If you are interested in quilting and quilts, this exhibit will be a great inspiration for new ideas.
As part of an ongoing rotation of quilts from the Charleston Museum’s permanent textile collection, the Museum has eleven new quilts on exhibit. Spanning over 150 years of Charleston quiltmaking, each piece offers a unique interpretation of a floral theme. Nature was a constant source of inspiration for quilters, and especially Charleston quilters. All types of flowers became the subject of quilt patterns – pieced, appliquéd and embroidered. These floral quilts will be “in bloom” through the end of 2008. For more information, please call 722-2996 or visit www.charlestonmuseum.org
Women in Charleston were entranced by the wide variety of chintz fabrics imported from India, England and France. From the late 18th century throughout the 19th century, quilters cut out printed figures from these beautiful fabrics, sewing them to a larger background. This appliqué method was also known as broderie perse, or Persian embroidery since it was originally an imitation of more time-consuming embroidery. The Basket of Flowers quilt, c. 1840 is a stunning chintz appliqué quilt and perhaps the quintessential Charleston quilt. In this example, the central bouquet is cut from a single print augmented with additional flowers cut from other prints. The openwork basket was created from strips of an oak leaf and acorn print.
In another type of appliqué, the shape of the fabric cut-out creates the design. Again, it is sewn to a larger background creating the overall design. Roses were frequently used, as in this 1930s Rose of Sharon example, made up of roses, buds, leaves and stems. Tulips and other flowers, both real and stylized, were also popular. Flowers were even incorporated into pieced design, where geometric pieces were sewn together to create the pattern. Providing an unusual twist on the floral theme is the Sundew (pictured at top) quilt made in the mid-19th century. Each square bears an unusual appliqué and reverse appliqué motif based on the Sundew or Drosera plant. These pink plants lure, capture and digest insects using tentacles covered with glistening drops of mucilage, resembling drops of morning dew. The plants are found in boggy areas in many parts of the world, but this quilt pattern has only been found on central South Carolina quilts (Lexington area).
Quilts In Bloom at The Charleston Museum takes place 07/28/2008 – 12/31/2008
The Charleston Museum
360 Meeting Street
Call 843-722-2996 or visit www.charlestonmuseum.org