KC Biker Artist Paints Quilt Machines

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Patriotic designs on industrial sized sewing machines painted by a local artist are part of a ceremonial opening of a quilting convention honoring America’s service members.

“It’s a sewing machine on steroids,” says Kansas City artist Chris Cofield about the Gammill branded quilting machines he airbrushed with artwork representing the American flag, the constitution, and an American bald eagle.

Cofield, who normally paints high-end motor cycles, says an average bike costs about $1,500.00.

He’s had other special commissions to airbrush telephones and helmets.

“Every once in a while I get something off the wall, like this stitching machine,” Cofield says.

“It’s comparable to an elaborate motor cycle job,” Cofield said describing the airbrush artwork. “There were a lot of elements to that particular machine, so I had probably 50 hours from start to finish.”

“The sky’s the limit,” Cofield says about the costs of custom motorcycle paint jobs. “I’ve done stuff close to $10,000.00.”

He says the tight spaces on the quilting machines, which are about 16 inches high and 32 inches long, created extra challenges.

“There were a lot of elements to that particular machine, so I had probably 50 hours from start to finish,” Cofield says.

The Gammill Company commissioned Cofield to unveil its industrial quilting machines at the opening ceremony of the International Quilt Festival in Houston, Tx.

The ceremony brings attention to a project called Quilts of Valor which provides quilts as gifts of thanks to veterans or current service members.