The Color of Quilting

Sylvia Stephens' quilt needs your vote

2009-03-29T14:02:00.005-05:00

Sylvia Stephens, one of the quilters from the AUUF show, The Color of Quilting, has been invited to participate in the "Quilts for Obama" exhibit in Washington, D.C. She has submitted her quilt "'O' The Obama Logo Quilt."

The exhibit is currently underway at the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. in the downtown area. The website link provides information about the "Quilts for Obama" exhibit.

The quilt is currently being voted on by the public. With your help we can vote the quilt photo to make the top 20 in the FotobamaWeek contest! Vote today for our local quilter. We are proud to have Sylvia represent our area.

Vote by Tuesday, March 31, 2009

5 Easy Steps … Takes about 3 to 5 minutes.

Renew, Recycle, Create Art

2009-03-24T21:03:00.002-05:00

The quilter's reception will be in 4 days. The colors of their quilts, the fabrics that they work with, their warm smiles and welcoming words will be a perfect compliment for the Spring day. In Auburn we are seeing dogwoods showing out with thier colorful blooms, the azaleas bursting forth and leaves unfurling from the sleepy trees. This is my most favorite time of the year.

The daylight is longer. I ride my bike more often to squeak in a little more outdoor time. Garden tours are more frequent throughout the yard. It's almost zen-like to walk around first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee to see what is peeking through the ground.

This is a time for fellowship and nature. A friend of mine at work has brought by the most beautiful fabric to share with the quilters. Her aunt was a world traveler and art connoisseur. She left a wealth of material to share. Quilter's are recyclers. They take the fabric that they have on-hand or someone gives them. They create art. They are humble. They quilt beautiful pieces that bloom with color. Treasures live on in new pieces of art. They sing with a new song. And my friend's aunt looks down and smiles.

I hope that you all can visit with them on Saturday. It will stop time momentarily and you will be that more richer for it.

See you all there.

Quilts for the Generations

2009-03-20T12:28:00.002-05:00

Many of us have memories of family quilts, those made by our mothers or grandmothers. Inspired by our grandmother, my sister began a Dutch Doll quilt-top when she was eight years old and worked on it for years. Only recently she put her quilt-top into the hands of an accomplished quilter who finished it, enabling my sister to present it to her daughter. It is heartening to see that some of the daughters (and maybe sons) of the quilters who have been part of the quilt show at AUUF are now taking up the art.

But quilt appreciation can be passed down, too. My grandson Nathaniel is not quite three, but he was intrigued by the colorful postcard that advertised this year's quilt show. Even before the quilts were hung in the church, Nathaniel and I started noticing quilts--on beds, hanging on walls. When the quilts went up inside the sanctuary, Nathaniel and I went on a mission to find the quilt that is featured close-up on the back side of the postcard. We would stand in front of each one and I would hold the postcard up to the quilt. As we scanned each one for matching scraps of fabric, both of us would "ou" and "ah" over the pretty colors and patterns we were seeing, even if it didn't match the card! We did finally locate the one that had been photographed, but the real pleasure of the search had been the seeking and enjoying a close look at the art and craft of each quilt. I don't know if Nathaniel will remember this, but it's a memory I will cherish and count as a gift from the quilters and those who have brought us this show. Many thanks!

Happy Birthday

2009-03-17T22:06:00.000-05:00

Ruth Lockhart!

We're having a quilt raising!

2009-03-16T00:09:00.003-05:00

Everyone knows how the Amish have their barn raisings--where everyone gets together and contributes to the construction of one barn. Well at AUUF we have the quilt raising. Now Shannon asked for some insights into the years that have gone into the quilt shows and the best I can do is talk about these raisings. And just like a barn raising, a quilt raising is quite a production. There's all sorts of work that goes on before hand--the talking to the quilters, arranging the meetings, the picking up of the quilts, and then there's the production that goes on to putting them up on the walls--the choosing of the date, the arranging of the volunteers--those who will look at the quilts, who decides which quilt goes where, the pinning of the strips on the back of the quilts, putting the supports to hang the quilts (bamboo in "old" days and lathing now) and then the climb upward. There are some stories of having the two "hangers" up on the ladders, on either side of the quilt listening to "a little higher, a little lower, a little to the left, a little to the right" to the point where it was just time to come down and go to the next one! But perhaps one of the nicest parts of the raisings was the lunch afterwards. "Back in the day" when our teens were in the single digits we also had a lunch, where Amy and Kitty and Laura and others I'm sure I'm forgetting would bring homemade soup (potato and tomato basil are two that come to mind), homemade bread, and drinks and desserts and we'd set up some long tables and just enjoy the fruits of our labor. The smell of the food with the sights of the quilts, with the sounds of the families and friends, all came together as part of the quilt raising. And as we fast forward, what has been exciting over the last few "raisings" is how Shannon, Keegan and Doug have used "modern" technology to bring the quilters' "traditional" craft, of the women--who they are, what they were thinking when they made a quilt, how they learned to quilt--to us via their photographs, emails and now blogs--a true combining of the old and the new.

Mozell Benson on Alabama Public TV

2009-03-15T15:08:00.007-05:00

This Spring April 9,2009 Alabama Public TV will offer this two-part documentary. Check your local listings. You will see that Mozell Benson is one of the artists showcased.

A Common Thread

2009-03-11T20:52:00.005-05:00

Everyone's stitches are different. It's synonymous to our lives. We are all different and yet all the same. We have gaps and breaks in our lives. Some of our decisions and choices are thin and thread bare, most are strong. Some need simple reinforcing. Quilting is a lot like life.

"When I am frayed and strained and drizzle at the end
Please someone cut a square and put me in a quilt
That I might keep some child warm."
-Nikki Giovanni

We are fortunate to be able and share time with these wonderful women who are East Alabama hand-quilters on March 28th. Time is fleeting but I promise it will stand still when you stop...say "hello" and talk with them.

A Treasure

2009-03-10T12:55:00.000-05:00

Poem by Mildred Hatfield

It's more than a coverlet,
More than a spread,
This beautiful quilt
That graces my bed.

It's laughter and sorrow,
It's pleasure and pain,
It's small bits and pieces
Of sunshine and rain.

It's a bright panorama
Of scraps of my life-
It's moments of glory,
It's moments of strife.

It's a story I cherish
Of days that have been,
It's a door I can open
To live them again.

Yes, it's more than a cover,
This much-treasured quilt,
It's parts pieced together
Of the life I have built.

Knee Threaders

2009-03-09T13:53:00.004-05:00

Mrs. Mozell Benson began quilting at age 8; however, her experience with sewing began at an earlier age, when she and her cousin became knee threaders. She would create things like shirts and dish towels through the guidance of her mother. It was later that she began to quilt, specifically using a technique known as tacking. Through this technique, Mozell is able to create as many as one hundred quilts in a year. These quilts are made from any combination of scrap cloth, and held together by Mozell’s "prayer knots". If there is one thing the world could learn from Mrs. Mozell, then it is the realization that there are no mistakes in art.

Quilts will be on exhibit and for sale during the reception, March 28 from 3-5pm. at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. For directions use the map to the right.

Sisters

2009-03-05T21:17:00.005-06:00

|ˈsistər| This word transcends the typical definiton...."a woman or girl in relation to other daughters and sons of her parents." It is the obvious but oh so much more....

I would like to introduce Essie Tolbert (pictured right) and Ozell Preston (pictured left). These women are strong. They protect each other and they will be together forever. Last year Essie was in the quilt show. We had a hard time reaching Ozell. By luck and her sister's communication, Ozell joined us for the show. They are wonderful quilters. We and the admirers from past shows were so glad that they were there. It was like a reunion, a homecoming. If you know Tom Westmoreland he will be glad to "bend your ear" and give a special "shout out" to his friends...

We are honored to show the quilts of Essie Tolbert and Ozell Preston this year.

Purty Colors

2009-03-04T15:04:00.005-06:00

My friends tell me that there are no qualifications necessary to blog. That's a good thing because even after being married to an artist for over 20 years, about the best I can do for critiquing works of art is, "Them sure is purty colors." And if I'm not mistaken, that's what I said when I saw Ruth Lockhart's extraordinary strip quilt hung at the Fellowship last year.

I may not be an art critic, but I knew immediately that her quilt would look beautiful in the waiting room of the university's counseling center where I'm the director, www.auburn.edu/scs. When Auburn University students come to the counseling center, Ruth's quilt is the first thing they see. These students are frequently in crisis or in significant distress (most don't come to the counseling center to tell us how well their lives are going), and I truly believe that quilt helps create a calming environment where hope is present and resilience fostered. Lawdy, that sounds like the kind of gobblely-gook a touchy-feely psychologist would spout.

Oh, well. I'm just calling it the way I see it. And, I can't wait to see the quilts this year. I've got a spot at the end of the counseling center's hallway that needs some purty colors too.

Happy Birthday, Ernestine

2009-03-04T12:22:00.002-06:00

Today is Ernestine's birthday. Happy Birthday!

It Just Takes Time

2009-03-03T22:01:00.002-06:00

Keegan gave me a great opening to introduce Mrs. Ruth Lockhart. We are honored that she will be showing her quilts again at the 14th annual AUUF Quilt Show. Ruth started quilting when she was 16. She is a native of Waverly, Alabama and has long friendships with the quilters in this area.

I recently read that people will live longer lives if they keep a circle of close friends. Ruth was born in 1932, on March 17. We will have to celebrate her birthday at the reception on March 28. I hope you will join us.

Ruth is known for her "strip" quilts. According to Ruth she "just puts them all together." She is understated. Ruth learned to "tack" with Mozell Benson and Georgia Avery. Georgia showed her quilts in the show a few years back. She is now in a nursing home. I know Ruth misses quilting with her and spending time together. I can hear it in her voice.

It takes time to make a quilt. Ruth will tell you "they're real pretty" and they are without a doubt. Come by and meet her on Saturday, sit, take some time, and say "hello."

Close to home.

2009-03-02T21:59:00.004-06:00

The quilt show has taught me a lot about home. Last year, when we first began this process, it was startling just how close some of these ladies lived to my own abode. In fact, it was the topic of a college essay. I remember getting into the car to venture forth to my first interview prepared for a ride far across town, only to stop within twenty seconds of driving to the home of Ruth Lockhart. In the essay I mentioned, I spent a lot of time talking about the value these kinds of functions have for a community - serving as a cultural bridge and unifier, and I meant it. These openings have shown me a new dimension of a town that I felt like I'd outgrown years ago. Not only was it a much needed reality check for me, but one that I think would serve others quite well. Art is everywhere, close to home and bursting with stories.

Don't believe me? It's not only quilts.
Come see Deerhunter Thursday night at Ford Ct.
They're only nationally reknown (See #5), like many of our quilters.

It just goes to show whether it's music, quilts, or anything - your community is more than likely full of pleasant surprises.

Let It Go

2009-03-01T18:24:00.004-06:00

Ernestine Warren is a woman of stature. When she welcomed us into her home we were immediately caught in her web of stories. She told Keegan and I how she began quilting, about her family and how much she missed her husband who had passed away in April of last year. The stress that she had been under was a surprise to her. She was a strong woman. She always helped others. Her faith and family is her foundation.

Mrs. Warren loves to quilt and cook. She spent a lot of time with elderly folks when she was growing up in Waverly and Macon County. She learned about life. When she attended school it was for 3 months at a time. When her father went to town she would slip away and cook. This was risky living in wooden homes.

Her husband was her love. He waited for her and began courting only when she was allowed by her mother. Mr. Warren knew she was the one. He was also a great cook. This past weekend, she had been married for 60 years and 4 days.

Ernestine's mother was a seamstress. Ernestine started quilting in 1943. She quilts alone. "Their stitches are different from mine." I hope you enjoy the video that we posted and get to meet her on Saturday, March 28th.

Hello, Again

2009-02-28T13:44:00.007-06:00

We will have Sylvia and Mozell joining us for the show this year. Sylvia Stephens is the daughter of Mozell Benson. She has worked over the past years as Mozell's apprentice. Her quilts are reflective of Mozell's style but strongly Sylvia. We spoke yesterday..."Sylvia, it's Shannon...it is so good to talk with you again. I saw the story in the paper..." A familiar voice can take you back.

Just yesterday the OA News wrote about Mozell working with the school children in Loachapoka. She was helping them put together a story quilt. I can imagine the children completely mesmerized by her voice and strong hands. Mozell has a way of looking at you, talking with you, as if you have have been her friend forever.

Last year when Keegan and I visited her studio, she showed us how she makes prayer knots in her quilts. We were standing in a painting with Mozell bent over her quilting tables. Pieces of colored fabric hanging down behind her, rich wood all around while her hands sewed the thread through the material. Sylvia was beaming. Keegan and I were in heaven.

The quilt show will begin with a reception. I hope that you have the opportunity to join us on Saturday, March 28th from 3-5 at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship located on Thach Avenue. The quilters enjoy meeting everyone who has come to see them. They love showing and talking about their work. It is a memorable event.

Meeting Two New Mary's

2009-02-26T21:12:00.018-06:00

There are a lot of places that I have not been in Alabama. Particularly the back roads of Lee County. Keegan is right, it is beautiful and I want to go back soon to explore. We were almost lost. Of course, when you think you are...if you trust your instincts and venture a bit further...you find that you are going the right direction. It's important to trust your instincts. This day, this trip, we got to meet Mrs. Mary Lois Ross. She is hand quilter extraordinaire.

I want to thank Mary Lynn Porter for guiding us to Mary Lois' home and patiently waiting for us to show up at the meeting place. Mary Lynn is a gracious soul. I know she means a lot to those who live in this area.

We will be posting videos and information as the preparation for the show continues. A free subscription to the blog (see right of page) is available that offers RSS updates.

County Rd. 72 vs. Quilt Groupies

2009-02-25T21:52:00.007-06:00

Yesterday was a good day to (almost) get lost between county roads 50 and 72. Alabama really does have some spectacular views in the most unexpected places. Although, I will admit I missed a portion of our maiden voyage to Mary Lois' house due to the irresistible draw of Vertigo's Sandman issue IV. In between panels, I was able to catch snatches of honest, back road bliss.

It's refreshing to make acquaintances with people as genuine as Mary Lois. I was initially wary after finding a "beware of dog" sign preceding the entry to her house; however, although I never met her guard dog, she was one of the sweetest ladies I have met. Boasting quilts stylistically independent of all others featured in the show, her's are not some you'll want to miss. They carry just as much heritage as they do color.

Make sure not to leave the quilt show without roping Mary Lois in for at least one story - you'll be glad you did.

Getting to know Mamie Saxton

2009-02-23T16:44:00.010-06:00

This is the second year that I have been involved with the quilt show. I have come to think of the quilters as my dearest friends. I am so fortunate to be able to share time with them, hear their stories and admire their artwork.

Talking with these ladies is like walking in the warm sun on a crisp day. When Keegan and I went out to start our interviews on Saturday, the skies were blue without a cloud in sight. It was a perfect day.

Mamie was the first interview. It was so nice to see her again. We hugged and sat down in her home to catch up. Mamie is a gracious host. Keegan and I were sad to hear "Dusty" had passed away this summer. "Cat" was sleeping by the heater in complete comfort. Her home was so welcoming.

It had been a year but felt like yesterday. Mamie is an amazing woman. Her family, her love of quilting, her genuine smile. I don't now a lot of people who would welcome you into their homes and allow you to photograph and film them without reservation. This is the common thread with these east alabama women who quilt by hand. They know each other. Many of them have quilted together. They grew up together. They have a sisterhood that many of us dream of. I think this is one of the secrets that need to be told.

Formalities, Fabric, and Friendships.

2009-02-22T21:22:00.000-06:00

Back again, this year! It's certainly been a colorful start to this years quilt show proceedings. Yesterday, over the course of the afternoon, we were able to make a few new friends, while visiting other familiar faces. Both Mamie Saxton and Ruth Lockhart are back and better than ever, while Ernestine Warren, an addition from last year's show, already feels like family with such a magnetic personality. We've begun to gather quilts from all sorts of fabrics and traditions that look to mark the beginning of another charming show this Spring.

Stay tuned for more introductions, insights, and insignificancies!

Interviewing the Quilters

2009-02-22T15:27:00.002-06:00

This is the beginning... we are preparing for the 2009 annual quilt show. The Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has been hosting a quilt show of African-American quilts since 1995. This year, our 14th year, we are honored to show some of the following quilters; Mozell Benson, Mamie Saxton, Ernestine Warren, Ruth Lockhart, Sylvia Stephens, Mary Lois Ross, Essie Tolbert, and Ozell Preston. Please subscribe to this blog so you can receive frequent updates about the quilters and their art.We hope you enjoy meeting these talented women of East Alabama.