Unconventional and Unexpected
Last week I started a quilt based on this one on page 35 of Roderick Kiracofe's Unconventional and Unexpected.
The original quilt is made with polyester double knit fabrics. I started with this selection of cotton fabrics from my stash and a few others added later and some thrift store shirts that were cut up.
The blocks alternate between plain and string pieced. I tried to keep the string pieced blocks looking "chunky" like the ones in the original quilt.
I started off with a "random" placement of the blocks.
I really wasn't thrilled with the layout I had so I went back to study the original. On closer study I noticed that the original quilt had like fabrics clumped together. My guess is that the quilt was made stitched together as the blocks were cut. When one fabric ran out another was started. I tried rearranging my blocks and was much happier with the result.
I have it all sewn together now and while I'm waiting to get king size batting I'm thinking about how I will quilt it.
(book link is an affiliate link.)
Broken - domestic abuse quilt #7
Broken, finished size 16'' by 16''
This quilt is based on the traditional log cabin block. The centers here are black instead of the traditional red that symbolizes a warm hearth.
The "cabins" are also not complete shelters; they are broken.
Domestic abuse does not affect just one person or even one household or nuclear family. It leaves extended families and friends fragile and disconnected.
Domestic abuse leaves a wake of breakage:
broken objects of sentimental value,
broken hearts,
broken friendships,
broken trust,
broken promises.
If you have a friend or family member who is experiencing abuse here are some things you can do to help. The most important thing to remember is that the choice to leave or not is theirs. You can't make them leave a bad situation but you can be supportive and helpful in their choice. They will need someone they can count on when/if they do decide to end or leave the abusive relationship.
Domestic Violence knows no boundaries when it comes to race/gender/sexuality/age/socioeconomic status/geographic location/culture.
Remember, domestic abuse affects ten million people in the US every year. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please know that the folks at the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1 800 799 SAFE or thehotline.org) are ready to listen and support you, as well as refer you to a local program or organization. If you observe someone being abused, you can also call the hotline. A good samaritan call can save a life!
All of the quilts in the Domestic Abuse series so far can be viewed here.
