New Mary Mack fabric from Kweli Kitwana

Kweli Kitwana has designed cotton fabric based on the children's clapping game, Miss Mary Mack. You can purchase the fabric from Spoonflower.com. If you click here, you can see the cloth purse Kweli made with the fabric. Enjoy!

Eric Easter - "A man in search of a quilt"

I wanted to share this link to a December 2008 article by Eric Easter, Chief of Digital Strategy for Johnson Publishing Company. On EbonyJet.com he wrote about his unsuccessful search to commission someone to create quilts from cherished clothes as keepsakes for his children. He penned ..."By my estimate, in the last five years I have spoken with or e-mailed about four dozen quilters and have had no luck." His 2009 resolution was to find a "Quilt Whisperer" to help with the search. I wonder - as we're now in 2010 - if he was successful. I hope so. Enjoy!

500 Art Quilts - An Inspiring Collection of Contemporary Work

Don't you just want to walk around and sit on the bench with this old man in the black hat? This quilt and more are featured in the soon-to-be published book 500 Art Quilts - An Inspiring Collection of Contemporary Work by Karey Breshenhan and Ray Hemachandra.
Included are quilts by Sistah Quilters Alice Beasley, Renee Allen of Atlanta, GA, according to one source, and Toni Kersey. I can't wait to see the book and see works by other well-known quilters such as Yvonne Porcella, Susan Shie, and Caryl Bryer Fallert. Enjoy!

Update: Congratulations to Diana Bracy for her quilt The Duke being included as well!

Your help: Who Manufactured this Harriet Powers fabric?

I swear - quilt history is such an adventure!

Unexpectedly, I received in the mail this upholstery fabric swatch featuring reproduced images of Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt now at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. A dear New Jersey reader of This I Accomplish sent it to me. She wrote in her letter:

"I began making quilts 48 years ago... and I became aware of Harriet Powers' work when I was a teenager. Her quilts have always held a special interest for me.... I am writing to send you copied images of some upholstery fabric that I bought many years ago in Manhattan. I do not know who made the fabric, but it is very sturdy woven tapestry ... I think that I bought the fabric about 20 years ago. It is 54" wide ..."

WOW! She also sent me an 11" x 14" color photocopy of the fabric. She mentioned that she didn't see the fabric listed in This I Accomplish. Well, I never knew it existed! Can you help? Do you know any information about this Powers fabric? Do Tell!

Call for Quilt Entries by Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi

Dr. Carolyn L. Mazloomi just announced a call for entries into a juried exhibition titled "Beyond Category: Visions of Jazz in Fiber." The show will be featured at the International Textile Biennial (San Jose, Costa Rica) and the University of Costa Rica (Limon) from September 7 to October 12, 2010.

If you would like your quilt(s) to be considered the eligibility and guidelines say each entry is by digital images only. You may submit up to 3 entries. Quilts must be created after 2008. Entries must be a minimum of 36" per side through a maximum 60" per side. Key Dates: July 1, 2010 deadline for entry and July 15, 2010 notification of acceptance.

When you submit your digital image(s), you are required to send: Artist's First Name, Last Name, full address including country, phone number, including country code, and your email address. Submit one overall DIGITAL image and one detail DIGITAL image for each piece of artwork. Send your digital images as a high quality JPEG or TIFF files. Finished image should be 1800 pixels on the longest side. Label each digital image with the name of your artwork title and indicate if detail or full. You must also include an artist's statement (25 words or less) with the piece's title, height x width, in inches, year completed, insurance value, materials and techniques (25 words or less).

Dr. Mazloomi will accept your entry on a CD or send via the internet. She says, "I will NOT ACCEPT entries without the artist name. Believe it or not, I receive many entries with no name attached." The contact information is: Carolyn Mazloomi, 5481 Oldgate Drive, West Chester, OH 45069, email: drmaz4wcq@aol.com.

Art Quilts from Haiti

Patience to Raise the Sun: Art Quilts from Haiti and their Power to Change Women's Lives.

Here is a catalog of art quilts from Haiti based on the recent Bennington Museum exhibit. Curator of Collections Jamie Franklin provides the catalog's essay about Haitian quilts. Nora Nevin writes about the PeaceQuilts project, which features Haitian quilts. The catalog is $19.95 and includes 60 pages.

• Visit the Haitian Peace Quilt website
  
• Read article about the Haitian quilt exhibit
  
• Purchase quilts by Haitian quilters
  

Blessings to our Sistah Quilters in Haiti.

Stories That Cover US - Guild Publishes Own Catalog

When you can, do add yo your library "Stories That Cover Us: Meditations and Fiber Art by the Pacific Northwest African American Quilters" by Lynne K. Varner-Hollie and Deborah Boone. Edited by Gwen Maxwell-Williams. Foreword by Rachel Clark. This book is available on Blurb.com. This is the website that allows you to create your own book!

This coffee-table, gorgeous full-color catalog is 75 pages and includes quilts and short biographical sketches from sistah quilters including: Patricia Batiste-Brown, Deborah Boone, Carol Flanagan-Frank, Iris Franklin, Lynnette Gallon-Harrell, Antoinette Hall, Annie Harper, Antoinette Lewis Bush, Oneda Elizabeth Harris, Cheryl Haskins, Chistine Jordan-Bell, Donna Kimbrough, Paula Maranan, Gwen Maxwell-Williams, Johnnie Miller, Wadiyah Nelson-Shimabukuro, Vera Patterson, Lynne K. Varner-Hollie, Brenetta Ward, and Marilyn Wilson-Hanseling. The hardcover is $45. The softcover is $32. I love that the Pacific Northwest African American Quilters guild are documenting and sharing their work with us! Enjoy!

Sistah Quilter Dr. Michele David, Creole-Creations

For the start of this new year, do take a moment to visit Creole-Creations, the website of Sistah Quilter Dr. Michele David. Her quilts are colorful and vibrant! (Erzulie Dantor II quilt by Michele David) Enjoy!

124th Annual American Historical Association Meetings - Quilts will be discussed

On January 1, 1910 - yes, one hundred years ago - Sistah quilter Harriet Powers passed away in Athens, GA. And, she's still on our minds.

At the 124th Annual American Historical Association Meeting to be held January 7 - 10, 2010 in San Diego, CA, there will be a quilt-related panel discussion titled "Ethnicity and Authenticity: Re-Evaluating Iconic Quilts. This panel is chaired by Patricia Crews, University of Nebraska, Lincoln. The commentator for this two hour discussion will be Vincent A. Brown, Harvard University. On the panel will be:

• Janet Catherine Berlo, Professor of Art History and Visual and Cultural Studies at University of Rochester (NY) will present: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and the Invention of an African-Centered Quilt History.
• Janneken Smucker, University of Delaware will present "Outsourcing Authenticity: Factory-Made Quilts and the Question of Ethnicity." This paper will examine the controversy from the late 1980s/early 1990s when institutions such as the American Folk Art Museum and the Smithsonian Institution licensed some of their historic quilts to be reproduced in non-US factories. (You might remember when Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt was reproduced. You can still find copies sometimes on eBay.)
• Marsha MacDowell, Michigan State University Museum in East Lansing, MI will present "Quilts, Primary Sources, and Authenticity." She examines how "Hidden in Plainview", the book by Jacqueline L. Tobin and Raymond G. Dobard about quilts made to signal pathways on the Underground Railroad, went from one person's story to this "truth" now being taught to generations of school children. Specifically, the "paper will examine how voices of authority (i.e. museums, historical societies, holders of Ph.D.s, classroom teachers, academic organizations, government officials, in other words, those individuals and organizations that we have been taught to trust) have played a complicit role in endorsing and perpetuating this story as truth." [I would LOVE to also hear this paper in person as I do not believe there were such map quilts. In all my research about African American quilters and quilting based on articles and documents from the 1800s, I've never come across ONE about such quilts... but that's another blog post!]
  

The conference will include other non-quilt topics:

• "Is Google Good for History" - a panel discussion lead by Shawn Martin, Univ of PA, Daniel J. Cohen, Center for History and New Media, George Mason University, Paul Duguid, UC Berkeley, and Brandon Badger from Google Books.
  
• "Talking about Teaching American Women's History: Ideas, Innovations, Ideologies" - a panel discussion lead by Steven D. Reschly, Truman State University, Lyz Bly, Case Western Reserve University, Leslie J. Lindenauer, Western Connecticut State University, Margaret A. Lowe, Bridgewater State College, Renee M. Sentilles also of Case Western Reserve, and Tracey M. Weis of Millersville University.
  

Sounds like it will be an interesting conference! Enjoy!

Stitches From the Soul - new site from Ohio guild

Do take a moment to visit the new website from Stitches From the Soul - a quilting guild which meets at the Third Baptist Church, 402 Pinewood Ave., Toledo, Ohio. The founder is Sistah Quilter Lauretta Odoms Russell. Here is a photo featuring quilts made for the local Ronald McDonald House. In the photo are: Jeanna Temple, Lauretta Odoms, Rev. Glenn Jones (who has known me since I was a kid - Hi, Glenn!), Carrie Brown, and Sandra Page. Best wishes to the Stitches From the Soul guild! Enjoy!

The Journey of Hope in America: Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama

Opening December 18, 2009 is the exhibit "The Journey of Hope in America: Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama" at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce, Ohio. Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi is the curator who has organized the quilts of 95 artists! The 208-page color catalog is available for pre-order for $16.50. The book ships in April 2010. Congratulations to all the quilters with pieces in the show! Enjoy!

The City Quilter Shines in Time Square

Way to go Panasonic for placing a rotation of five quilts from the City Quilter shop in New York on display in Time Square! It is my understanding the quilts will be up through December 31, 2009 - up high on the 28' x 38' electronic screens. Shown here is Cathy Izzo's "Batik Schoolhouse" quilt. Enjoy!

Have an iTouch? What quilting books are you reading there?

Raise your hands if you have an iTouch or iPhone? I purchased an iTouch last year. For those who don't know, it's like an iPhone without the camera OR the monthly phone bill! I can download any app, song, or even full-length movie from the iTunes store and enjoy.

Earlier this year, I downloaded Amazon's free Kindle app so I can read books purchased for the Kindle electronic reader on my iTouch. My Mom has my old Kindle and she LOVES it - but that's another story (smile!). I've read about five novels now and a few how-to books on my iTouch. As a quilter, you might enjoy the following Kindle versions of these quilt-related books. You can read them all on an iTouch as well.

• Crafted Lives: Stories and Studies of African American Quilters by Patricia Turner
  
• The Memory Quilt: A Christmas Story for Our Times by T.D. Jakes
• A Quilter's Holiday: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel by Jennifer Chiaverini

What are your favorite quilt-related things to do with your iTouch? Enjoy!

Underground Railroad Quilt Custom Shoes by Kweli Kitwana from Zazzle

Sistah quilter, multi-talented artist, and political activist Kweli Kitwana has taken her love of color and designed a number of canvas shoes on Zazzle.com, the website that allows you to personalized products and make them available for sale. Pictured here is her Underground Railroad Quilt Custom Shoes, available for $63.55. Kweli has also designed a toile-like Harriet Tubman themed fabric on Spoonflower.com - click here to see. I love seeing how Sistah quilters are using technology to push creative boundaries. Can you imagine - a local quilting guild could design their own themed-shoes or commemorative fabrics?! Enjoy!

Eluster Richardson Of Hearth and Home Quilt show

The exhibit "Of Hearth and Home Art & Quilt" opens at the Riley House and Museum in Tallahassee, FL through January 31, 2010. The show features the paintings of self-taught artist Eluster Richardson (photo) and the quilts of 95 years old Amanda Richardson, the artist's mom.
Click here to read an article about the show from the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper. There's also a fabulous slide show featuring 14 images from the exhibit. Dear Mr. Richardson - the quilt world needs a catalog of your quilt creations! Enjoy!

Unpacking Collections: The Legacy of Cuesta Benberry, An African American Quilt Scholar

If you are in the Lansing, MI area between Dec 6, 2009 and September 5, 2010, do stop by and visit the exhibit Unpacking Collections: The Legacy of Cuesta Benberry, An African American Quilt Scholar at the Michigan State University Museum.

According release about the exhibit, "In 1977, she [Cuesta Benberry] gave the Quilter's Hall of Fame her study collection of over 800 quilt blocks, a scrapbook, and a few pieces of ephemera. In 2003 Cuesta gifted the American Folk Art Museum with the non-African American portions of her quilt ephemera collection. In 2007 Cuesta passed away leaving behind a legacy of public scholarship and her collections. In mid 2008, her family gifted the Michigan State University Museum with her collection of African and African American quilts and her quilt history collection and the museum also acquired Cuesta's extensive collection of quilt kits. In 2009, the American Folk Art Museum transferred their Benberry Collections to the MSU Museum so that the bulk of her work could be in one place where it could be more effectively accessed for research and educational uses." The exhibit allows one to interact "with a selection of textiles, rare books, patterns, ephemera, and samples of her personal journals, correspondence, and extensive research files." According to the Lansing City Pulse, the Benberry Collection has 52 quilts. The exhibit will include 16 quilts including a"1987 art quilt by artist Faith Ringgold and "Joseph's Coat of Many Colors," a lively, colorful creation by the women of the Gee's Bend Freedom Quilting Bee." Enjoy.

Order Form for Autographed Copy - Harriet Powers book

If you would like to order an autographed copy of "This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Other Pieces," simply click here to download the order form. The book is getting very positive reviews from those who have read it. Thank you for supporting my research in African American quilting! Best, Kyra

Lillian Blades' Quilted Passages at Atlanta Airport

Next time you are at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport near the escalators at Gate E, check out Bahamian artist Lillian Blades' public installation "Quilted Passages." Click here to learn more about the Hartsfield-Jackson Art Program. Enjoy!

Quilts with Soul - Ohio Historical Society

Quilts with Soul opens December 12 and runs through February 28, 2010. The exhibit at the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus includes seven extraordinary art quilts from the permanent collections of the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center. Represented are the works of some of the country’s best-known African American women quilters today: Carolyn Mazloomi, Peggie Hartwell, Anita Knox, Ed Johnetta Miller, Mary Reed Daniel, and Sandra Gould Ford. Enjoy!

Happy 10th Anniversary - Sankofa Seam Alliance Quilters

Happy 10th Anniversary to the Sankofa Seam Alliance Quilters of Louisville, KY! Stitch on!

Quilt for Louisville KY Police Chief Robert White

Reporter Rachel Platt of Channel 11 News in Louisville, KY recently interviewed Police Chief Robert White about his tenure as the city's top cop. I was more amazed to see the quilt his wife, Sistah Quilter Valerie White, stitched when her husband became the chief in Greensboro, North Carolina. Enjoy!

Needle Rules! Society of Detroit publishes quilting books

Sistah quilters of the Needle Rules! Society have published "One Stitch At a Time," a 24 page full-color book documenting an inter-generational quiltmaking workshop. The text was written by Louise Hamm and photographs taken by Christina Drane. The book is available via the website Blurb for $50 softback and $60 hardback.

Also available is "For the L.O.V.E. of FABRIC" by LaDonne Young of the Needle Rules! Society, with photographs by Christina Drane. This book is also full-color, 26 pages, and available from Blurb for the same prices.

Be sure to click on both book titles and see the Preview for both books. Enjoy!

Opening Day: 14 Quilts Celebrating the Life and Times of Negro League Baseball by Sonie Ruffin

Congratulations to Sonie Ruffin for the publication earlier this year of "Opening Day: 14 Quilts Celebrating the Life and Times of Negro League Baseball." This book was influenced, according to the book's description, by Sonie's "regular lunch meetings" with famed Negro League player Buck O'Neill (1911-2006) of the with the Kansas City Monarchs. This softcover, full-color 112 page book includes 14 quilt patterns illustrating various aspects of the Negro League baseball history. Enjoy!

The Journey of an African American Quilt Artist - Aisha Lumumba

So glad to meet Aisha Lumumba! Enjoy!

Autograph copy of Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria

Have you or a little one you know read "Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria"? This is the true story of a young girl's 50 year quest to meet the queen of England despite being ridiculed by family and friends. This 40 page picture book retails for $16.95 - however, for the holiday season, you can order an autograph copy directly from me for $15 + s/h. Just download this order form - US shipping only. Enjoy!

Michelle Obama Inauguration Coat - Butterwick B5396

Have you seen the Butterwick pattern B5396 featuring the coat the First Lady wore on a certain January 2009 breezy day? Take a moment to read the blog post from Carolyn at Day of a Sewing Fanatic - She reviews both the yellow dress jacket and a tan and black coat Mrs. Obama wore (see Butterwick B5399). I remain amazed at how far-reaching the First Family has inspired different areas of life. Enjoy!

Oprah is leaving - Links to Oprah-themed Quilts

By now, we've all heard the news that Oprah Winfrey will stop production of her daytime TV show after 25 years. I took a quick look on the Internet and located these Oprah-themed art quilts. Check out Gayla McAlary's pieced and appliqued "Oprah" quilt (just a close-up is shown here. Click here and scroll down to bottom of the page.). Another Oprah-inspired quilt, by Gayle McKay, toured in the 2007 exhibit "She Made Her Mark Too" - Click here to see the quilt. And, finally, if you are a regular to the Black Threads blog, you might remember this Oprah quilt stitched in Louisiana in 2006 - click here. Enjoy!

Mother Willie Mae Brown and her 45 year old pieced quilt in Denver

I wish I could meet Mother Brown in person! The African American Quilters Guild of Denver, CO, founded in 1988, has posted eight videos from a show earlier this year. Take a moment to see the 2 minute videos featuring quilters Winnie Anderson, Dr. Adrienne Bryant, Rosie Smith who made quilts for her 10 grandkids, Erma Weekly,a retired electrician who shares her Flying Geese quilt, Mrs. Geneva Chapman who shares the story of her flower basket appliqued quilt, and Darla Sipp-Wells who gives us a peek at her finished pink and green marriage quilt. Many thanks to the Guild for sharing the show to all of us to see! Enjoy!

New! Pieced Symbols: Quilt Blocks from the Global Village

Congratulations to Sistah Quilter Dr. Myrah Brown Green on the publication of her new quilt book Pieced Symbols: Quilt Blocks from the Global Village!

Published by Lark Books, this 144-page pattern book is, according to the release "[p]art global quilting travelogue, part cultural history, this artful, useful guide gives quilters all they need to create a variety of foundation piece quilt blocks featuring symbols from across the world. The designs range from the Asian om and Australian rainbow spirit to the American Indian turtle and African ankh. Each chapter features inspiring examples of how to incorporate the symbols into finished quilts, while tip boxes throughout share interesting information about their meanings and cross-cultural uses." What I love is that the blocks are made by a variety of quilters - some you're sure to know!

Myrah will be speaking on Friday in NY City - sponsored by the Harlem Needle Arts and HueMan Bookstore. Open to the public - click here for more info. Enjoy!

Nalo Hopkinson's fabrics - now for sale!

Nalo Hopkinson's fabrics - now for sale on Spoonflower.com - including this one called "Bubbles". Enjoy!