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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Modern Vintage

Some of my friends have called my style vintage modern. Though I think I'm evolving a bit, it seems to describe my work. I have a quilt to show you today that I call modern vintage. Seems like a bit of an oxymoron, but read on.
When I was speaking and teaching down in Arkansas this summer I had the pleasure of viewing the show and tell of the Q.U.I.L.T. Guild of NW Arkansas in Springdale.  When this quilt came up, I gasped out loud.  I couldn't help myself.  I was taken with it from the moment I saw it.  I cheekily asked if it was for sale, but alas the answer was no.  A few weeks later I got an email letting me know that the quilt was available and that it would be in Kansas City for me to see.  Well, we got together and I took the quilt home with me.  It has a few condition issues, but they don't detract from the design and it's so unique I felt it belonged with me!
I don't know the history of this quilt, but it's probably from the 40's, definitely made from feedsacks and clothing, and is a great example of minimalism (at least for me).  It may have been a patriotic quilt made during WW II.  I like to imagine who the maker might have been and the story behind the quilt. I was reading a bit about quilts from this mid-century period and found it enlightening.
The fabric used for the giant circle is this beautiful starlike print.  The quilt is tied in red about every two inches and tied well.  Very few are missing and that's pretty rare.  I love how the ties become part of the design of the quilt.
The center circle appears to be some type of clothing, possibly a shirt or a dress.
This quilt is such a good example of what's old is new again. It's bold, graphic, stunning and totally modern.  I'm happy to give it a home.

PS....I forgot to share this with you.  Generation Q, a new online mag, did an article on me.  Thanks to Melissa and Jake for including me.  If you'd like to know a bit more about me, check it out.
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13 comments:

  1. BrigitteOctober 19, 2011 at 1:25 AM

    This is a great example of showing how simplicity is able to inherent so much beauty. I guess the quilt was originally not meant as a designer sample, as the quilts of Gees Bend aren't either, and yet it has all the attributes which makes it a piece of modern design.
    Thanks for sharing the article about you (I found out that your son is called Ben as mine is ;-) )to learn more about you and BTW: your "alert" orange makes such a fresh look in combination with white, I would have held on the idea too.

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  2. PotrebbepiovereOctober 19, 2011 at 1:51 AM

    Good morning,
    I often read your blog and find it full of beautiful pictures and interesting ideas, I usually do not leave comments because of my bad English, but this time it is absolutely necessary. I must say thank you for sharing images, so detailed about this beautiful quilt. I really like it a lot.
    Greetings from 'Italy. Claudia

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  3. Jennifer Mathis of Ellison LaneOctober 19, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    I love this quilt- so striking and to find out it is from the 40s is just proof that what goes around comes around- you could have made that today and it would be considered very modern indeed. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Off to read more about you. :)

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  4. folksmithOctober 19, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    Love the article. My husband and I lived on the south side of Chicago many years ago while he was going to graduate school. What a fun an exciting city. My two daughters are in love with the city and hope to live there in the near future.


    Not sure how you could downsize like that...you are a genius.

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  5. Di~October 19, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    Great write up on Jacquie! Thanks!
    You still just amaze me with this big change you've embraced.

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  6. goletagirlwendyOctober 19, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    Thank you for all the sharing you do. The article in Generation Q was great. I love salt and vinegar chips too. In the photo I saw some Ikea fabric (bottom shelf), what is your favorite thing to make using Ikea fabric? Keep us posted when the PBS show will air, hope you have fun taping.

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  7. Cheryl ArkisonOctober 19, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    That's a great piece. And a fantastic reminder of good design being timeless.

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  8. CamilleOctober 19, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    Funny, our next line of fabric (coming out late this fall) is called Vintage Modern. Maybe you will like it! ;-)

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  9. hollymadeOctober 19, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    Great article! I live in Chicago too, and I too love how walkable it is. There's definitely a trade off with space, both indoors and out, but most of the time I think it's well worth it.

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  10. PoppyprintOctober 19, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    I'm so happy you were able to acquire the quilt that you so obviously appreciate a lot!! It's super cool. I love the ties.

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  11. Live a Colorful LifeOctober 19, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    the magazine article was wonderful!! I'm drooling over the wonderful chair. *sigh* perfect color and design.

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  12. NatalieOctober 20, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    what a beautiful quilt! I love all the hand ties. It's almost like some vintage chenille fabric I've seen

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  13. MightyMomNovember 9, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    that's really lovely!

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So, what are you thinking? (please don't put links in your comments...the spam police like to grab them and hide them away! if you want to share a link, feel free to email me.