The second group of quilts I want to highlight from the Community Stitches: Quilt Designs & Stories exhibit at the Pasedena Museum of History were collaborative efforts and made with a specific purpose in mind.
The first example is a rather large horizontal piece measuring in at 78" h x 138"w. It was created in 2022 by a group of creative employees to welcome the first female director of the Jet Propulsion Lab, Dr. Laurie Leshin. At first glance it is a collection of space themed squares that invites the viewer to take a closer look at each block. It is not until the viewer takes several steps back that the red letters "JPL" begin to assert themselves.
This quilt reflects the innovative, "out side of the box" thinking one would expect from people who work at JPL. The detail photos below show traditionally pieced or appliquéd squares along side three dimensional blocks and blocks that feature an element in crochet, knit, needlepoint and more.
In 2000, the 75th anniversary of Pasedena City College was commemorated with this quilt. The quilters modernized the technique of fabric drawing that was used on one of the crazy quilts in this show and mentioned in my previous post. It features images, logos, and text associated with PCC through transferring them to the fabric, either by hand (see the top and bottom landscape images) or through photocopying (center diamond area.)
Designed by Bobbie Moon and Suzanne Bravender
My last example of community effort is this very large (131"h x 90"w), vertically oriented quilt,- it filled the wall up to the ceiling! This quilt was created by docents at the Pasedena Historical Society (now Pasedena Museum of History) in 1988.
Designed by Jane Giddings Carmichael
A closer look at individual blocks in this quilt shows the quilters' strategic use of three dimensional elements where appropriate. Check out the awnings in the two blocks below, and remember the umbrella on the crazy quilt of my earlier post.
In an exhibit like this one, it is especially interesting to connect the work of the past with that of the present. Of course one can appreciate each quilt on its own, displayed under a spot light and free of environmental distraction. But it is also really helpful to "follow the thread" of techniques, skills, and designs, through the history of the craft. Seeing these quilts as a collection provides and opportunity to make mental note of skills and techniques we might be inspired to try ourselves. That opens the way for contemporary creators to expand their tool box of skills, give them a little tweak, and add their voices to the history of this important art form.
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