"I started photographing my domestic world and writing not just about what I had made,
but why I made it, examining the thoughts that accompany creativity and the act of making."
Jane Brocket from The Gentle Art of Domesticity p. 189 UK edition

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Patchwork 9.11.2012


This morning I woke up and enjoyed watching the sunlight
stream through the window over the quilt on my bed.
I believe my mom or her mom, my Nana Bradstreet,
stitched the quilt  together over 75 years ago.



Last night I read in the Anne Bartlett novel, Knitting, "At one point they discussed knitting, the making of Sandra's shawl, and Sandra's work teaching textile history and theory.  Sandra offered a few pieces from her current research, about the resurgence of home crafts in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, and the trend toward complex stitches as a new generation learned to knit." What an interesting observation...a resurgence of creativity from terror and ashes to knitting, crocheting, weaving, embroidering, stitching, creatively drawing together fibers and fabrics that have the potential to warm, decorate, protect, and celebrate our precious patchwork of loving life.

So far I have written ten  commenters names on slips of paper and tucked them into this mug.  Each commenter who wants has a chance to be chosen on September 30, 2012 for me to send my mug full of thanks cushioned by some other things to them as I celebrate a year of blogging and my 100th post while I gratefully enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  xxx from Gracie

12 comments:

  1. I actually believe that our knitting and crocheting and crafting is an antidote to modern technology and the speed at which we live now. It lets us slow down and lose ourselves in the creation of something useful - which makes US feel useful. I look forward to us getting together soon!
    ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree and my heart doctor would too. after knitting or crocheting my poor old (always high) bp lowers :) Love the quilt! I have been wanting to make one I just have not found my get to it fairy LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I feel the same way. My whole being seems to go "ahhh" when I'm knitting and crocheting. So happy to celebrate your one year anniversary with you! Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the quilt your Mama, or Grandma made!! So pretty. Love all of the pieces of blue glass in the window.
    I think hand work of any kind, brings about a sense of calm.
    : ) XO Kris

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh my, your quilt is gorgeous and your room looks like a lovely haven :)
    I agree with Kris (above), and think that hand made work brings a sense of calm to the maker x x x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautiful quilt Gracie, and I loved that book. It is true we turn to simple items of comfort in difficult times.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

    ReplyDelete
  7. Personally I think it makes sense to have a working knowledge of these crafts and to pass them on, there are no guarantees in life that we will all be able to continue with the relative affluence of 'Mass Produced' that our Grandparents would not believe. I agree with Teresa also...it is the perfect antidote to the way we live and the way things are produced. There may be a time where these skills are as essential as they were not so long ago. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello! This is my first visit to your blog. I simply wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this post: warmth and inspiration and a general joie de vivre which is quite contageous. Thank you.

    Warmest wishes,

    Stephanie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephanie, thank you for visiting and I do hope you will come often and let me get to know you, too. I am glad you found your visit encouraging. Your comment encourages me. :)

      Delete
  9. Hello Gracie the quilt is beautiful and I love the light streaming through your window. My thoughts yesterday turned to that dreadful day - it is still so hard to understand the depths that man will go to to destroy others.
    There has been a lot of research into stitching/knitting and it's benefits. I started my knitting group as a result of joining a Forum called Stitchlinks. If you google stitchlinks you should be able to read more about the research and results of that research.
    In my knitting group are several ladies who have had some difficult times/experiences. Thay have told me how the group and knitting itself has helped them. I can truly say as well that I have noticed the difference in them. Take care Anne x

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lovely post - especially the blue glass that the sun is shining through.

    I agree it's fascinating how handcrafts have had a resurgence. So many quilts have been made to honour victims of AIDS, 9/11, other tragedies. I think it's because stitching is an act of love. That sounds very corny but I think it's true!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh my goodness, Gracie! I am in awe of your ancestral heritage. It's so lovely to have gifts from those who came before us living on with us. And your drawing sounds like such a great tribute! That is such a beautiful way to express thanks for our enjoyed freedoms on that day!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting me today! I welcome your comments!