Lori Finney is a proud sixth-generation Kansan and a passionate advocate for preserving family traditions through cooking, gardening, canning, crafting, and especially quilting. With a rich heritage of resourceful living on the Kansas prairie in the middle of the heartland, known as the breadbasket or flyover zone, halfway between New York and Los Angeles, Lori draws inspiration from designs passed down through generations, adding her modern flair to timeless classics. One of her treasured pieces is a contemporary reimagining of a quilt made initially by her great-great-great-grandmother, Nancy Jane Harris, in 1885—a poignant symbol of honoring the past while embracing the present. This appreciation of heirloom quilts inspires her approach to quilting, perhaps best defined as modern traditionalism.

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​Beyond her extraordinary craftsmanship, Lori delights in sharing these meaningful traditions with the next generations. She reconnected with her love of creating while anticipating the birth of her first grandchild because she knew intuitively that new babies need a quilt! These creative endeavors are a great source of joy, as she experienced making projects for them, and now joy overflows when teaching them. Lori also values participation in projects that “give back” to the community. She hopes to inspire others to celebrate their roots and craft their legacy by blending history, creativity, and connection.

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Lori’s professional career grew from an accountant into leadership roles in business development and hospital administration. She also had a stint as a college professor after going back to school as an adult for an advanced business degree. She understands the value of life-long inter-generational learning. After over 40 years of corporate life, it was time to step forward and smell the roses. Then came the sweetest question from her oldest granddaughter. Yes, the same one that inspired her to start quilting. Will you teach me…?