Lois Scharz - her first applique quilt - Pictorial Quilt replica

May I share a wonderful story with you? I received this photo in the mail from a Mr. Lamb, a history buff and collector of African American artifacts. His wife's aunt, Lois Scharz, stitched this replica of Harriet Powers' Pictorial Quilt. Mr. Lamb had learned about my new book, This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Other Pieces, and read it. The year before he asked Mrs. Scharz, a quilter, to sew the replica for him. I was so amazed at the photos that I called and spoke to Mr. Lamb, and, later that evening to Mrs. Scharz, who is a dear.

Believe it or not, this quilt is Mrs. Scharz's first appliqued quilt! You can see her in the photo. She started the quilt in November 2008 and finished it on August 8, 2009! She told me she would love to have met Harriet Powers. Mrs. Scharz lives on a Virginia farm and has invited this city girl to come visit! Enjoy!

Victoria Rowell - Obama Dress at the Emmy Awards

Did you see the Emmy Awards this year? One of the hot topics is whether Victoria Rowell (formerly of The Young and Restless and Diagnosis: Murder) had one of the best or worst dresses. She wore one featuring Obama fabric from Ghana. Sistah blogger Karen Nicole, who has been to Ghana, discusses the fabric. If Victoria Rowell has any scraps left, I could use them for a new quilt! What do you think of her dress?

Black Creativity 2010 - call for entries

January 13 through February 28, 2010

The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago commemorates Black History Month with the Black Creativity program, which includes one of the country’s oldest African-American art exhibitions. Prominent artists from around the globe submit their work to the Juried Art Exhibition in the categories of ceramics, drawings, mixed media, paintings, photography, print media, sculpture, textiles, and video. Participants are recognized at the annual Juried Art Reception, a gathering celebrating the diversity of African-American participation in the applied arts.

CATEGORIES
Ceramics • Drawings • Mixed Medium • Paintings • Photography • Sculpture • Textiles • Video

AWARDS

A panel of judges will choose artists to receive prizes.

1st place: $3,000 • 2nd place: $2,000 • 3rd place: $1,000

ENTRY FORM: Apply online: www.msichicago.org/bc2010 or mail to: Black Creativity, Juried Art Exhibition Museum of Science and Industry 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60637-2093

Vlisco New Fabric Collection from the Netherlands

Ok - if you are a fabric-aholic, get ready to drool! No, really, get ready.

Yesterday I received an email from the Dutch Wax fabric manufacturer Vlisco in the Netherlands. Their new line of fabrics is available - minimum order is 6 yards per design. Yes, they do ship to the US. You've got to visit the site and see these FABULOUS dresses made from the fabrics, like the one at left. I'm jealous, there are even stores with the FASHIONS - click here! Enjoy!

"Music in My Soul: The Legacy and the Lyrics" Quilt Exhibit in Durham

Works by the Sistah and Brother quilters of the African American Quilt Circle, founded in 1998, are on exhibit in Durham, North Carolina at the Hayti Heritage Center until September 30, 2009. The show is titled "Music in My Soul: The Legacy and the Lyrics." Do drop a note in the comment section if you have seen this exhibit - tell us about it! Enjoy!

Sisters in Stitches Joined by the Cloth

Hope everyone had a lovely time at the recent Sisters in Stitches Joined By The Cloth quilting guild biannual quilt show, Telling Our Story In Quilts and Tapestry, at the Boys and Girls Club of Roxbury in Boston, MA on Friday August 28 and August 29, 2009. The show featured quilts made by young persons taught by the guild!