venturing tentatively into the online world of art quilts (why do i find the very idea so off-putting? i think my deeply ingrained art-scepticism instinctively baulks at it - to my mind the whole point of a quilt is that it keeps somebody warm) i’ve found a whole heap more links to drop for later reference:

ragged cloth cafe
art quilt reviews
squidoo: art quilts

quilting is apparently part of the fabric (heh) of society in the us, but here it feels like a rather unlikely thing to do. casting around to find some kind of british tradition i could link into i found quiltart. i’m especially taken by the work of elizabeth brimelow and ann fahy, both speak to the latent archaeologist in me. and for sheer fabric joy i don’t think mary fogg can be beaten.

with immaculate timing the purl bee (i swear i’m not on commission ) today recommended this book on welsh quilts.

early quilt history, wholecloth quilts, inc. welsh, at quiltersmuse.

vintage welsh quilts can be seen (and purchased) here. tangentially, she also has a stock of welsh nursing shawls, which i feel somehow duty-bound to at least have a try with, although the traditional carry is one-handed, rather than hands free. and on the same tangent i must remember to post a pic of my new mei tai - it’s one of the loveliest textiles that’s come into my possession in a loooong time.

sadly not much info online at the v&a, although they do have a reading list and (don’t hold your breath) an upcoming exhibition of british quilts in 2010.

the quilters’ guild

quiltstory has an up to date list of uk exhibitions and events, as well as various articles with a uk slant.

fabric dyeing 101 - definitive dyeing resource (which will follow in due course, i have no doubt ) i’ve also really enjoyed reading her hard-won insights into running an art-based home business (ongoing series).

i’ve been completely remiss blogging full coloriffic swaporama details, although i did put loads of pix on flickr. suffice to say this was a totally enjoyable swap, both to give and receive. this was a first coloriffic for both both me and my sender elena and we did pretty damn well for newbies, doncha think? i think a lot of the fun came from the restriction of having a limited colour palette, but those colours being ones i could happily work with. the cream, lavender and black combo for april made me shudder i’m afraid, and i’m not sure i’d enjoy the additional “freedom” of may’s mega 4-colour choice either. so i’m happy to sit back and wait for a colour that sparks my interest again (um, yellow anyone?) although when i’m likely to find the chance in the near future is anyone’s guess.

and shannon, i’m totally up for a swap at some point - especially if it involves french knots - but right now would be a dreadful time for me to commit to anything. ask me again in about 4 months time, once i have an idea of whether our new arrival is a sleeper or not

top: received | bottom: sent