10 February, 2021

More From the Museum

Another current exhibit at the National Quilt Museum is one entitled: "Southern Quilts".  From the exhibit description: "This is a collection on loan from Mary Kerr and examines the rich history of southern quilts, steeped in tradition and passed down through generations. These glorious designs, colors and patterns are unique to this region of the United States and reflect the influence of multiple cultural traditions brought to the region over the last four centuries. The earliest patchwork quilts came from the traditions in the British Isles; unique designs and interpretations emerged as German, Scots-Irish and other European settlements converged on the American South. Each quiltmaker made her choices based on the styles, patterns, traditions and fabrics available at that time. These quilts have a distinctive look and feel that sets them apart; many are made of heavy cotton and finished with the Baptist Fan or "elbow" quilting. These thick pieces are usually thought of as utilitarian, but many have simply been created from available resources and, since cotton was King throughout the south, this abundant crop was the primary batting in quilts of this region. Southern women didn't shy away from difficult patterns and there are many examples of circular designs particularly those with points, spikes and teeth. Women at that time made do with what was available; across all socio-economic situations the quilts reflect the resources available." 
This is just a small sampling of pieced quilts from the exhibit, it was historically rich and a treat to behold.
This quilt was of special interest, read about it below:

A detail of the World War 1 Scripture Quilt; it's hand pieced, too! Started and completed in only 45 days!! This is an incredible exhibit, I'm going to post tomorrow about the applique quilts in this same collection and how they, and some current quilts borrowing off that tradition have inspired me to pull out a UFO that had been long-shelved and what my plan is to finish it up. Seeing that quilt above that was finished in a month and a half demonstrates that there really are no excuses for languishing!

Life is Good! 


7 comments:

straythreads said...

Thanks for the quilt show and travel pics. I always g to my old books and old magazines for inspiration because everything new is just pushing a line of fabrics. Thanks for sharing you trip.

Janet O. said...

Oh, my goodness, I love this exhibit! And I couldn't help singing along as I read "The Scripture Quilt." Made in 45 days?!?

julieQ said...

OH I love it! Love that song; one of my favs!!!

AnnieO said...

Love the scrappy old quilts, all hand pieced.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Mary Kerr was to provide our special exhibit for last year's Davies Manor quilt show but we all know how last year turned out (cancellation city). I do hope that her quilts can be booked again after it is safe to hold a public event.

cityquilter grace said...

gorgeous quilts indeed....and the scripture quilt? awesome...amazing!

Tanya said...

That scripture quilt is amazing and it would be amazing if it had taken 10 years to finish. How is that possible in just 45 days?! And remember the lighting wasn't all that good back then. What dedication to the wonderful, holy message.