something stitched

This past week I had the opportunity to chat with the two sisters who authored the book “While the Windmill Watched”.  It’s their story of growing up in the 50’s in North Dakota but it has sparked such interest that they now do a recorded “chat” every Monday evening with guests recounting ties to or memories of the 50’s. This last week of January it was my turn to share stories related to quilting.  It’s a 30-45 minute chat you can tune in for at www.whilethewindmillwatched.com at 8pm central time.  Look for 1950’s Fun Chat on their website.  It’s a little bit personal memories, a little bit quilt history, and a lot of lighthearted conversation all about quilts. Past recordings are available so you can check out other guests with a wide variety of topics being covered.

So what is your favorite story from the 50’s?? I had the good fortune to have a grandmother and three great aunts who were very good quilters and practiced their craft almost daily.  While I don’t have a pristine quilt with any of their stitches, I have samples of their needlework in other forms that I treasure. Their work did inspire one of the quilts featured in my book, “Hand Me Down Quilts”.  Using the traditional blocks and a novelty print featuring fashions from the 50’s I designed the quilt titled “ Ode to the Quilter’s of ‘57”.  A quilt is one way we can share our stories, preserve our memories and, perhaps, even inspire the next generation.

I have spent most of September enjoying quilt shows in three different states, vending at one.  The Des Moines Area Quilt Guild (Iowa) quilt show is one of the best “local” shows.  The variety of quilts from art to artful to traditional with special exhibits hanging in the beautiful Iowa State Fair 4-H building rival the national shows in my opinion.  I was a vendor and was grateful for the care and attention guild members paid by continually taking care of my needs and for those who purchased my artisan dyed fabrics and vintage linens, scarves and patterns.  There was truly something for everyone at this show.  My booth was between Leo9Textiles, vendor of eclectic fabrics (and at many national shows), and Virginia Berger, curator of antique quilts.  I learned that Leo9Textiles is just off our path to Texas each winter and they have a show coming up in Smithville, Texas in November.  Alas, it is before we head south.

I share here the inspiration I garnered from being able to get in the show early (before crowds) and wander through the exhibits, savoring each one whether artful or traditional.  This show is on my list for next fall.

And so I shall gather fabric, thread and ephemera and begin to play!

As much as I love dogwood blooming in the spring, I also love the bright magenta of the redbuds that dot the roadsides near my rural home.  They, of course, have just inspired a quilt as I reviewed all the related colors in my stash. I will be adding some overdyed fabrics as well.  More as this project evolves.