by Quilt Alliance | Feb 11, 2013 | On this Day in History Quilts series
27 Stones. On this day in 1990 South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years. After his release Mandela was instrumental in the establishment of a multiracial government and along with South African President F.W. de Klerk, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Carolyn Crump of Houston, Texas made this quilt, titled “Courageous,” in 2011. Excerpted from Crump’s artist statement: “In creating this tribute to Nelson Mandela, I wanted to symbolize each hardship on his path, as well as his inspiring triumphs. He stands with his back to the viewer, his actual prisoner number across his shoulders above the slogans he fought for and refused to give up in 1963. In his hands, clasped behind his back, are the old and new South African flags. At the lowest center edge of the quilt are 27 stones, representing each year he was incarcerated for fighting for equality.” “Courageous” is part of the Michigan State University Museum collection. View this quilt on The Quilt Index to read more about it’s history, design and construction. Be sure to use the zoom tool for a detailed view. Sources: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/nelson-mandela-released-from-prison http://www.blackfacts.com/fact/d58f3856-13bb-4ccc-88bb-0295edbb5989 Posted by Amy E. Milne Executive Director, Quilt Alliance…
by Quilt Alliance | Feb 8, 2013 | On this Day in History Quilts series
Slam Dunk. On this day in 1986 Anthony Jerome “Spud” Webb won the NBA slam dunk contest. At 5’ 7” Webb was one of the shortest players in the history of professional basketball to win the contest, beating out his teammate, 6’ 8” Dominique Wilkins. This visual powerhouse also comes in a small package. Sharon Norbutas of Camarillo, California made this 19.75” x 19.75” wall quilt titled “Bias Miniature I” in 2006. The quilt is now part of the “Oh Wow! Miniature Quilt Collection” at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. View this quilt on The Quilt Index to read more about it’s history, design and construction. Be sure to use the zoom tool for a detailed view. Sources: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/spud-webb-wins-dunk-contest Posted by Amy E. Milne Executive Director, Quilt Alliance…
by Quilt Alliance | Feb 7, 2013 | On this Day in History Quilts series
Heartthrobs and quilts from the heart. On this day in 1964 the Beatles were greeted at New York’s Kennedy airport by 3,000 adoring fans on their first visit to the U.S. The “Fab Four” were all in their early twenties and had just scored their first number one hit on the American pop charts, “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” Karen Griska of White Plains, New York made this 15” x 15” wall quilt titled “Many Happy Quilts,” in 2008 for the Quilt Alliance contest “My Quilts/Our History.” Karen says in her artist’s statement: The radio was playing “Yellow Submarine” by the Beatles and gas cost just $.32/gallon in 1966 when I made my first quilt at age 13. Since then I have made over 200 quilts. I love improvisational designs, solid color fabrics, and traditional blocks, so this quilt came straight from my heart. I hope to make another 200 quilts, sewing through good times and bad, and whatever life holds for me. I wish you many happy quilts. Visit Karen’s Selvage Blog. View this quilt on The Quilt Index to read more about it’s history, design and construction. Be sure to use the zoom tool for a detailed view. Sources: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/beatles-arrive-in-new-york http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipADNlW7yBM Posted by Amy E. Milne Executive Director, Quilt Alliance…
by Quilt Alliance | Feb 6, 2013 | On this Day in History Quilts series
A Quilt and a Queen On this day in 1952 Great Britain’s King George VI passed away in his sleep, and the crown was passed on to his oldest daughter Elizabeth, age 25 at the time. Her Majesty The Queen, known to her family in childhood as Lilibet, is a lifelong animal lover with a special interest in thoroughbred equestrian events. This Queen’s Feather quilt was made in the 1960’s by Ruby Wyman of St. Johns, Michigan. Wyman taught herself to quilt in her thirties and made more than 50 quilts in her lifetime. She purchased the fabric new at Penney’s Department Store, hand pieced and appliqued the top, and did the quilting by hand while she sat by the hospital bedside of her nephew. Wyman documented her quilt in 1985 during the Michigan Quilt Project. View this quilt on The Quilt Index to read more about it’s history, design and construction. Be sure to use the zoom tool for a detailed view. Sources: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/elizabeth-becomes-queen http://www.royal.gov.uk/HMTheQueen/Interests/Overview.aspx Posted by Amy E. Milne Executive Director, Quilt Alliance…
by Quilt Alliance | Feb 5, 2013 | On this Day in History Quilts series
Tracks to California On this day in 1883 the Southern Pacific Railroad completed its Sunset Route from New Orleans to California. The company, nicknamed the “Espee,” dominated rail travel to the Pacific, exploiting customers with high shipping rates and edging out his competitors. They did, however, foster a vibrant California economy that continued to thrive for decades. This stunning Rocky Road to California quilt was made by Magdalena Fisher Yoder of the Amish community in Arthur, Illinois around 1910. The quilt features a machine pieced wool top, wool batting, a pieced sateen back and a cotton binding. This quilt, as well as 3 others by Yoder and at least a dozen more by Yoder’s relatives, are part of the Illinois State Museum collection. View this quilt on The Quilt Index to read more about it’s history, design and construction. Be sure to use the zoom tool for a detailed view. Sources: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/southern-pacific-railroad-completes-sunset-route Posted by Amy E. Milne Executive Director, Quilt Alliance…
