Sisters in Stitches Quilt Show
Bridgewater State College, MA 2001
A Show Review by Patricia Cummings
photos by James Cummings
Vibrant colors, elegant design
On a sunny day last spring, we headed out, clutching a map of Massachusetts and a short description of a quilt show. The only information that we had was the name of the show and that it was being presented at Bridgewater State College. On that particular day, there were still patches of snow where we live, but the croci had sprung through the ground and were blooming profusely in fields and yards, as we approached our destination, some distance to the south of us.
We located the campus and followed signs to the designated building. Actually, the wind blew us up the street. Outside, a hastily made sign simply said, "Ethnic Quilt Show- Today." After climbing three flights of stairs, we came to the large hall where the quilt show had been set up. Fate must have compelled me to wear a Crazy Quilted, African theme vest that day. When I walked into the show, I am not sure who was more surprised!
The ladies at the admission desk were very friendly and even at first
glance inside the large room, I knew that the show was going
to be wonderful. Most of the quilts were uniquely different in many ways. Even the traditionally based quilts were made in a fresh manner, such as the
Tumbling Blocks quilt (shown here) that had one block which had accidentally
fallen off the stack.
I loved the tessellated quilt which was made after the quiltmaker had participated in a class with well known quilt artist Ruth McDowell. That particular quilt featured a tessellated African hut, interwoven with other tessellated (repeated and interlocking) images. Not surprisingly, many of the quilts in the show had African themes and used either authentic African fabrics or American made fabric with African designs. Luckily, the husband of one of the members, travels frequently to Africa and brings back fabric for those requesting it. There are also some great shops featuring these special fabrics in the Boston/Cambridge area.
Color was the watchword for this show. The use of color and lack of fear in using it, made the quilts come alive with personal meaning. Some of the quilts were so compelling, we not only stood looking at them for a very long time, we also revisited them before leaving. The variety of images was the most fascinating part of this quilt show.
The Sisters in Stitches quilt group is composed entirely of Black Americans. On their membership roster, there are fifty listed members, at least at that time. However, they have thirty active members. While we were there, not one other white person visited the show. More is the pity.
These gals sure have a lot to offer and do not lack for talent nor a willingness to share. If they present a show another time, we will surely want to go. The love of quilting unites us all and transcends any differences of race, creed, color, religion, or other superficial considerations. We can all learn from each other and truly consider ourselves to belong to a global network of 'Sisters in Stitches'.