QUILTS STOLEN

March 18, 2012 in On the Road, Optical Illusions, Quilt related blogs, quilts

It is something every traveling quilt teacher fears, her quilts will be stolen or lost. Unfortunately, it has happened to me. I’m heartbroken. . . please share the images and story below. I hope they will be found.

On March 16, 2012, sometime between midnight and 6am at the Courtyard New Braunfels River Village, my rental car’s driver window was broken and my teaching suitcase was stolen. The hotel is located at 750 IH 35 North in New Braunfels, Texas. The police were called, they stated the break-in looked like the work of a professional.

It was a “smash and grab”. The vandals did not know what they were taking and it will have no value to them. It means the world to me. . .

Inside the suitcase were the quilts from my popular Patchwork Illusions class. I also lost all my teaching supplies and step-by-step demos for the class.

If you live in New Braunfels or anywhere in Texas, please check local yard sales, flea markets and pawn shops for the quilts. Everyone, please forward this blog posting to every quilter and quilt shop you know and ask them to forward it to everyone they know.

If you find one of my quilts or quilt blocks, please contact me at karen@karencombs.com

Thank you for all your help,

Karen

Patchwork Illusions quilt – BATIK CASCADE RIBBONS

Patchwork Illusions quilt – DUO

Patchwork Illusions quilt – RAINBOW CUBE

Patchwork Illusions quilt – TRIO

Patchwork Illusions quilt top – DARK CRYSTAL STAR

Patchwork Illusions quilt top – LIGHT CRYSTAL STAR

Patchwork Illusions quilt – RIBBON CUBE

Patchwork Illusions quilt blocks

Patchwork Illusions quilt – STACKED AND WRAPPED

Patchwork Illusions quilt top – CUBED

118 comments

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March 19, 2012 at 8:10 pm

Woodford Merrily

I love your designs and am hoping that they will be found safe and sound. I’d love to learn how to make them. Good luck–I’ll keep my fingers crossed that all will be found soon.
Merrily W. –Bit’s N Pieces Guild–St. Louis, Mo.

March 19, 2012 at 8:15 pm

Karen Combs

Merrily, I will be coming to your guild in August and conducting two classes. Hope to see you there!
Karen

March 20, 2012 at 3:27 pm

Anonymous

I agree with Merrily Woodford. I would love to try these, too. I’ve never seen them in magazines or as patterns in quilt shops. I do need to try you’re website. Are the patterns for sale on it? I really hope you find them. I’m in Austin. So Ill forward this to as many quilting friends as I have email addresses for.
Beverly Mahady – Austin Area quilt Guild, Bits and pieces bee – Texas

March 20, 2012 at 4:32 pm

Karen Combs

Beverly,

You can see all our patterns/books/fabric here: http://karencombs.com/catalog.htm

Thanks for sending on the info and for your support,
Karen

May 8, 2012 at 12:29 pm

Eve

I restore, sew sleeves, make pillows, etc. from quilts and blocks from customers. I will keep my eye out and have notified my sons friends who live in Texas via e-mail.
Your work is unique and will not go unnoticed for long when or if it hits the mainstream. Notify the local museums, also. They see everything out there eventually. Even the newer works.
I’ll have my needles crossed for you.
Eve

March 19, 2012 at 8:16 pm

Sue Leenders

Link posted on all my Face Book groups. Hope your quilts are found!

March 19, 2012 at 9:00 pm

Liz Rainaud

So sorry….thieves really suck. I will post links on my Facebook page, too.

March 19, 2012 at 9:11 pm

Anonymous

I’m just south of Austin and will be on the look-out for these. So sorry this happened to you!

March 19, 2012 at 9:21 pm

Monica Nauert

I live in Austin, and work at a quilt shop in Buda. I will spread the word. As much as everyone loves your quilts, I am hoping that they will be easily recognizable (when!) they are found. I am so sorry that this happened to you. I am praying that they show up.

March 19, 2012 at 9:32 pm

Anonymous

I posted this on my Facebook page also. Your quilts are beautiful and need to go home! I so hope you can locate them and get them back.

March 19, 2012 at 9:42 pm

Suzie Pawlus

I sure hope you get them back. My (80+) mother made a quilt for her great-grandson’s wedding and it was stolen from Ocean Wave Quilt Shop owned by her daughter (me) in Eureka, CA It has never been seen again. Good Luck to you finding yours. (She never filed a police report, but should have.)

March 19, 2012 at 10:01 pm

Teresa Verney

I am so sorry about the theft of your beautiful quilts. I will send up a prayer for the safe return of your belongings
Thinking of you from ‘down under’

March 20, 2012 at 6:00 pm

Anonymous

Here’s another downunder person who’s read this and is hoping those quilts turn up for you. I’ll repost to my FB page for my American friends to see.

March 20, 2012 at 6:03 pm

Karen Combs

THANK YOU TO ALL, I can’t tell you how much your support, kind words and prayers have warmed my heart. I remain hopeful that somehow, somewhere, my quilts will be found.

Karen

March 19, 2012 at 10:12 pm

Kathy Tate

Beautiful Work. I Pray you find all your work.

March 19, 2012 at 10:15 pm

Kay Lynne

Oh no 😦 I hope they will be located. I will be on the lookout in Ohio and post about it on Connected Threadz.

March 19, 2012 at 11:18 pm

Gail

Karen, I am so sorry this has happened, I will be posting this to my FB page.

March 19, 2012 at 11:30 pm

Elaine Poole

I live in the Houston and will be sure and be on the outlook for your beautiful quilts. I am so sorry this has happened to you, especially in TEXAS!! My prayers will be for you.

March 20, 2012 at 12:07 am

Diane Wilkinson

I am so sorry that this happened to you. I have a friend who “lost” an award winning quilt from a show here in Utah. She was heart broken. Her quilt was posted with a site for lost quilts, and found about 2 years later. I don’t remember the name of the online site, but am sure you could google it. Good luck to you, and again, so sorry this happened. Your blocks are beautiful!
Diane Wilkinso

March 20, 2012 at 6:08 am

Mary

Your quilts are gorgeous! Are you ever in the Charleston, SC area? Would love to take a class!! So sorry to hear about your theft. Will pass along to friends to have everyone look.

June 6, 2012 at 10:54 am

Drue

Mary, I have not yet seen the quit collection I read about located in one of the museums in Charleston. Perhaps you could visit there (I’m not sure which one) and tell the people in charge to be on the lookout for Karen Combs’ quilts? I took her class in New Braunfels, TX the day after her quilts were stolen. Ms. Combs was very stoic through the ordeal and taught a wonderful class in spite of her great loss the night before. My mother still lives in Barnwell and my brother in Columbia. My father is buried in Beaufort at the National Cemetary. Ms. Combs has been a favorite of mine for years now. If you come to the Houston International Quilt Show the first week of November, you’ll be welcombed to stay with me here in Texas. And, if Ms. Combs teaches classes there this year, you can meet her in person,

Drue

March 20, 2012 at 7:48 am

'Susan Zedlitz Goodman

Sorry for your troubles, posted link on facebook.

March 20, 2012 at 8:16 am

Sharie - Moss Bluff

I am in Louisiana but have friends in California, Colorado and Iowa. I will see to it that the guilds/shops are aware of this. I am so sorry about your quilts. If this was someone who saw no value in the quilts they may be in a dump. If it is kids, it is possible that they have given them to someone and they might show up. You might check with Waste Management or whoever in that area. I saw on tv once where they actually went through the trash for things that could be recycled. You could check to see what there schedule is to pick up dumpsters. If they are at a flea market, it would have to be close to that area. Gas costs too much to make it worth while to transport them and other things a long distance. They would not make any money. That is unless they had a huge truck. Best of luck and hope all of your things turn up.

March 20, 2012 at 8:22 am

Felicia V

Will pass this link to all of my WA state quilter friends. I also do two newsletters and will add the link to that.

I swear… find the thieves and string them up!!!!

: (

March 20, 2012 at 8:57 am

Brenda

Oh my gosh, I can’t even imagine having something so amazing stolen. I also shared on my Facebook page.

March 20, 2012 at 8:42 am

Anonymous

beautiful quilts…would to know how to make them….Sure hope you find them…..

March 20, 2012 at 8:48 am

Merry Perkins

Knowing how hard it is to lose something and replace a beloved quilt, I would be glad to make a quilt top to replace one of the ones you lost so you can continue to teach with something to show. Just send me the pattern you want made. I have a huge stash and am not working on anything right now.

March 20, 2012 at 8:53 am

Karen Combs

Thanks, Merry! I’m in the process of “re-grouping” and am on the road again, in a few days. Once I’m home, for a bit, I can see what I need. I’ve had so many offers of help, really is heart-warming. The quilting community is truly filled with wonderful people.

March 20, 2012 at 8:49 am

Anonymous

Such beautiful works of art! Best of luck to you and everyone else who is helping to find them.

March 20, 2012 at 9:09 am

Maria

So sorry to hear of the theft.
Your work is impressive. I’ve posted your story and really hope this pays off with the return of you wonderful work.
Keep thinking positive.

March 20, 2012 at 9:21 am

Cyndye Batchelor

Karen, I just read this in my paper this morning. Yes, I live in NB. I am furious that the motels aren’t telling people about this. I moved here a year and half ago and have noticed the motels along 35 are getting hit regularly. Big items also, like a shop class’s trailer they built and were going to enter in San Antonio. There is a sophisticated theft ring going around hitting the 35 motels and it needs to be broadcast. I WILL be putting a letter to the editor in the newspaper.
Your quilts are distinctive. I can’t imagine anyone trying to sell them locally…not with all the quilters that live here. I hope you get them back. And on the behalf of New Braunfels….I am so very sorry.

March 20, 2012 at 9:37 am

Karen Combs

Cyndye,

Thanks so much. Unfortunately, the police said this happens all the time. Really sad. I’m hoping with enough eyes watching the area, flea markets, yard sales, CraigsList, eBay. . . maybe something will be found.

I do love the New Braunfels area, I’ve taught there many times. It is a special place, filled with wonderful people. This theft is no reflection on the good people there, just a reflection on some bad people, perhaps passing through.

I agree, the hotels/motels in the area need to post signing, have security cameras, security staff, something. . .

Thank you for all your help!
Karen

March 20, 2012 at 9:34 am

Penny Pension

Check on line on ebay and craigs list. They usually post pictures of the things that are sold.
Good luck finding your gorgeous quilts.

March 20, 2012 at 10:24 am

Ruth Shepherd

Karen, this is such a shame. Your quilts were so beautiful and I’m sure the thief will not appreciate them. I’m so sad that this happened to such a wonderful sweet person. We will keep our eyes open and watch for these quilts online also.

March 20, 2012 at 11:03 am

Ingrid Grimes

Stolen quilts – what a shame!

March 20, 2012 at 11:15 am

Danni Armstrong

These are gorgeous quilts! I am so sorry for your loss and hope they are found soon. Good luck.

March 20, 2012 at 11:18 am

Jessica Miller

That is horrible! I’ve passed the information along to our quilt guild here in Northern Colorado. If for some reason they end up this direction, we will let you know!!!!

March 20, 2012 at 11:30 am

Kristin Farwig

Karen, I heard about this from a friend on Facebook and also Carol of Quilt University posted about this. I am so sorry to hear about this. You might check ebay to see if anyone is trying to sell them there. I can’t imagine anyone would try to sell them on etsy, but you might check that as well. I don’t know of any other popular home furnishing type sites or sites that sell quilts, but that would be another avenue to investigate. Also, perhaps you could contact The Quilt Show (Ricky Tims’s site) and I bet he would post something there. I do hope you get your quilts back. They are so beauiful, and I know this has to be heartbreaking.

March 20, 2012 at 6:29 pm

Anonymous

Don’t discount Etsy… they aren’t all honest, hand-crafting cupcakes there, I can assure you! How do I know? Bought a “vintage quilt” that turned out to have been stolen ( by the Etsy reseller!) I gladly returned it to the rightful owner, and I believe the Etsy reseller/thief was prosecuted. It wasn’t the only stolen item for sale. Grrrrr!
I saw the quilt had been stolen by following a link on the Quilter’s Cache website.

March 20, 2012 at 11:36 am

Judy

I noticed that this has been posted on a couple of the quilting blogs that I belong to so word is getting out there around the world. I don’t understand why people think they can just take something that does not belong to them. I hope these and the ones that were stolen a few weeks ago & any others that have been stolen show up soon.

March 20, 2012 at 11:37 am

Heidi Lund

Karen, I am so sorry to hear of your quilts being stolen and yes, it is something all us teacher’s fear. Not sure they will make it to Washington State, but I will pass word to my girlfriends in Houston, Austin and Amarillo.

March 20, 2012 at 11:58 am

Roslyn

A shock & heart break I know the violated feeling of being robbed. I will put a link to your blog from mine.

March 20, 2012 at 12:18 pm

Have YOU Seen These Quilts? | Happenings on Chaos Ranch

[…] took this post directly from Karen Combs blog. Since she asked us to share the story and photos and I live in Texas, I figured this was the […]

March 20, 2012 at 12:40 pm

Nova

Karen, posted on my FB page to try to help you recover them. I am so sorry. Nova Montgomery

March 20, 2012 at 1:25 pm

Anonymous

it wouldnt surprise me if they end up in minnesota..there is alot of people come to this state from texas ..so sorry for youre loss and i started taking pics of my quilts for this reason even though they would never be as valuable as yours…

March 20, 2012 at 1:49 pm

Edie Smith

. So sorry about your loss. What beautiful quilts I hope and pray that they and your class stuff turns up.

March 20, 2012 at 2:29 pm

Ronda Martin

I am praying that you find your quilts safe and sound! I am so sorry for your loss of these beautiful quilts!!!

March 20, 2012 at 2:33 pm

Janet

I’m so sorry this happened to you – one of my quilts was lost in shipping, so I know the heartbreak.

The word is getting out in the quilt world, but if you can manage it, get all the publicity you can in the Southwest. The more people who know, the more eyes are looking.

March 20, 2012 at 2:42 pm

Lisa

Oh Karen, I’m so sorry! I truly enjoyed the class I took with you in Lake Havasu a few years ago and am very glad I got the chance to see these quilts in person. They’re gorgeous!!! I hope they’re recovered safe & sound … and soon! Lisa

March 20, 2012 at 3:24 pm

Alison Arsenault

I am so sorry to hear about the theft, I can understand that you are heart broken. Such a shame, your work is absolutely goregous.

March 20, 2012 at 4:02 pm

Sharron Tharp Grafton

So sorry that this has happened to you. I really enjoyed talking classes from you at our Quilt Symposium of Al and our guild in Enterprise, Al. I know that you will have a lot of eyes out there looking for them. I pray you will get them back.

March 20, 2012 at 4:16 pm

Debbie Ahscraft

Karen, I live in New Braunfels and my friend and I do garage sales every so often for fun so I will certainly keep my eyes open for your quilts. I am so sorry for you. They are so beautiful and I know you are sick about it.

March 20, 2012 at 4:20 pm

Pat Wys

As a fellow designer and teacher traveling all the time with 100 quilts my heart breaks for you and need to evaluate my teaching and traveling routines.

Pat Wys

March 20, 2012 at 4:47 pm

Cindie White-Weiss

Oh Karen, how horrible. Bayberry Quilters will put out the word. And now I also edit an online newsletter called QuiltFun – for New England quilters. I am going to send out an emergency blast right now. I have 1500 subscribers so you never know….

We loved your workshop here so much. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

March 20, 2012 at 5:00 pm

timquilts

I feel your loss!…what a sad commentary on the world we live in 😦 Quilts are all about love and care, and warmth and beauty.Those things can never be stolen but must be freely given. You now have a large credit in the Karma account that will come back to you one day

March 20, 2012 at 5:03 pm

kaholly

Karen, Bless your heart. I am spending the winter in New Braunfels, so I will certainly keep my eyes peeled. As a matter of fact, I will make it my mission to stop iin all the likely places between San Marcos and San Antonio when passing by to have a look!! Good luck to you, honey. ~karen

March 20, 2012 at 5:35 pm

Helen G.

I came over from Ros the Quilter and just wanted to tell you that, besides posting a link in my blog, I posted your blog page on FaceBook because I have a lot of family and friends in Texas. I figure that we ought to be able to alert more people to watch the flea markets, garage sales, pawn shops and even Craig’s list and EBay. The more eyes the more likely they are to be recovered. As distinctive as your quilts are, if anyone sees them hopefully they will alert police.

March 20, 2012 at 6:37 pm

Sukochi

It hurts my heart to see these beautiful quilts gone from you.

Maybe, this is a good oppourtunity to tell people to never EVER leave anything IN a car. Always put anything of value in the trunk, or take it in the room.

I pray that you find these treasures.

March 20, 2012 at 7:34 pm

Karen Combs

Trunk won’t help, if a thief wants to get into the trunk of the car, all he has to do is break out the window and open the car. . . which is exactly what happened to me.

I’ve had friends with items stolen from their motel rooms as well. . . how safe is that? What is the solution? Travel with photos only?

March 20, 2012 at 6:51 pm

gwandma

I am in DFW area of Texas, used to live not far from there, still have contacts & have shared your story on Facebook…Such a shame, they are beautiful…Craigslist is pretty likely will check in that area as well as the surrounding ones too..Hope they get returned..

March 20, 2012 at 6:58 pm

Anonymous

Bummer
we willl keep our eyes open. we have quilting friends from coast to coast. Jamie keep a lookout in Colorado, contact your quilting friends up in Wyoming. Get the word out.

March 20, 2012 at 6:59 pm

Liz Rainaud

I hope that if anyone sees these quilts in a shop or flea market, and are able to purchase them, please do so and make arrangements to get them back to Karen! If you aren’t able to purchase them, it would be best to call the police and notify them. I would hate for them to be found, only to be lost again because they were purchased by someone who didn’t know they were stolen. This probably didn’t need saying, but sometimes I overlook the obvious solution in the heat of the moment.

March 20, 2012 at 7:12 pm

Mary Will Sussman - Functional Art Quilts and Wearable Art

[…] can also go to her blog for more pictures: https://karencombs.wordpress.com/2012/03/18/quilts-stolen/ Kudos 0 […]

March 20, 2012 at 7:45 pm

Chrys Rudnik

I do hope you recover these treasures. They are very beautiful. They are also distinctive and, for those who have studied your site, should be easily identified. Certainly hope so.

March 20, 2012 at 8:15 pm

Rosalina

Heartbreaking!!! I will be praying for you and the return of the quilts and other items. I’m sending you a big hug of comfort. Will keep my eyes open for them.

March 20, 2012 at 11:14 pm

Betty Waters

I am sorry your quilts were stolen. I so hope that they are found and returned to you.

March 21, 2012 at 9:00 am

Gail

Will share this on my blogs and FB page to help spread the word. Dirty thief!

March 21, 2012 at 9:55 am

CelticRose

How awful!

I’ve tweeted about this and emailed someone with a radio show and a large fan base; hopefully they’ll help get the word out. I’ll also mention it in my blog today.

I hope you get your quilts back.

March 21, 2012 at 10:45 am

Karen Combs

Rose,

Thank you! It sure means alot, having so many people ready and willing to help. I’ve always said it and it is true. . . “quilters are special people.”

Karen

March 21, 2012 at 11:19 am

Connie

Sorry about the loss of your quilts, however this posting made me aware of your work which would never have just happened. Thanks for creating such stunning work. CA is looking for them.

March 21, 2012 at 2:19 pm

Betty Cotton

Hi Karen,

I personally know your pain and agony. I, too was a victim of having your vehicle broken into during the night hours at a hotel. Normally all things of value come into the room with us. On that particular night is was raining cats and dogs, so we decided it would be best left in the vehicle. Boy, how wrong was I. Not only do you feel violated, the police scolded me for leaving the items in MY vehicle in the first place. I had many items taken, including all my chapters to a 152 page book, lap top and other suitcases. Fortunately they left me my teaching kits for the next couple of days, but you certainly are not in the mood for teaching after all that!
I am so sorry to hear you too are a victim to someone’s thievery.

Hugs my friend, Betty Cotton

March 21, 2012 at 3:28 pm

Ronda Martin

I posted it to my Facebook page and will be on the lookout. I hope you find them soon!!!

March 21, 2012 at 3:53 pm

Joanne P

Posted on Facebook too a group that lots of Americans use.
Keeping fingers crossed for you.

March 22, 2012 at 8:54 am

Carol Hanley Garcia, Houston, TX

Karen,
I hope you have someone to assist you in the recovery of the quilts that were lost. Not only is it the value of your beautiful quilts, but all of the work of putting them together as well as the preparation of your lessons. You will be in prayer that someone will find your suitcase and have the goodness to return it to you. May the Lord be with you.
Carol Garcia, Houston, TX

March 22, 2012 at 1:21 pm

Nita

So sorry. Posting your link on my FB and twitter pages. Will mention on my blog, next time I post. Hope your quilts are returned, soon. Quilted blessings, Nita

March 22, 2012 at 1:39 pm

Linda Lawrence

I am so sorry to read this post. I have a good friend who is an avid quilt maker. She does beautiful work like you. I live in Florida so it is unlikely I will come across your quilts but I can pray for you and for God to somehow lead you back to the quilts. No need to reply I just wanted you to know people are praying for you. Blessings… Linda

March 22, 2012 at 7:18 pm

Anonymous

Sure hope your beautiful and amazing quilts are recovered.

March 22, 2012 at 7:31 pm

Maureen Cracknell Handmade

I just shared on my facebook page here — https://www.facebook.com/maureencracknellhandmade

Good luck!!!

March 22, 2012 at 9:26 pm

Virginia reel

These are very distinctive quilts and not the kind you would see at Flea Markets. If you see one of them at a Flea Market, don’t buy it–call the police immediately and wait until they come! These are fine art pieces and any reputable dealer will recognize them as such. They only place a stolen piece of fine art can be disposed of is in the hands of a collector who knows exactly what he is buying, and sadly, those people exist. And a collection of stolen art pieces can be enjoyed only by the party guilty of buying them. If it’s true this is happening frequently in motels around I-35, shame on the local police and motels for not stepping up security. Some well placed cameras are a cheap deterrent. I remember several years ago a quilter in the DC area found her husband’s Ipod on Ebay and the police were able to crack a crime ring. She found it there several months later, so don’t give up hope, and do look in places where higher end pieces are sold.

March 23, 2012 at 8:21 am

Betty

Wonderful work. Sorry to hear about them stolen . Hope they will be returned safely.

March 23, 2012 at 3:29 pm

Pamela

What a horrible person(s) to do tht to you!
I will be sure to look around for these quilts.
They are beautiful, and show the love and hardwork put into them.

I hope all of your things are found in the same condition they were in wen they were stolen.

March 23, 2012 at 3:55 pm

Anonymous

Hi Karen, I attended your workshop in New Braunfels,Tx.on 3/16/2012. Again I am so sorry for the loss of you things. We are all still praying for their return. But again, you did a EXCELLENT JOB!!!! Keeping our eyes open always, Marcia Hodgkins

March 23, 2012 at 6:23 pm

Karen Comb’s Stolen Quilts, Red Rose Quilters and Lancaster « Karen Kay Buckley Blog

[…] you would be so kind as to click on this link you will be able to see photos of the stolen quilts https://karencombs.wordpress.com/2012/03/18/quilts-stolen/ My heart goes out to Karen. For a traveling teacher this is one of our biggest […]

March 24, 2012 at 8:42 pm

Maureen B.

How very very sad. I feel for you, Karen. As I progress through the creation of a quilt I feel that it becomes a friend. I can only imagine how devastating it would be to completely lose so many wonderful “friends”. Wishing you the luck of the gods in the safe return of your quilts. They are stunning creations.

March 30, 2012 at 3:22 am

Jacqui Delchau Australia

I can’t begin to imagine your sadness, I just know how sad I would be in similar circumstances.We give so much of ourselves into each and every quilt don’t we? I wish you all the luck in the world that they will be returned to you in mint condition.I will put it ‘out’ there!! Good luck, your an amazing quilter………….Hugs jacqui in Australia

March 25, 2012 at 9:33 am

Laura

Your quilts are beautiful and I am sending good thoughts your way that they will be returned soon!

March 27, 2012 at 6:50 pm

Lettis Hooten

I just shared on my facebook page,https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stitches-Longarm-Quilting! I hope you get your quilts returned to you soon.

March 28, 2012 at 3:56 pm

Quilting 'The Kaye Wood Way week of 3.28.12 - It's All About Alaska! - Kaye Wood's Blog

[…] Attention: Please keep an eye out for these stolen quilts by Karen Combs. Read more and see pictures HERE […]

March 30, 2012 at 6:33 pm

Buffy Joseph

Karen,
I LOVE your quilts, and was very sorry to hear what happened. I’m in CA, so unlikely to see them (although you never know), but I will keep a lookout and will try to spread the word. I hope they will be found.
— Buffy

March 30, 2012 at 7:25 pm

Tootsie-Joan Yeatts

So sorry about your Quilts.We will keep a look out in Virginia.Hope they are returned to you.I can appreciate the sentimental value..I’ll be praying for you:)

March 30, 2012 at 7:27 pm

Shannon

What a horrible shame!! I hope they return them….to the police maybe? They are stunning…..

March 30, 2012 at 10:34 pm

Janet in Oregon

Read about the loss of your quilts in the Quilt University newsletter and came to your website to follow up. Beautiful work! I am so very sorry that your work has been stolen and I hope you find it. I will pass this info on to my quilting guilds here in Oregon — just in case.

March 31, 2012 at 10:00 am

Anonymous

Only quilters know how much work and love goes into a quilt and to lose so many is heart rendering. I winter in New Braunfels so your message has reached me in Marathon, Ontario, Canada. I do hope that you are able to recover all of them.

March 31, 2012 at 7:28 pm

Margaret

Karen, I listed your site on my Face Book page. Our quilt guild in Florida notified all of us (About 100+ members). I do hope you get you beautiful quilts back. We can’t have too many eyes looking for them.

April 1, 2012 at 7:51 am

Karen Combs

Thanks, Margaret. I appreciate it! If I hear anything, I will certainly post something on my blog. I still remain hopeful! 🙂

April 1, 2012 at 9:01 am

laineybirdy

Stay positive – we’re all helping! The internet is great for finding creeps.

April 1, 2012 at 9:51 am

Cyndye Batchelor

They just caught a guy that had done about 30 car burglaries lately. But he seems to be an amateur, so doubt that is the one that has been hitting the motels. They are trying to find two guns that he took off with. I wish it was him.

April 1, 2012 at 1:40 pm

Karen Combs

Thanks, Cindy. I’ve heard that they caught someone. I’ve left a message for the dectective on the case and hope they may have found something on my quilts. I will try calling again tomorrow. Hoping, but more important, I’m praying they will be found.

April 1, 2012 at 1:12 pm

» Careful with your quilts! Q.U.I.L.T. Guild of NW Arkansas

[…] Sometimes I think that we can all get complacent, even when it comes to something as precious as our quilts. This is a story that is a good lesson for all of us. In addition, please keep your eyes out for any of the quilts in this story: https://karencombs.wordpress.com/2012/03/18/quilts-stolen/ […]

April 4, 2012 at 10:28 am

Quilting The Kaye Wood Way Week of 4.4.12 - Happy Easter Everyone! - Kaye Wood's Blog

[…] Attention: Please keep an eye out for these stolen quilts by Karen Combs. Read more and see pictures HERE […]

April 4, 2012 at 10:29 am

Quilting The Kaye Wood Way » Quilting The Kaye Wood Way Week of 4.4.12 – Happy Easter Everyone!

[…] Attention: Please keep an eye out for these stolen quilts by Karen Combs. Read more and see pictures HERE […]

April 4, 2012 at 12:13 pm

vivian helena Aumond-Capone

If they still have not been found, how about contacting a local paper for a “true life” story,, one about the lost quilts and also about how they are important for teaching, sharing and about the world of quilting, what they mean to you, etc…
I am hoping that all is found safe and sound. I miss placed one of my teaching ones, and was going crazy, I can only imagine how you feel with the loss of your inspirations and your artistic works… quilts.
Please let everyone know when they are found, I am out in Calif.

April 4, 2012 at 1:41 pm

Karen Combs

Thanks, Vivian! The local New Braunfels newspaper did a story on the quilts being stolen right after it happened. I talked with the reporter who wrote it.

So far, no word. Several young men have, separately, been arrested for breaking into cars. I still remain hopeful that someone will know (or find) something.

In the meantime, I’ve been working night and day, re-making my Patchwork Illusions quilts. . . my personal favorites of all my quilts. As I am re-making them, I’ve been dreaming up some new designs. . now to find time to make them. .. maybe after Quilt Market.

April 10, 2012 at 7:35 pm

Anonymous

Dear Karen,
We were fortunate to have you at our guild (the Quilt Guild of Greater Houston) in January, 2012, and I well recall your lecture and trunk show. I am heartbrokened by your loss. We will send an email to all of our members relating this crime and your loss, in hope, that your beautiful treasures will be found.
Best wishes,
Barbara Jensen, QGGH President

April 11, 2012 at 1:34 pm

Karen Combs

Thanks, Barbara! I appreciate it!

I sure had a good time with all of you, while in Houston. Fortunately, not all my quilts were stolen. . . only the Patchwork Illusions quilts. I’m working at re-creating them, making them as beautiful as possible. I’ve remade several and am working on others. 🙂

I still remain hopeful that the quilts will be found. With so many wonderful quilters (and others) looking for them. . . if they appear, I’m sure someone will spot them.

Thanks again,
Karen

April 12, 2012 at 7:08 am

Gail Nelson

Karen, your quilts are wonderful and I’m so sorry they were stolen. I moved to Arkansas from the Lake Travis area, which is between Austin and Marble Falls. Your quilts may show up in Marble Falls, Wimberly and Fredericksburg. Now is Bluebonnet time all in the hill country and lots of shows going on. I hope you find them…..Gail

April 24, 2012 at 11:05 am

Karen Comb’s Stolen Quilts | Quilt Seminars at Sea Blog

[…] We just wanted to spread the word. Here is a link to Karen’s Blog where she has photos and descriptions of the quilts & samples: https://karencombs.wordpress.com/2012/03/18/quilts-stolen/ […]

April 24, 2012 at 12:32 pm

Jean Pajot Forrester

Karen, We’ve never met and I live in Michigan but you can believe the word will be spread amongst my quilt guild and beyond. I do hope the lost quilts and tools are found. Jean

May 22, 2012 at 3:44 pm

angeljeanne

I have a friend in California who is a Engineer I will be spreading the word to him to be on the look out I have sent him copies of the Quilt pictures so he would know what to look for, This is just NOT right!! I pray we all can get them back I am sorry I am pray and hope for the best,,I am looking,,take care Cheers HUGS angeljeanne (jeanne) xox

June 3, 2012 at 5:02 pm

Barbara Frame-Love

Karen, I am so sorry about your loss. I do the old fashioned needle and thread stitching and quilting. I love your work and would love to copy the pattern. Unfortunately, I am a seizure patient and can’t wrap by mind around the pattern! They are so beautiful and I truly pray that your quilts are returned in new order! God bless!.

April 21, 2013 at 8:18 pm

visit

I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the
eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often.
Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?

Great work!

April 21, 2013 at 8:34 pm

Karen Combs

Thank you so much! Nope, didn’t hire a developer, did it myself. 🙂

May 14, 2013 at 11:45 am

triciasquilts

Even though I live in Montana, I will post on my business fb page. I have a lot of out of state customers, and maybe one of them would see something! I would be sick to my stomach if this happened to me….

May 14, 2013 at 6:16 pm

Leann McClain

I live about an hour south of Austin and I will post this to my Facebook page. I sure hope you get them back!

May 14, 2013 at 7:40 pm

Lin Guard

Oh, Karen, I’m so sorry to hear about this big disappointment in your life! It’s a devastating feeling to be experiencing losses like this! I cross my fingers you will find them soon and keep my eyes open in case your beautiful quilting comes our way. I miss having shared times like we did when you and I were with Blank Quilting. Blessings! ❤ Lin

June 13, 2013 at 10:45 am

Karen Combs

Thanks, Lin! So nice to hear form you, hope all is well for you!

May 14, 2013 at 9:56 pm

Judy