Quilting and Sacred Threads

"Missing" 28" w x 34" h

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I have been asked by several people if I have given up making quilts. Of course not. I do not think I could ever give up making things in fiber and remember I have never just done quilts. I have been working on a new quilt "Missing" for Sacred Threads. The background is a small painting that I had created into fabric. Originally I thought I would just create a quilt with it, but when it arrived, it did not feel right. I had a "ah ha" moment when I decided to make a quilt with chairs. Food and gatherings have always been a huge part of my life and with the loss of so many family members and friends these last few years I thought about the how to express the loss--a theme that seems to be a focus of so much of my artwork--and decided on empty chairs. I even quilted one in the background. Now I need to write 100 words about the quilt. By the way, the deadline has been extended to January 4 so you still have time. 

"Feeling Blue" 12" w x 17" h

Since I can enter two quilts for the entry fee, I decided to also enter "Feeling Blue." This quilt has more to do with dealing with feeling "not enough" and hence, depressed. And even though I do get depressed, I always remain hopeful which I also hope this piece expresses.

If you do not know about Sacred Threads, I strongly suggest you check it out even if you cannot enter at this time. It began in 1999 as an exhibition that dealt with spirituality and inspiration. "The show does not emphasize any particular religion or theology but conveys the spirituality, healing and inspirational messages that transcend all people." The shows use to be in Ohio and were run by the founders Vikki Pignatelli and Wendy Bynner. They handed over the reins in 2009 to Lisa Ellis and friends. The show now takes place in the Washington, D.C. area.   Pieces from the show also travel. I did not entered the last show in 2015, but both my quilts that I entered in 2013 traveled which was gratifying.  

I do think it is time to make something with a lighter theme! What themes do you repeat in your work?

Michelle Owens Free At Last

More than seven years ago, I drove to Maryville, Ohio, to interview quiltmakers for Quilters' S.O.S. - Save Our Stories, an oral history project, in the Ohio Reformatory for Women. The women had made quilts for a special exhibit for Sacred Threads called Beyond the Barrier. This is where I met Michelle. To be honest, I did not feel a strong connection to Michelle when we met, not like I did with some of the other women. And yet, I have the closest relationship with Michelle.  I have watched her grow, work hard and become self aware. Michelle was 35 years old when she entered prison and it is now more than 12 years later. Tomorrow she will be released after serving her full sentence. She will be facing lots of challenges. Her mother is suffering from dementia. She will need to get a job, but will not have a car, etc. She hopes to knit for homeless and children in need. She truly has a good heart and knows that she made some bad decisions including the man she married and hopes to divorce soon. He did the crime, made a deal and got out early, but that isn't what I want to concentrate on here. It does explain her new last name. I hope you will join me in helping Michelle feel supported and encouraged by sending her a card and/or a fat quarter, etc. Thanks!

Michelle Krajcovic
874 Triplett Blvd.
Akron, OH 44306

Sacred Threads Postcard and Ad

Last night I packed up two of quilts for their journey to Sacred Threads. It was a wonderful surprise to see that a detail of my quilt Glimpses of the Dark Angel (first image, second row) was used for the postcard and ad. Both of my quilts were also selected to go to Nebraska so it will be more than 5 months before I will see my quilts again. I cannot attend either show so if you do, please let me know your impressions.

Good News to Share!

I actually have good news to share times two! This has not happened to me in a very long time so I am extremely grateful. First, I entered two pieces into Sacred Threads and both (Glimpses of the Dark Angel and Simpler Times) were accepted. An incredible 231 pieces were accepted. The quilts will be on display at Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon, Virginia, near Washington, D.C., from July 10-28. Wish I could be there. 

Today I got news that for the first time a part of the exhibition (40 pieces) will travel to a gallery, Sunderland Gallery, in Omaha, Nebraska. The exhibition will run for 8 weeks (September 15- November 10). I cannot believe it, both of my pieces will be a part of that exhibition! It is a good day.

Gift from a Crow and Sacred Threads

I was working in my yard contemplating my quilt for Sacred Threads. I needed to get something to drink and as I was coming back into the yard, a crow put something in my basket. It was a bone! This crow and I have been hanging out together all week as I work in the yard. I thanked her for her gift and she flew away. It was a most interesting experience. Anyway if you don't know about Sacred Threads, you need to check it out.

Sacred Threads is an exhibition of quilts exploring the subject themes of spirituality, joy, inspiration, peace/brotherhood, grief and healing. This biennial exhibition was established to provide a safe venue for quilters who see their work as a connection to the sacred and/or as an expression of their spiritual journey.

It has moved from Columbus, Ohio to Herndon, Virginia about 30 miles outside of Washington, D.C. The exhibit will from June 22 - July 4, 2011. 

Time to get creating!