Annie Charles: Brightening the lives of others

by Janet Wilcox
Contributing writer
All artists are visionaries with the ability to see art in multiple ways.  Annie Charles is no exception as she uses her talent to create fabric art for family, friends, senior citizens and military veterans.
She is an active member of the Grayson Country Quilters (driving from Montezuma Creek.) Her compatriots at quilt guild have nothing but praise for her:
Gayle Shumway: “Annie has a glow! She brings sunshine wherever she goes and the reason is that she is always thinking about how she can help others.
“She came to the craft classes at the Senior Center to get ideas for the Aneth Senior Center, where she volunteers. She provides materials and instruction for classes there.
“She is an excellent seamstress and shares her talents and friendship. I love Annie!”
Nancy Kimmerle: “I have known Annie for many years now. She’s been a devoted, mother and clever homemaker.
“She’s an exceptional seamstress and quilter. She usually adapts or creates her own patterns.
“Her sewing is meticulous. It’s fun to spend time with Annie and learn about her life. She donates many of her quilts to others.” 
Annie was raised in Tuba City and went to a boarding school in Shonto for eighth grade. 
Her parents lived in Blanding for a short time and she took home economics classes there, as well as in Cincinnati where she lived with a foster family for two years. 
Her family moved back to San Juan County in 1970 and she graduated from San Juan High School in 1974. 
Gayle and Marsha Cosby were two of her friends and Mitch Kaulai was her seminary teacher.  Later while working at the old Transitions building, she noticed ladies across the street sewing by the Visitor Center so she walked over.
Sidney Christensen had quilt tops for sale and told her about the Grayson Country Quilters and she has been an active member ever since!
Sidney Christensen: “I first met Annie in 2012 when she stopped by my booth at Blanding Farmer›s Market.  I had some quilting items and we began talking and I invited her to join our quilting club. 
“The first time she showed one of her quilts was at a quilting retreat at Maughn’s cabin.  In her quiet way, she did not want to show her quilt, but with encouragement she did. 
“We were all impressed by her beautiful quilt done with precision.  This was one of her first quilts and it was beautiful.
“Besides beautiful quilts, Annie has made umbrellas, purses, bags, backpacks and just recently stuffed animals.  Her work is of such a quality that others purchase items from her. 
“Over the years Annie has become a dear friend. She is honest and she keeps her word.  She wants a better life for her children and grandchildren than the life she had.
“Recently a group of us were sewing together and Annie shared more of her life experiences with us.  I deeply admire and respect her and am pleased to call her a friend.”
Annie is very involved with the Aneth Senior Center and the VFW, because of the service of her husband, Nelson, in the National Guard.  This past year, Grayson Country Quilters donated 20 quilts to the Aneth Senior Citizens at Annie’s request.  She also takes pictures of the quilts to give to each of the recipients.  
Besides making quilts for the Sr. Citizens in Aneth, Annie also taught them how to do beading, scrapbooking, crocheting, making bears, pot holders, rugs, as well as pillows and pillow cases.
Loretta Lansing is her main success story as “she loved doing crafts.”  She has given away over 100 quilts for family reunions, veterans, and lap quilts for Sr. citizens, and homebound.
She makes quilts for football fans, (Steelers, Denver Broncos, etc.) and has made dozens of quilts for her family “so they will have something to remember me by.
She adds, “The hardest quilt I ever made was my first one with Sidney. Getting the measurement exact was very hard.“
In case anyone doubts Annie’s zeal for sewing: she owns over 15 sewing machines!  Three for different rooms in her home, three of her machines she has at the Anneth Sr. Center and others she loans out!
Her husband, Nelson, is a very patient man, though he often exclaims: “Why are you buying another sewing machine?” --noting that she already has about 20!