I used the International Sister Quilt Block to make the Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks in 2019.
It was a year of ups and downs.
You celebrated with Women of Color.
I shared new blocks month after month.
The Rainbow Scrap Challenge of 2019 resulted in enough blocks to make two quilts.
The first I made for Eva.
The second one was made for the Quilt Show. All quilts bound for the show must be labelled, with a prescribed sleeve including the name, address, phone number and guild chapter name. After an online registration process, each quilt (accompanied with the print-out of the registration form) must be brought to the photo session for a professional photoshoot before they make it to the show. Yes it is big to-do and I did all that.
In my mind, I had pictured myself at the quilt show, standing next to my quilt, with 50 gorgeous sisters. I would use that picture in the blogpost that I would write about the quilt - Sisterhood.
Of course the quilt show was cancelled. The picture did not happen and the blogpost seemed too tedious to write.
On Monday I received an email from EJI. It was the receipt for the donation.
A few distracted clicks later I was reading about Julia Tutwiler Women's Prison in Alabama. EJI investigated and exposed the widespread sexual abuse of women in this prison leading to a federal investigation. Although the Department of Justice found evidence of abuse there has been no meaningful reform.
On February 2, 2016, Alabama Governor Robert J. Bentley announced in his State of the State speech that Tutwiler prison would be closed as a part of a "complete transformation of the prison system," which would include the construction of new facilities. "The process" was due to start within the 2016 calendar year but, as of 2020, the prison remains open.
Sexual abuse is disgusting and dehumanizing. It is particularly heinous when it is perpetrated by those who are meant to protect. Discussing sexual abuse is uncomfortable and unpleasant. I have struggled to write this post. Some of you may say "just stick to quilting"
I wish I could. I cannot unread. I cannot unsee. Our ignorance bolsters the perpetrators and our silence further hurts the victims.
Even if I could keep quiet, these fifty sisters will not be silenced. How can I celebrate these gorgeous sisters while ignoring those who languish in prison - abused and unheard.
It was time to write this blogpost.
To those who want me to stick to "just quilting" I say - just look at the quilt pictures.
To those who ask - how can I help/what can I do, I say - check this link.
Six sisters remain with me. Please let me know if you want them to come to your home/studio.
I will pick a winner on August 29, 2020.
I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties (see full list on the sidebar) and with Angela's So Scrappy Linky Party.
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| Ladies in Red |
It was a year of ups and downs.
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| Feeling (Dark) Blue |
You sent me hugs when I was feeling blue.
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| Light Blue |
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| Women of Color |
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| It is Easy being Green |
And you were with me when the sisters went to the dark side.
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| To the Dark Side |
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| Shining Sisters |
The Sisters were received with so much joy, it warmed my heart.
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| Passionately Purple |
The Rainbow Scrap Challenge of 2019 resulted in enough blocks to make two quilts.
The first I made for Eva.
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| 32 Sister for Eva |
The second one was made for the Quilt Show. All quilts bound for the show must be labelled, with a prescribed sleeve including the name, address, phone number and guild chapter name. After an online registration process, each quilt (accompanied with the print-out of the registration form) must be brought to the photo session for a professional photoshoot before they make it to the show. Yes it is big to-do and I did all that.
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| Piecing in Progress |
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| Piecing Diagonal Rows |
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| Enjoying the Process |
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| The corner blocks |
In my mind, I had pictured myself at the quilt show, standing next to my quilt, with 50 gorgeous sisters. I would use that picture in the blogpost that I would write about the quilt - Sisterhood.
 |
| Finished Flimsy |
Of course the quilt show was cancelled. The picture did not happen and the blogpost seemed too tedious to write.
On Monday I received an email from EJI. It was the receipt for the donation.
A few distracted clicks later I was reading about Julia Tutwiler Women's Prison in Alabama. EJI investigated and exposed the widespread sexual abuse of women in this prison leading to a federal investigation. Although the Department of Justice found evidence of abuse there has been no meaningful reform.
 |
| Pieced Backing |
On February 2, 2016, Alabama Governor Robert J. Bentley announced in his State of the State speech that Tutwiler prison would be closed as a part of a "complete transformation of the prison system," which would include the construction of new facilities. "The process" was due to start within the 2016 calendar year but, as of 2020, the prison remains open.
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| Sisterhood |
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| Finished at 71" by 85" |
Sexual abuse is disgusting and dehumanizing. It is particularly heinous when it is perpetrated by those who are meant to protect. Discussing sexual abuse is uncomfortable and unpleasant. I have struggled to write this post. Some of you may say "just stick to quilting"
 |
| Celebrating Sisterhood |
I wish I could. I cannot unread. I cannot unsee. Our ignorance bolsters the perpetrators and our silence further hurts the victims.
 |
| You are beautiful |
Even if I could keep quiet, these fifty sisters will not be silenced. How can I celebrate these gorgeous sisters while ignoring those who languish in prison - abused and unheard.
It was time to write this blogpost.
 |
| Walking Foot Quilting |
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| Bright |
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| Orange Binding |
To those who want me to stick to "just quilting" I say - just look at the quilt pictures.
To those who ask - how can I help/what can I do, I say - check this link.
 |
| Sisters Forever |
Six sisters remain with me. Please let me know if you want them to come to your home/studio.
I will pick a winner on August 29, 2020.
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| Ready to Travel |
I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties (see full list on the sidebar) and with Angela's So Scrappy Linky Party.
