Thursday, April 12, 2012

Fabric of a New Nation

Today was free day at the Art Institute of Chicago, so I decided to walk over on my lunch hour. I haven't been there for a while and there was an exhibit that I wanted to see:
I had thought that it was mainly going to be about printed fabrics, but oh my goodness - it was so much more! Samplers, quilts, bedcovers, woven coverlets! If only I could have taken them all home ;)
This sampler blew me away, under a quote from Ecclesiastes 12:1:
"Remember your creator in the days of your youth"
it states that it was created in 14 days in August 1838 at the Mount Tabor Academy!
Here is a peek at some of the detail:
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, Remember your Creator in the days of your youth,
Can you imagine stitching that entire sampler in 14 days?!?!
Another favorite of mine:
The water in the pond shimmered so realistically. The detail was stunning:

The water pump in the sampler above just touched me - I think it must hold significance to 12 year old Mary.
In the sampler below, you can barely pick out the two girls in the bottom right part of the oval:
Their faces are hand painted and barely bigger than the size of an eraser on top of a pencil!
The rug below was stitched and a predecessor to hooked rugs. I just loved the swans, sheep and deer.
Unfortunately, my photos of the coverlets, bedcovers and quilts were blurry. I had the micro photography on for the samplers and forgot to turn it off.
This exhibit runs through May 13th, so I am hoping to spend another lunch hour or two at the exhibit. I was so appreciative that they allowed photography in the exhibit! I tried to do some sketches while there, but was inspired by way too much.
I'm sorry if you are reading this post looking for my next giveaway, but I had to share this wonderful lunch hour spent at a lovely exhibit. My April giveaway will definitely be in my next post! Thanks for your patience!
Blessings, Patti

16 comments:

Giovanna said...

Wow, that looks like a wonderful exhibition - the samplers are just fantastic. Thanks for sharing!

Mugwump Woolies said...

What beautiful samplers! How wonderful to see them up close and in person...thanks for taking us along!
Robyn

Shirlee said...

Those samplers are gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing the photos! Just think how surprised those stitchers would be to find their work admired & on display like that : )

bettyj said...

How blessed you are to get to see these. I am with you, that water pump! wow, I bet they had carries water from a spring.So glad I found your blog.

Beckyjean said...

Beautiful samplers.

Have a wonderful day~Becky

Jonette said...

Thanks for sharing. How lucky you are to get to see this.

old crow said...

Thank you for sharing, the exhibit it absolutely stunning!! Such beautiful pieces of artwork!! Hope you get another chance to visit!!
Mona

Susan Pilotto said...

WOw that deer embroidery piece would make a great hooked rug....hmmm the wheels are churning. have a great day! hugs Susan

Nancy said...

Thanks for sharing that exhibit! The samplers are wonderful!

annie said...

I love the details, esp. the words and faces, just wonderful! thank you so much for sharing!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

What an awesome exhibit! I wish I had time to make a trip to Chicago to see it! Love the samplers!

Humble Heart Designs said...

I have always loved vintage samplers.
These are pretty awesome. Thanks for sharing the pictures with us followers. Beautiful!
Blessings,
Pat

Nancy in MT said...

I adore the rug with the deer, a special rug for the maker, I'm sure. So enjoy the samplers and you taking the time to share.

Rabbit Hill ~ Handmades by Jenn Tavoletti said...

oh my goodness are those beautiful!! How lucky are for you. I'm drooling. Old samplers really tug at my heart. Happy Friday and happy weekend! Warm hugs ~ Jenn

Roberta said...

Lucky you! Wish that would travel here! It's so amazing and humbling to see how talented and patient the young girls were who made those beautiful samplers.

Countryfolk Keepsakes said...

Oh my goodness!! Thank you for sharing these photos. Their beauty and history brought tears to my eyes. Just beautiful!