Sharing Sisterhood was created for an exhibit honoring Congressman John Lewis entitled “Thank You John Lewis! I Am Your Wildest Dream!” The quilts in the exhibit express joy and gratitude for the sacrifices Congressman Lewis and other Civil Rights leaders made to make the world a better place. More specifically, the quilts express personal stories of the quilter.
My quilt tells the story of being part of a group of young ladies who chartered the Lambda Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1974. The beauty of the Delta SIgma Theta sisterhood continues to this day, as does my love of red and white quilts.
Inspired by a pattern by Canuck Quilter Designs, Sharing Sisterhood is a large, dramatic quilt that measures 61 X 74 inches. Of course there is a large spectrum of reds in the quilt, but the words tell the story of the quilt. I pieced the blocks on my Janome sewing machine and used a blanket stitch on the fused applique words. After Sharing Sisterhood was quilted by Maxine Moore, I embellished it with a “Soror” charm.
I chose a red and white floral motif for the back of the quilt because it seemed to capture the femininity of sisterhood. There is a hanging sleeve on the back for easy display and a label that documents the quilt. I signed it on the front. This quilt is one-of-a-kind and a personal heirloom.
I hope you will visit her in person August 4 - September 2 when she makes her public debut at the Atlanta Quilt Festival. The Festival will be held at the Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, South Fulton, GA 30331. The exhibit will be open daily from 9 - 5 p.m. Free and open to the public.
