A new obsession.

So I've already made it clear that I am obsessed with quilts, but now I am specifically obsessed with these quilts. They are the quilts of Gee's Bend. I first saw them when I went to the outdoor quilt show in Sisters, Oregon last weekend. Of the many, many quilts at the show, these were by far the most original. They have been called "some of the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced" by the New York Times. I am amazed by their spontaneous construction and brilliant colors. They are thought provoking. I wonder what was going through the minds of the women who pieced them and then quilted them. I wonder who taught them to quilt this way. It is also important to note that they are showcased as a group project, but they are made by many individual artists. That says something about the feeling of community that these quilts communicate. To me they express the individuality that a quilt should embody and yet they also pieces of history. I get a little put out with all the well-crafted quilts I see that completely lack individuality and creativity. It is not difficult to pick out a pattern, buy a few yards of fabric on sale, and produce a mediocre quilt that is technically perfect. There is a difference between art and craft in quilting and these quilts are art.

Here are some of the Gee's bend quilts that were showcased in the outdoor quilt show:

I am lucky enough to see even more of these quilts in person this month because Elizabeth Leach Gallery in Portland is running an exhibit! I can't wait!

A Summer Wedding in Draper.

Last week I went on a road trip with my mom back to Utah for the wedding of some dear friends. My missionary's twin brother, Loren, was married to my friend Anne in the Draper temple on July 1st, 2009. I first met Anne in 2005 when I was still living in the Foreign Language Student Residence (FLSR). I knew her before I knew her husband or his brother. Two worlds collided when I realized that she was writing my missionary's brother when he was still on his mission last year! I felt like we understood each other's situations very well and I hoped and prayed that she would end up with her missionary. I am so happy for them. Congratulations Anne and Loren!

I've been dying to post some pictures of the quilt I made for them as well. Take a look:

I love it so much that I am making a copy for myself. I know, I have an addiction.

This is one of my favorite fabrics on the quilt. It's an Eiffel Tower print. I found it to be appropriate as they are honeymooning in Paris. Not to mention the backing fabric. I can't get enough of it. I went back to the fabric store a couple weeks ago and bought the rest of their entire stock (it was only 3 3/4 yards so I didn't go completely haywire).

With all the quilting I've been doing and the lovely trip I was able to take to Utah, this summer is shaping up nicely so far.

One last thing, the Draper temple is now my favorite because it has a quilting theme! Check out the corner windows, they have a log cabin pattern!!!