Warm hospitality and even warmer weather are well-known Texas trademarks, but the Lone Star State is also a hotbed of artistic creativity. From music and handcrafted Southwestern décor to leatherwork and painting, Texans have a creative spirit all their own.

For art with both practical and decorative applications, Texas quilts can be heartwarmingly unique and personal, and are often passed through generations as a gesture of love and family pride.

And while Texas may loom large in all things Americana, the nation as a whole is warming up to the art of quilting.

"Quilting has become increasingly popular across all age groups in recent years," said Mary York, TDA's coordinator for fiber marketing. "As the country's leading producer of wool and mohair as well as cotton and leather, Texas offers an abundance of quality materials that are great for many different fiber arts."

No longer an exclusive pursuit of past generations, quilting is seeing the youthful influence of contemporary designs and interesting materials, including satin and velvet. Simple elegance remains classic as ever, but modern techniques and thinking beyond the box have resulted in bold new colors, innovative designs and complex patterns that bring new twists to the timeless craft.

"New approaches and techniques have introduced nontraditional fabrics such as leather into the art of quilting," York said. "Imagination and experimentation have broadened the scope, look and feel of quilts."

Technology also has become more common. A quilt that once took months or years to finish by hand can now be stitched more quickly by machine. Purists may still hold fast to the handheld needle and thread, but for those who choose to devote less time, quilting can now be more efficient and feasible than ever.

Besides being the perfect cover for snuggling in front of late-night television, quilts make impressive wall hangings, table covers, crib accessories and bedclothes.

Ready to get started? Besides fabric, safety pins, straight pins and needles, the following basic tools will help you start stitching your first quilt:

• Rotary Cutter - As the name suggests, this handheld cutter resembles a miniature pizza cutter and features a circular blade that allows you to quickly cut through layers of fabric.

• Cutting Mat - Available in a variety of sizes, a cutting mat protects the surface you're cutting on and also can prolong the life of the rotary cutter blade.

• Quilt Rulers - Often made of acrylic and available in numerous shapes and sizes, quilt rulers measure your cuts and also provide a straight edge guide for your rotary cutter.

• Scissors - For best results, purchase both fabric and paper scissors. Paper is the primary material used for patterns. Having a pair of each type of scissor will keep each in its sharpest shape.

• Thread - Cotton is the preferred thread variety for both hand stitching and machine stitching.

• Seam Ripper - A necessity for quilters of all skill levels, the seam ripper does exactly what its name implies and allows for the correction of misguided stitches.

• Sewing Machine - Even the most basic machine can get you started with straight stitches and quarter-inch seams.

For more information about Texas producers and quilt-related products, visit the Texas Department of Agriculture's GO TEXAN Web site at www.gotexan.org/. Click on "Find Product/Members" and browse a comprehensive list of Texas-made products.

For additional information about Texas fibers, contact Mary York at (512) 463-8289 or mary.york@tda.state.tx.us.