New Book - Soulful Art of African American Quilts

Coming by Summer - Kansas City quilter, Sonie Ruffin, has written The Soulful Art of African American Quilts: Nineteen Bold, Improvisational Projects. This book includes 11 original quilt patterns and stories inspired by quilts from Scott Heffley's collection. The quilts include names such as Praise the Lord, Triangle Strip Doll Quilt, Black Eyed Susan, and Schoolhouse. The book also includes 7 of Sonie's own quilt designs including AIDS Quilt, Jumping the Broom, Stars over Africa, and Brown Silk Happiness and of Sonie's own Tote Bag. (Paperback, 128 pages ISBN: 978-1-933466-33-0)

The book is published by Kansas City Star Quilts and can be pre-ordered via www.PickleDish.com. You can also download a five page book sample here of the book. Congratulations Sonie!

Opening Day: 14 Quilts Celebrating the Life and Times of Negro League Baseball by Sonie Ruffin

Congratulations to Sonie Ruffin for the publication earlier this year of "Opening Day: 14 Quilts Celebrating the Life and Times of Negro League Baseball." This book was influenced, according to the book's description, by Sonie's "regular lunch meetings" with famed Negro League player Buck O'Neill (1911-2006) of the with the Kansas City Monarchs. This softcover, full-color 112 page book includes 14 quilt patterns illustrating various aspects of the Negro League baseball history. Enjoy!

My African Village - Free Pattern

Congratulations to Kansas City quilter and textile artist, Sonie Ruffin! Andover Fabrics is offering 19 prints Sonie designed - the My African Village Collection. You can download a free quilt pattern featuring Sonie's fabrics by clicking here.

Flint African American Quilters Guild

Over the weekend the Flint African American Quilters Guild hosted a fantastic annual show at the Flint Public Library. This year Kansas City sistah quilter Sonie Joi Ruffin spoke about the history and care of quilts.

If you attended this year's exhibit or talk by Sonie, please leave a comment here on the blog and let us know what you saw and heard! Enjoy!

New Sonie Ruffin Fabric! Drums of Africa

Sonie Ruffin has a new 100% cotton fabric out! Drums of Africa - available from Andover Fabrics. Have you seen it in your neighborhood fabric store or available online yet? Do share!

African-American Quilts Today: A Celebration of Motherhood, Sisterhood & the Matriarchs

The New England Quilt Museum is presenting "African-American Quilts Today: A Celebration of Motherhood, Sisterhood & the Matriarchs," an exhibit curated by Dr. Pearlie Johnson. The exhibit features the works of NedRa Bonds, Sonie Ruffin, Sherry Whetstone, and Michele David and will be on exhibit from October 21, 2010 to January 3, 2011. Quilts are divided into four themes: Motherhood and Fertility, Women and Matriarchs, Inspiration and Empowerment, and Ancestral Legacy. (Quilt in photo by NedRa Bonds.)

Additionally, there will be two special events: a trunk show with Sisters in Fiber, a Boston area African American fiber art group, on Nov. 6th and a trunk show on Nov. 13 with Sisters in Stitches, a Boston area African American quilt guild. Enjoy!