Here are some more closeup photographs of my antique quilt. I hope that some of these photographs have served as an inspiration for future needlework projects.
Judy, from Possibilities, wrote of inspiration when looking at the handwork of others: “It is my preference to say that things like this are “points of departure” or “inspiration” (which this certainly is) for my needlepoint designing – but in some cases, it seems downright plagiarism of sorts. ” She continues, “The colors, fabric choices, arrangement, and embellishments have made my work easier, so it has simply been a matter of figuring out which threads to use, which stitches would best imitate the effect of the background fabrics – and, of course, the top-stitched embellishments.”
Whether we are merely admiring handwork, or we are studying it to incorporate a portion of that work into a different piece, we often use the handwork made by others as a springboard for our own design. Perhaps one of the designs found in this crazy quilt has intrigued someone who will stitch it into their own 21st century piece. Threads truly weave in and out of our lives, as they have through the centuries and different cultures.
Happy Thanksgiving!
