Quilty
On Sunday I made my way to the brand new exhibit at the Henry Ford Museum called Quilting Genius II, the Improvisational Quilts of Susana Allen Hunter. It was absolutely stunning- any locals should run straight there to see it before the end of April when the quilts will be packed away.
I took my trusty camera and with my babe in arms shot photos of all 30 of them, only to discover when I got home that my lens had accidentally been switched to manual. not. one. good. shot. But I promise, I will return and bring you all photos.
Ms. Hunter's work is reminiscent of the quilts of Gee's Bend, and she artfully pairs modern arrangements with softer details like feedsack florals. Add some hand quilting and you have richly layered pieces that seem to tell you a story. Seriously amazing. The photo above shows four of the quilts, but really doesn't do them justice. I'm hoping I can get you some more details. Can you see all of the feedsacks in the bottom right one?
I was feeling all quilty even before this, working on a small patchworky piece. This is nearly finished now so I will share more when I get a chance. Also getting ready to make my block for the Virtual Quilting Bee hosted by Mama Urchin. And then I'm dying to make Lucie a doll quilt for her first birthday in a month (!!). And the list goes on.
the doll quilts from my childhood are some of my most treasured things. My one year old son Blaise loves one of the quilts and has taken to it as his small quilt. Yes Make her one! :)
Posted by:amy | 20 February 2008 at 11:25 AM
So it's pretty easy to get in a quilty mood if you ask me. That patchwork piece looks so bright and fun.
Posted by:Mama Urchin | 20 February 2008 at 12:26 PM
i'm loving the fabrics you've chosen for your patchwork piece. so much vibrancy. looking forward to seeing the finished piece.
Posted by:adele | 20 February 2008 at 01:51 PM
I would love a homemade quilt, but I am certainly not crafty enough (I love looking at your projects!). I also love the color combinations that you come up with. So, when you're done with your daughter's quilt, can you whip one up for me before my son's 1st birthday in April? :)
Can't wait to see the finished product!
-Sarah
Posted by:Sarah | 20 February 2008 at 02:08 PM
i would go back a second time, even if i didn't need more photos. looks wonderful and so inspiring! i'm sure your quilt will be treasured.
Posted by:TD wool design | 20 February 2008 at 02:11 PM
That looks like such an amazing exhibit... and I love the start you have on yours...
Posted by:lynne | 20 February 2008 at 03:26 PM
What a cool exhibit. Love the color choices on your own quilty project. That apple is too cute!
--Anna
Posted by:Lasso the Moon | 20 February 2008 at 05:43 PM
love all the different fabrics you have used! good luck on the doll quilt!
Posted by:fiona | 20 February 2008 at 08:27 PM
Love the patchworky piece. I've been trying to talk my husband into going to the Henry Ford museum and the Village. I was there as a child last, but remember it as being great. I have a difficult time convincing him to cross the Mackinaw Bridge...he loves the UP.
Posted by:Marcia | 21 February 2008 at 10:03 AM
wow, what a great exhibit. thanks for sharing. I'm getting inspired to do some funky patchwork.
Posted by:kate | 21 February 2008 at 08:54 PM
ohmigosh!
love, love, LOVE the start of your quilt!
can you tell me where you found the vintage flashcard fabric, and that great schoolhouse script fabric?...
i have a TINY piece of similar stuff from years ago that I am Hoarding, but would love to get more!
Posted by:Catherine | 25 February 2008 at 05:29 PM
I love the colors of your patchwork mixed with the graphic elements. Do you print them out at home or you got the fabric like that? I printed some at home but they are not water proof. Are yours? Good luck with your quilt!!
Posted by:paloma | 26 February 2008 at 09:06 AM
I could really go for wandering the halls of a quilt exhibit right about now...I think my favorite kinds of quilts are the ones that are pieced together with what's on hand--feedsacks, worn out shirts and dishcloths. There's something about the reusing of those materials to make something beautiful. It's like giving new life to something.
I love the idea of a doll quilt as a first birthday gift. I know that elizabeth will definitely be getting some type of doll on her birthday--she's so enamored with the girls' dolls.
Can you believe our babes are coming up on one year already? it seems impossible.
Posted by:molly | 26 February 2008 at 01:50 PM
I think my comment got lost...?
Posted by:molly | 26 February 2008 at 01:51 PM