A Handmade Quilt

I remember going to the American Folk Art Museum on 55th Street in Manhattan with my Aunt Penny several years ago to see a contemporary quilting exhibit. The museum is a regular stop my aunt made during her visits to New York City.  It focuses mainly on African-American and Latino artwork. The minute I stepped into the museum I was enthralled by the vibrant fabrics, patterns, stitches, and designs of the artists.  I immediately wanted to learn how to make a quilt for myself. I took a six week basic quilt making class. This is my first quilt and it was made entirely by hand.   

   

 

 

I used red, white, and blue fabrics since my birthday is on the Fourth of July. My mother made a length of bias tape using muslin fabric and her sewing machine. I hand sewed the tape to the edges of the quilt. It was a time-consuming project, but I love the result.

The American Folk Art Museum is currently exhibiting "Recycling and Resourcefulness: Quilts of the 1930s" that focuses on 12 quilts made during the Depression era using recycled fabrics. The show runs through March 15, 2009.