Thursday, April 12, 2012

Quilting Controversy

 
     Yesterday as I pondered on what my next post would be, a few things popped in my head. The thought of posting a picture of a pile of scraps with a few pictures of some hopeful projects came to mind, as has been done on other blogs. The idea of sharing the kids baptism on Easter was another thought. However, I really wanted to post something somewhat significant as I attempt to build a following. Not that my kids baptism wasn't a very special and significant event, it just wasn't right for my next post for "The Quilting Diaries". The next idea that popped in my head seemed to be a great idea, but it seems that it may cause a little controversy for my new blog.

So what is this great idea? 

     Being that I am an African American women who quilts and my grandmother Ina Bell King is still quilting at 90years of age, "The History of African American Quilting" would be great.  Some may be thinking "that's a great idea," right?  As I began to do a little research by way of Google, I came across Quilting Codes,one of many sites on the topic.  Quilting Codes is a theory that quilts/quilting blocks were used to help slaves in the Underground Railroad.  This is something that I vaguely remembered hearing about, so I began to do some digging.  It turns out that this topic is one surrounded by great controversy. National Geographic even took interest. Some say it is true and others say it is a myth.
   
     As I have become somewhat new to the world of quilting and quilt/sew blogging, I have not seen a lot of African American quilt bloggers.  Even though there are tons of African American quilters, this topic seemed to be a great way to peak the interest of others. I feel as though I am now obligated to follow through with my idea of "The History of African American quilting" without shying away from the controversy.  With that being said, I will be posting "The History of African American Quilting". My hope is that I can write about what I find and my opinion on those findings will  be respected as my opinion.

     If nothing else this will be a great history lesson for the boys and I.

5 comments:

  1. I think this is a great topic. I'm interested in learning what you find. I just went to a talk earlier this week where a sista' presented her work on integrating the history of African Americans into her quilting. It was very interesting!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and commenting and following. I am excited about learning from your blog. I am still learning how to manage my blog so bare with me.

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  2. And thank you for stopping by my blog. I tried responding to your comment through email, but you have your settings as "no-reply blogger." I'd like to answer your question, but can't contact you. Please email me: mamalovequilts (at) gmail (dot) com.

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  3. Through your comment on my blog, I was able to find your blog! I totally forgot that you had this!

    This seems like a very interesting topic! Nevy will be working on a very small scrap quilt this summer and this would be a cool thing for her to learn about. I can't wait to see everything that you discover!

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    1. Thanks. My goal is to have it posted by next week. I want to talk with my grandma who quilts to see if she has any facts to ad to the theory.

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