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Friday, September 16, 2022

Part of the Whole...

 



Do these look like flowers, or trash, or both? Well they are. Or at least they would have been trash if members of the Fiber Art Bee hadn't recycled plastic packaging and bags into flowers and cut petals that are all on their way to New York. That's where fiber artist Natalya Khorover will soon be installing her "Hothouse" exhibition filled with repurposed plastic. Natalya spoke at a recent quilt guild meeting via Zoom and shared the story of her quilting journey along with her innovative techniques. Natalya makes "art for earth's sake" and sews many items like single-use plastic, used dryer sheets, and old linens into her artwork. She makes beautiful stitched works while calling attention to plastic pollution. Visit her site at the link above to learn more about her and see some of her astonishing art quilts, installations, and "ransom art" pieces. You'll see intensive hand and machine stitching on plastic substrates, and I think you'll be amazed! While I may never have an installation of my work or complete a large impactful project, I will often take an opportunity to be part of a collaborative effort- to be part of the whole. Natalya invited us to send her some flowers and be part of her exhibition this fall.



Another group I belong to will be putting together a collaborative quilt composed of 6" blocks made by members. The Florida Quilt Study Group invited members to contribute a block in any design and in fabrics of their choice. One dedicated member will assemble the blocks into a quilt to be displayed at FQSG events. I wanted to make a block reminiscent of a vintage quilt and am a fan of the 1930s embroidered edge designs. This is my miniaturized version of a '30s Butterfly block. Being part of the whole means having the enjoyment and privilege of making a small element. Just the ticket!


I'm sure you've heard of Quilts of Valor- the volunteer organization that has a mission of providing quilts to members of military service and veterans in thanks for their service. More than 300,000 quilts have been awarded in the 20 years the organization has existed. We have volunteer Cathy Washburn, an active dedicated member of Country Road Quilters in Ocala, who leads members in making these quilts for the organization. She prepares kits of pieces that members sew into blocks, and eventually into completed quilts. Cathy is planning an award ceremony at the guild for this November. This is one of the blocks that will become part of the whole. So while none of us can do everything, all of us can do something... and that makes a difference!

6 comments:

The Inside Stori said...

What an uplifting post……thanks for sharing these worthy efforts our quilt community is involved in!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

What a worthy way to be a volunteer. Your efforts dp not go unnoticed, at least by all the guilds to which you belong. SO impressive and each is so very different That makes your art and quilts so very special, Nancy.

Country Road Quilters - Ocala, FL said...

Thanks for the nice comments Nancy!

Lynette (NZ) said...

So lovely to be part of larger efforts like this. I always found being involved with charity quilts so special. Love your butterfly

Robbie said...

Natalya and her work is so interesting! Nice that you and others from your group are contributing! I'm having issues with blogger right now...grrrrrrr....keep losing my place in comment...you go girl..love to see quilt block!

FlourishingPalms said...

Hooray for you! I agree with you about being a part of the whole, and it's great to see how you're contributing to several worthwhile efforts. Love that idea of plastic flowers for a recycled plastic exhibit. I hope, when the time comes, you'll find some pictures to share to show us the exhibition. Will that be in NYC? Your embroidered butterfly is lovely, and perfectly reminiscent of the 1930s. You've reminded me of why quiltmaking is such a perfect pass-time... we can each find a style or aesthetic aspect of it that we like, and want to dig into. Lovely Quilts of Valor block too.