One of the very best things about teaching is getting to meet the amazing women who show up as students. And sometimes they bring in the most astonishing work to share. Laura brought in this quilt..her very first crazy quilt.
It stopped me in my tracks. I had just met Laura in class, and didn't feel it was appropriate to ask her the story behind this quilt. I was sure it was very personal, and very private.
But the quilt speaks to all of us. I think it is a masterpiece of folk art, and conveys tremendous power and love. It blew me away.
Crazy quilts are not just about pretty flowers and lace.
In the wonderful world of social media--and I do think it is a force for good, as it connects people in new and meaningful ways--Laura and I became friends on Facebook so I can keep up with her life and her work. The subject of this quilt came up and I asked her if I could post it and she graciously gave me permission.
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I've taken a year off of crazy quilting as I worked on a quilt book on another subject--which I am very excited about and eager to share when the time comes.
But I also am glad to return to this beloved genre. Crazy quilts can tell a story like no other quilt can....I think it is because they take time and are such repositories of the maker's heart and soul, memorabilia, and memories.
Laura, I bow to you. Thank you for letting me share this.
