Diversity In Scrap Quilts

One of the things that was so impressive about the Scrap Art exhibit from the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles was the diversity.
From Chinese Indigo-dyed antique quilts, to Americana, the collection gives a taste for every scrap artist's pallet.

Marianne Lettieri
Old Glory, 2007
Cotton, denim, gloves, pincushions, scarves
Assemblage, pieced, applied
64" X 80"
Collection of the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles
2007.368
Gift of Jonathan Glick

Look at this amazing collection of pincushions!
I was especially moved by the artist's statement:
"The base for this work is a utility quilt made by my grandmother, Carrie Martin, in South Carolina around the time of the Great Depression. She made it with bits and pieces of denim overalls that show wear and mending. This piece gives tribute to the women of humble origins who built a mighty Republic. They were self-sacrificing homemakers with can-do attitudes and a great deal of moral fiber. They knew how to make something out of nothing. While altering this simple and honest piece of American folk art, I thought about those strong, hard-working women of an earlier age. Old glory, indeed!"

I don't think I've ever seen a quilt quite like this one in originality, and felt the presence of many generations of loving hands.

And to add to the diversity, an antique crocheted pincushion.

Yao Applique Quilt, 1920's

Cotton scraps; plain woven indigo-dyed cotton back and border

69" X 47 1/2"

Such intricate workmanship.

Yao Applique Quilt was one of 8 Chinese Textiles provided from the Collection of Chinalai Tribal Antiques.

I only photographed this one.
The Scrap Art Exhibit will run through October 16th if you are interested in seeing a more in depth view.