When do you think this quilt was made?
"Klee" by Marsha McCloskey of Eugene, Oregon, is crisp and bright, and the combination of colors, mix of prints and solids, and improvisational geometry are all very fresh and modern. The quilt is called Klee because it was inspired by the work of artist Paul Klee. It is wall-hanging size, and includes a mix of fabrics. Marsha brought this quilt to me on Saturday, and now it is the latest addition to my collection.
Have you guessed when it was made? It's something most of us have never seen done by Marsha McCloskey. It is remarkably improvisational considering Marsha, who is famous for her amazing precision pieced Feathered Star quilts.
Some clues: It is machine pieced and hand quilted. It was done when quilts weren't really being made as wall-hangings. The fabrics include corduroy, polyester and cotton blends, prints and solids.
If you guessed 1970s, you're right! The date on the back is 1973, but it may have been started in 1972. Before I saw the inscription, I asked Marsha when it was made, and she said 1972. Can you believe this is an early 1970s quilt? It's so "right-now" in a lot of ways. I think it's just fantastic!!
In the 70's and into the 80's there wasn't near as many fabrics for quilting that there is now. My first quilts made in High School all have combinations of solids and "almost solids." I do love this piece!
ReplyDeleteThat's the great thing about making quilts in solid fabrics. They're timeless! Probably not great for the quilt historians... Interesting to see MM's work in this way. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat's the great thing about making quilts in solid fabrics. They're timeless! Probably not so great for the quilt historians... It's interesting to see such a different example of MM's work. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteif you have never Seen the work of Molly Upton, done in the seventies, you should try to find some pictures. She used lots of solids, and this great little quilt reminds me of Molly's,although it is much more cheerful!
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