Thankfully, we got very lucky during our visit, only running into light rain now and then. 

But we think that quote says something about the resilience of the folks of Oklahoma. Throughout its tumultuous history, from the Trail of Tears to the tragic events of the Tulsa Race Massacre and the challenges posed by the Dust Bowl era, Oklahoma has been tested time and again. Yet its people have displayed remarkable fortitude, determination, and ingenuity. They’ve transformed hardship into opportunity, harnessing the state’s abundant natural resources to forge a tight-knit, industrious community centered around family values and collective progress.

Feeling at home in Oklahoma isn’t just a sentiment; it’s an embrace of the state’s warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage. From the powwows of the Cherokee Nation to the rodeos of the Oklahoma Panhandle, The Sooner State’s diverse array of cultures and customs is woven into the fabric of everyday life. The spirit of community runs deep in Oklahoma’s veins, and its charm lies not only in its picturesque landscapes and bustling cities but also in the genuine kindness of its people. So whether you’re a native Oklahoman or a visitor passing through, you’ll find that feeling at home in Oklahoma is as natural as the sun setting over the plains.

Writers: Rebecca Bratburd, Meg Cox, Teresa Duryea Wong, Diane L. Murtha, Frances O’Roark Dowell, Sharbreon Plummer, and Carmen Schell. 

Photographer: Azuree Holloway 

Photo Stylist: Trevor Holloway