Friendship Quilt c. 1937

Isabelle De Strange made this Friendship Quilt, likely over many years, using fabric and thread. The quilt presents a garden of friendship. Each block is a testament to a relationship, rendered in the universal language of flowers, wreaths, and hearts. The texture of the quilt is smooth where the fabric has been worn by time and use, yet individual stitches hint at the labor and love poured into its making. The colors, though faded, still sing a song of warmth, with reds and pinks balanced by the blues of loyalty and the greens of growth. Look at the block containing an anchor, can you see how each stitch creates an image of hope and stability in a visual poem? De Strange's work reminds me of the quilts of Gee's Bend, where everyday materials are transformed into powerful expressions. Ultimately, this quilt is an ongoing dialogue about memory, connection, and the enduring power of craft.