04.28.07
Posted in Books for Quilters at 6:51 pm by Administrator
In 2005, Elizabeth Davis wrote a lovely book that served as a museum catalog for an exhibit at the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford, NY.
I enjoy looking at the photos of these quilts, every time I pick up the publication. It’s a real treat to see the diversity of the collection of quilts that the museum has collected. All of these particular quilts represent the work of quilters in the nineteenth century.
There is now a review of Beth’s book on our website, along with several photos.
A Stitch in Time
Enjoy!
Pat
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Posted in Musings, Quilting at 2:51 am by Administrator
With quilting having become an ever-growing industry garnering billions of dollars a year, worldwide, one has to stop and wonder if, for some people, quilting is just all about money. From where I sit, that seems to be what is currently happening…at least for certain individuals and businesses. As more people leave full-time jobs, or “retire,” in order to devote themselves entirely to the process of being involved in one aspect or more of the quilting world, we are seeing market saturation, or so it seems.
The current emphasis on the “value” of a quilt makes me long for a time when a woman made a quilt with a certain innocence in her eyes, not dollar signs. That is a time so far in the distant past, it is difficult to even know when the transition to quilts as big time moneymakers occurred.
Not all quilts are created equal.
I have been doing some restoration work on a quilt that was given to me. Someday, I hope to find someone in the family who would like it back, maybe after the person who made it is six feet under, and there is more sentimentality associated with the item.
In the meantime, I am “fixing” the seams of a circa 1970 quilt that has polyester, cotton, wool, and corduroy fabrics, and a kind of acetate or polyester backing. That quilt was valued at $0. by the family. To me, it is an example of a rural quilt from a woman in northern Maine who lives in one of the poorest, potato growing areas of the country, and is a lady of French-Canadian origin. She made this baby quilt for her grandson, and he apparently, “loved it to death,” …almost, but not quite.
Quilting used to represent some core values of thriftiness, generosity, and community. In a sense, I mourn the fact that big business is taking over. Yes, we have more gadgets than ever before. Yes, quilts made by ordinary people, both Black and White, have been elevated to “art” status. Yes, the recognition for quilters, and the potential prize money at quilt shows is grand.
That said, I wish I lived in the 18th or 19th century, when all of that was not going on, and quilting happened just for its own sake. What I enjoy most about quilting is the fact that it is a solitary, quiet, and reflective activity, a time of peace, and an experience in creativity.
Have a great weekend!
Pat
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04.27.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 7:57 pm by Administrator
We do not have to look very far into the words of public officials to understand that telling lies has become a nasty habit. Lies have been present, as far back as I can remember paying any attention whatsoever to people in Washington. I guess that would be the Nixon administration. Sometimes, lies are a cover-up, and sometimes, lies are just an attempt to sugar-coat a situation or even a way to get a desired result. Usually, the TRUTH speaks for itself in the long run, and a lie does not remain uncovered for very long.
This habit of telling lies is a very pervasive one, I’m afraid. Why, just yesterday, someone whom I would have thought I could have trusted, told me a bold-faced, unabashed lie. To be a good liar, one has to possess superior powers of memory. Otherwise, it’s easy to flub up. She did.
Don’t worry, I have my B.S. deflector ready at all times, and this old girl has been around the mulberry bush far too often. So, if you are the young person, working in an office, who just lied to me yesterday, then you are put on notice.
God knows, and I know, and what’s worse, you know! Don’t lie. T’ain’t worth it.
That’s my preach-y message today from a disgruntled person who is tired of hearing lies. Don’t lie to me, unless it’s a compliment, like how beautiful I am. Some lies we can just bask in, can’t we?
Pat
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