Spirit Lake quilter keeps tradition alive

According to KXNET, Crystal Two Hearts of the Spirit Lake Nation has been sewing star quilts for 15 years and now runs Eternal Bloom Blankets in Bismarck full time. She said quilts are sacred gifts in Native culture, representing the embrace of ancestors during life events such as graduations, weddings and funerals.

Two Hearts learned the skill from her mother-in-law and now hopes to pass it on to her daughter, according to KXNET. Working with a vintage machine, she spends up to eight hours a day stitching and often a full week completing a quilt. She also sews handbags, keychains and skirts, donating items to Standing Rock to support fundraising efforts. Two Hearts said the work grounds her and connects her to her culture.