Friday, December 23, 2022

IN APPRECIATION Blue bar Quilts October 2022

 IN APPRECIATION

Memory Cloth Circle

October 1 – 30  2022

We are sharing our memories of appreciation, gratitude, caring and love.  There’s so much good in our lives and the world.  What you pay attention to, strengthens.  These artworks and stories will remind you of those who matter to you, those who made your life better.  

Let’s say thank you more and as Ann’s car says “Be Kind.”

 

The Memory Cloth Circle began at Lakeside Coffee House in 2013. Each week people gathered to tell stories and embroider memories. The group was inspired by Amazwi Abesifazane, Voices of Women, in South Africa. Those courageous women began making Memory Cloths to tell their stories of Apartheid; they asked us to share their healing process in the U.S. We honor them in our work choosing our own stories and messages.

The Circle participants, buoyed by the group’s energy and creativity continue to meet weekly. Today the Memory Cloth Circle brings together 20+ professional and non-professional women artists from various backgrounds. All enjoy sharing ideas, resources and stories in stitches using vintage and repurposed fabrics through embroidery, applique, collage, knitting, crochet, and mixed media. 

 

Since the pandemic we have met in-person biweekly alternating with zoom.

We we are delighted that this has allowed participation to include members in Oregon, Texas, and Tanzania. 

 

Facebook MemoryClothsCircle

http://makingmemorycloths.blogspot.com

 

Amazwi Abesifazane [Voices of Women] 

http://www.amazwi-voicesofwomen.com/archives

 

Joyce Carey BLUE TAIL FLY

 Joyce Carey

BLUE TAIL FLY


My husband was a fiddler. 

He gave me an appreciation for American folk music. 

That, together with my love of all things “bug” is the inspiration

 for the Blue Tail Fly.



Laurie Friedman SYLVIA

Laurie Friedman

SYLVIA 


Materials: Embellished pre-printed cotton panel with
 
added pieced and embroidered cotton border.


This piece is in appreciation of my maternal grandmother, 

Sylvia Pauli. Though she had an unimaginably difficult 

childhood, she grew into a sweet and loving adult beloved 

by many. By example, she taught me the importance of 

simplicity and humility. She loved gardening and sharing 

the bounty of her garden, both fresh and preserved. 






 

 

Leslee Nelson INSPIRING WOMEN – AUNT MAE

 Leslee Nelson

INSPIRING WOMEN – AUNT MAE

Materials: Vintage hanky, embroidery floss

 

Starting when I was 10 I got to visit my Aunt Mae in Racine 

for a week each summer.  We would bake cookies and 

she taught me to sew with her treadle sewing machine. 


There was a huge section of Lilies of the Valley next to 

her house. She crocheted tiny high heels with variegated 

thread in a lace pattern. She wore colorful fake pearl 

necklaces with matching earrings for dress up.





Suzy Roth "STITCHERHOOD"

 

Suzy Roth

"STITCHERHOOD"

Materials: Hand dyed threads by Leslee Nelson

Sharpie dyed fabric

14"x 21"

 

My piece celebrates the creative exuberance that 

flows from the Memory Cloth Circle.









Ann Engelman I AM AUNT MARION


Ann Engelman

I AM AUNT MARION

 

Materials: Embroidery on a vintage handkerchief


Many summers were spent on a farm in central Wisconsin 

with Aunt Marion. Adventures were everywhere and included

 a fishing shanty - always my playhouse for the summer and

usually full of motherless kittens to be fed. 


Aunt Marion was the example of kindness, generosity, 

creativity, ingenuity, thrift and the expectation to have a

 curious and industrious nature.



 




















Ann Engelman FREIDA





Ann Engelman

FREIDA 


Materials: Embroidery on a vintage handkerchief


Growing up in a small town I did not have a very wide or 

confident view of the world.


As a student at UW-Madison 

I took a class with Professor Freida High. 

She was an example of what I wanted to be 

as a woman. 


I was a mediocre student but aced her class proving 

I could succeed. This was not an insignificant realization.