Posted by NightSky on December 21, 1999 at 19:08:50:
In Reply to: Re: Kate's Canadian Quilt ... For ... ES! posted by Kate on December 21, 1999 at 16:39:31:
: : : As all you fellow Gatherers know, one of us, Kate, has designed, and made, a beautiful quilt for Eric Schweig ... as a "Thank You" for attending last year's Gathering. I believe it was received yesterday!
: : : Thank you, Kate, for the excellent work! Thanks to all of you for being a part of it!
: : : Below is Kate's description of the quilt:
: : : "The star in the middle is meant to represent the compass star which is part of the Northwest Territories 'Coat of Arms'. Then there were cross stitched animals on each main point - a polar bear at the North pole, an eagle on the West point, a wolf on the East point and a grizzly bear on the South point. The wampum design on 'Uncas's' rifle strap lay across the top and bottom of the Centre star, with 'Hawkeye's' wampum design along both sides of the Centre star. Then there was a black/black and white check design around each of the four sides, interspersed with cross stitched Thunderbirds (a West Coast First Nations Spirit) and thistles and finally, cross stitched Canadian and Alba/Caledonia flags in each corner. The backing was black and it was edged with red Fraser tartan, the area tartan of Vancouver (I counldn't get hold of any North West Territories tartan - and yes, indeed there IS one!!)."
: : Kate: For all the debate about the differences of "arts" and "crafts," you've managed to create a work that qualifies as both. I can see it hanging in a museum 100 years from now, with the notation that it was given from one artist to another, in appreciation for their creative gifts and talent. It's a treasure. YRH
: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
: Well, Nightsky, I REALLY appreciate all your words!! It would be nice to think that in 100 years from now it WAS still around, but... But I hope it WILL be a rememberance of an enjoyable time and Eric will always think of 'Mohicanland' in a fondly light! That's all I ask.
: Take care, Nightsky
: Kate.
Kate: In our family we have quilts that are over 200 years old, so there's no reason to think it won't be around to be admired by generations to come. I remember my grandmother saying she couldn't believe anyone would actually want one of those old things. To her they were a sign of poverty, when you took what was left of worn-out clothes and made something useful out of it. The artistry came from combining colors and textures to make the best of a bad (poor) situation. If she were alive today, she would be 105 years old next March, and she wouldn't believe the way quilts are appreciated today.
It's a beautiful lasting piece of art that will serve in many ways it's lucky owner. Job well done (and appreciated). YRH