Bedouin Textiles

We enjoyed another exhibit at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles. I'm always impressed with beautiful objects that also serve practical purposes. In this case, Bedouin nomadic tents, rugs, cushions, clothing, along with camel ornamentation and saddlebags.

The show is just a small portion of the collection amassed by Joy and Robert Hilden.

 The pieces on display were made from the 1960s through the 1990s. The textiles are made from a variety of materials: cotton, sheepswool, goat hair, camel hair, and include synthetic yarns in the newest pieces.

Joy Hilden wrote a book in 2010 about their collection and her research. As cultures disappear, it's important for the artistic and creative arts of peoples to be preserved and shared.  There is no substitute for interacting with cultures firsthand, but seeing this collection is a small glimpse into the weaving done by the Bedouin women. And Joy's book,  Bedouin Weaving of Saudi Arabia and It's Neighbors is available in the museum store and online.

Make it a Wonderful Day!

Easter Table is Set...

The table is set for tomorrow's family Easter Brunch. Now it's time to get cooking...

 Happy Easter!

Kawandi Adventure: Quilts by Margaret Fabrizio

We visited this show of beautiful quilts at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles. 

All so beautiful! And then something really fun happened- as we drove away from the museum, I saw a woman dressed in an artful way, and I recognized her from a short video of Margaret that was included in her show.

I had Dave stop the car so I could get out and tell her how much I enjoyed her quilts. (No photo of our meeting- I'd left my camera in the car and Dave had driven off to get gas.)

We walked back to the museum together, along with the two gentlemen who were with her. We chatted about art and quilts.

 I found out that it was Margaret's 85th birthday that day- so great to see all of this creative energy and beautiful current work. That inspires me.

Her quilts appeal to me on so many levels. I love the connection to the Indian quilting tradition. I love the vibrant, saturated colors. I love the spontaneous, seemingly haphazard compositions. The textures created by the rows and rows of hand stitching. And the use of every scrap and the attention that brings to the beauty around us, even in the bits others might just throw away.


Make it a Wonderful Day!

March Quilt Group Friday

A couple of old gals came to our quilt group today. (I can't believe I used the word "gals"….)

These were made for Helen by her mom a long time ago. Helen's been going through things and came across them, packed away and missing their outfits.  I loved their sweet faces. Helen's going to make them some new cloths, probably Kaffe brights. 

Helen also brought a fabulous quilt she's been working on, and one she may hand quilt.

And she made a block using some very small leftovers from a previous quilt. Hope she makes more of these!

Our group is trying a new project for quilts to donate. Each month is an assigned color. We'll see what we wind up with, but the plan is: Make a 12" block using any pattern and any combination of fabrics that read as the assigned color. So this month's color is green.  Someone will take that month's blocks and sew them together, adding sashing or whatever they want to finish the sampler quilt top. We shall see… hopefully, this will work!!

We're also continuing to support American Hero Quilts. So each month, we'll also bring a red, white, and blue block.

Ardith's working on a Halloween quilt that started with the center and corner panels and she's added borders.

 Lori made this fox pillow for a grand who loves to read...

 And Nan made not one but three baby quilts…

(These are a couple of matching burp cloths.)

And Nan made this challenging quilt. Lots of curved seems along with appliquéd circles too.

Jenny brought a 30's reproduction fabrics quilt with hand appliqués.

I didn't get a photo of Marsha's Aunt Gracie blocks- she donated a quilt and now is making another one to keep.
But I did get a photo of her daughter's clay bunny. M is grown now, but her bunny makes an appearance every spring. His ears are a bit shorter than they used to be, but I love him.

Thank you Marsha for the fabulous lunch and for hosting us today.



Make it a wonderful day!