Quick Question.

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Gifts From Our Foremothers, Part 1

When I make a quilt, I'm connecting with my ancestors. And I don't mean my particular bloodline or geography. Quilting is thousands of years old, and fundamental to human culture. I share this practice with people all over the globe.

The oldest recorded depiction of a quilt comes from Egypt, and is thought to be from 3400 BCE. Quilting has been used to make armor, as a practical alternative (or in combination with) leather and metal. Today, quilts are mostly used to keep us warm. But I see quilts as magical vessels for the human experience. They carry our stories, our emotions, our dreams across time and space.

The Glue of Generations

"The multigenerational aspect of quilting, with techniques typically taught to younger women by their elders, allows the legacy of a family, community and/or culture to be preserved. Thus, to look at a quilt today is to behold history." - Tracy L. Vaughn-Manley​

Read more about the role of quilts in American history in this excellent article by Dr. Tracy L. Vaughn-Manley, a professor of African-American studies at Northwestern University.

Historical Roots

In 2019, I had the privilege of visiting an exhibition of African-American quilts in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Below are a few of the many photos I took. Generally the makers are unidentified, but I've included some information from the exhibition labels. (The catalog from this show is out of print, but you can find used copies.)

Red and Blue Pig Pen Quilt (detail view). c. 1930. Found in Kansas City, Missouri. Cotton. Machine pieced.

One-And-A-Half Log Cabin Square. c. 1970. Found in Chicago, Illinois. Cotton, wool and a few synthetics. Hand painted and hand quilted.

Praise the Lord Quilt (detail view). 1885. Found in St. Joseph, Missouri. Cotton. Hand appliqued, hand pieced, hand and machine quilted.

"The appliqued hands in this quilt may be a reference to the African-American protective charm called a 'Hand' (as in a helping hand) or a 'Mojo.' Appliqued hands are often made by drawing around a real person's hand. If the person was older, the hands may be a reference to the African idea of protective ancestral powers."

Log Cabin Embroidered Quilt. c. 1930s-40s. Found in Chicago, Illinois. Cotton, wool and rayon. Machine pieced, hand embroidered and tied.

Log Cabin Embroidered Quilt (detail view). c. 1930s-40s. Found in Chicago, Illinois. Cotton, wool and rayon. Machine pieced, hand embroidered and tied.

Looking at these quilts really gives meaning to the word inspiration, as in breath. I want to take them into my brain and my soul like deep gulps of air.

Sneak Peek at In Flux

I have been working on several quilt commissions this year. One of these quilts is for my friend, a gift for her granddaughter. I thought very carefully about what the structure of this quilt should be, and I landed on my favorite quilt block, the log cabin. (Detail image above.)

The log cabin is an apt metaphor for family history. It represents the home, the hearth, shelter, safety, legacy, building something for the next generation. It's also a design that's infinitely variable. It can stretch to fit any available space. To me it says, we are always changing, we are flexible and resilient, yet some essential core remains the same.

I'll take a deeper dive into In Flux next week. I recently had 6 new quilts professionally photographed, and I just got the images back. They are awesome, and I can't wait to start sharing them with you. Stay tuned!

snippet.the-socials

A Song For Those Who Read This Far

This week you get a song instead of a GIF. Enjoy!

​Regina Spektor / Folding Chair​

Until next time,​
xoxo Sarah