Friday, October 13, 2017

Brainworm Quilt

There's something powerful that happens when you see your name on a list that is related to a project where 70,273 people were killed because their name was on a list. In Germany in 1940 each person on the list whose name had two red XX's beside it would be killed. (If you haven't heard about the 70273 project, click here to read more about it.)
my first 70273 block commemorating 2 lives
When I was reading the update about the project recently, I saw my name on this blog post list as being a block maker. It was surprising how many names are mentioned in the blog post. So many contributors taking the time to commemorate so many dead people. Sewers from the US, Switzerland, France, Netherlands, and Canada (me) all making blocks to remember people who are long forgotten.
But it was startling to see my name on a list. 
There were no red XX's beside my name on this list, but the experience of seeing my name on the list became like a brain worm. I couldn't stop thinking about it. Then I read a beautifully written post by Michelle Freedman about Quilt 219.  Michelle reminded me that the violence and deaths in Charlottesville in August again emphasize the importance of the 70273 project.
This is how new quilt projects emerge. 
Brainworms. 
Obsessions. 
And when you're trying to sleep, your creative brain is planning how to make a quilt block, and wondering what fabric you have in your stash to make the blocks, and before you know it, you're planning a quilt layout. 
And not getting any sleep!

Tomorrow is Blockapalooza day (#globalblockday) and I have big plans for making this brainworm quilt. It's going to be a middling quilt.
Maybe then I can get more sleep!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think it's a wonderful project, I'm hoping to making a couple of blocks for Jeanne tomorrow, I've got my red ribbon ready! I think it will be very moving to see a big display of these quilts.

Goofin' Off Around the Block said...

It is such a beautiful project with such a sad beginning. Thank you for taking the time to post about it.

Kate said...

Brainworms are dangerous, but they can be so fun. Enjoy the stitching.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

It sounds like something good coming out of something bad, you know what I mean. Good for you!

Jaye said...

Your post was very moving to me. Thank you for posting your thoughts and links to the project.