Greetings dear blog readers and fellow quilt lovers! I was very fortunate to spend the last 10 days in Colonial Williamsburg, Virgina and attend
The Elly Sienkiewicz Applique Academy; TESAA as it is affectionately called by attendees. It was an action packed event that included stitching with new and old friends, many side trips to local museums, shopping, and delicious dining. The very first day in attendance, we were fortunate to attend an exhibition at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum entitled
Quilts in the Baltimore Manner. The small group was led by none other than Elly Sienkiewicz. Elly has written over 20 books on Baltimore style quilts and is credited with the revival and current popularity of this intricate applique style.
Rather than bore you with narrative, I would like to share the photos I was able to take of the exhibit. These were some of the more unusual and ornate blocks. As you view the photos, keep in mind that these stitchers were in love with the industrial revolution and the marvels of their time. They used all and any materials available to them to express their artistic vision; paint, ink, thread, paste, fussy cutting, etc. Their work is filled political, religious, and social commentary. I really believe these free souls were the art quilters of their time. Of course that is just my humble opinion.
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| Classic we all recognize! |
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| I love the simplicity of this basket! |
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| Sweetest bird block ever! |
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| Love the tiny basket filled with large blooms! |
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| Beautiful perspective! |
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| Loaded with symbols! |
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| Can you see the white thread? |
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| Another classic block! |
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| More symbolism! |
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| One of my favorite classic designs! |
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| Beautiful White Rose block! |
The museum reproduced several classic blocks on tiles to allow you to lay them out and create various settings.
Included in the show was a spectacular brodrie perse quilt and a stuffed white work quilt. Enjoy!
Until next time...
Best stitches,
Mercy in Miami
Greetings dear blog readers and fellow quilt lovers! I was very fortunate to spend the last 10 days in Colonial Williamsburg, Virgina and attend The Elly Sienkiewicz Applique Academy; TESAA as it is affectionately called by attendees. It was an action packed event that included stitching with new and old friends, many side trips to local museums, shopping, and delicious dining. The very first day in attendance, we were fortunate to attend an exhibition at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum entitled Quilts in the Baltimore Manner. The small group was led by none other than Elly Sienkiewicz. Elly has written over 20 books on Baltimore style quilts and is credited with the revival and current popularity of this intricate applique style. 
What a wonderful show! It is so amazing to see those blocks close up. Some of them look really stuffed! So does the quilting. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing these treasures, you must have had a lovely time!
ReplyDeleteHi Jane!
DeleteI had a wonderful time! This year the Academy was extra nice - not sure why - but I was in tears saying good bye to all my classmates. Counting the days until next year! Maybe you can come too??!!
Best stitches,
Mercy
Thank you, Mercy - what wonderful block! Hope the exhibit becomes a traveling one so more of us can see it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your photographs and thoughts Mercy. I hope to attend Academy one day too.
ReplyDeleteMarcia
Wow! Lucky you! Thanks so much for sharing, MErcy
ReplyDeleteOh, my, Mercy, the pictures are just breathtaking! Thank you so much for sharing. Lucky you to have been able to attend Elly's Academy.
ReplyDeleteOh my so much eye candy in one spot. Thanks so much for sharing. How lucky to be with Elly some one I have admired from my first appliqué stitches. Again thanks for sharing. Cheers Glenda in ore
ReplyDeleteHi Glenda
DeleteThank you! Yes, I count my blessings everyday!
Best stitches!
Mercy in Miami