Quilt Patchwork c. 1937

This Quilt Patchwork, made by Margaret Linsley, is a feast of colours and patterns. Imagine her piecing together squares and triangles with tiny stitches. Looking at this image, I can't help but think about the intimate, quiet moments that must have been involved in creating this design. What was she thinking, what was she feeling? I imagine her carefully selecting each fabric, arranging and rearranging until the composition felt just right. You can see how the texture of the cloth must have played a role, how it might have been soft or rough, smooth or nubby. It's clear that the different prints—florals, stripes, plaids—were carefully chosen to create a sense of harmony. There is something about the juxtaposition of the busy florals and the calm stripes that creates visual interest. Quilts are a form of folk art that embraces imperfection. They are testaments to the enduring power of creative exchange.