Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Triangle Shirtwaist Exhibit & Two Color Quilts

While in New York to see the quilt shows last month, the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire took place. The fire cost the lives of many young women working at the factory, and ushered in many of the reforms that we still enjoy today. Around the corner from the Empire Guild Show, at the Fashion Institute of Technology, an exhibit was held to commemorate the anniversary.
I took this photo because of the quote at the bottom of the page - "You could touch the sorrow in the air".


Quite unusual, and modern, wouldn't you say? The displays were made of paper, and, if you look closely, the detail really depicts that day.


The burnt cloth of the skirt. The names of the victims, on the spiral at left. On the back wall, the women preparing to jump to escape the flames. I've read a couple of books involving the fire, and was, at first, surprised by the modern approach to the exhibit, but it was a solemn tribute to the women who perished that day.



On a lighter note, I have been thinking about the red and white quilts (who hasn't?!), and remembered that I had made a doll quilt of red and white sailboats. Both of the solids used are vintage pieces, as is the bias binding. Here is a little redwork piece that I bought online. I am not certain of it's intended use, but it works perfectly as a little sheet for one of my doll beds!Here is another two color quilt, using a great cheddar solid. I really quilted the heck out of this, didn't I?


The last doll quilt has a little story. I was at an auction, which used to be a frequent event for me, and there was a doll quilt made of a cadet printed with little stars, and a heavier, almost sacking type material. Well, it went for more than I cared to spend, so I went home, and made a copy of it for myself, of similar fabrics, and machine quilted it simply. It looks nearly identical to the one that brought the big bucks!

16 comments:

regan said...

I wished I'd known of the anniversary exhibit of the fire was going on while I was in NY.....looks as though it was quite moving. Thank you for sharing the pictures with us.

Those little doll quilts are wonderful

Nicky said...

Your doll quilts are beautiful and I lovethe little redwork piece you are using as a sheet! Looks like the girls are having quite a conversation...

Lori said...

Did you come across the fire exhibit by accident? It sounds ilke it would have been good to see, had I known it was going on.

I adore your doll quilts, especially the cheddar:)

Karen said...

A budget wise decision to make a blue & white quilt like the original. I would have done the same thing. Those small quilts have become very collectible.

Dawn said...

Your little quilts are darling. Love all the two color combos, and the use of vintage fabrics. The exhibit looks fascinating - if you have a chance I'd like the book titles you reference.

Linda C said...

Love those mini quilts. What a great remember!! Like Lori, l wish l new that exhibit was on. We were right there at the Empire exhibit.

Cathy said...

Love your mini quilts. They are adorable. Hugs.

YankeeQuilter said...

I really like the approach they took to the exhibit. The lack of color lets you focus on the individuals and the story...

Love your little quilts...

Frances Leate said...

What an interesting exhibit this must have been and we should never forgetsuch sad events. I absolutely love your doll quilts particularly the red and white sail boats. Happy stitching!

antique quilter said...

oh I love these little quilts
that cheddar one has caught my eye
beautiful, love how you quilted it too.
the blue and white precious
good for you making your own. aren't little quilts the best????
thanks for sharing.
Kathie

Nancy said...

What a moving commemorative exhibit. Thanks for posting this. Your little quilts look great!

Barb said...

Thank you for sharing these photos.
I wish I had seen the exhibit. I have read many accounts of fire too and have had a sad fascination with the women and children lost that day. NPR did a good piece on it on the anniversary -
thanks again - very cool interpretation of the tragedy!

Kyle said...

Thanks for sharing about the exhibit and the story. I love the fact that it was done in black and white. Your two color quilts are wonderful. I especially like the red and white sailboats.

em's scrapbag said...

Amazing the interest you can create with just two colors in a quilt. Simple but beautiful.

Victoria said...

What a powerful exhibit that must have been. Such a tragedy that could have been avoided. I am glad to know that those woman have not been forgotten. Your little quilts are darling. I especially like the white and orange one.

Minka said...

Thanks for posting on the shirtwaist anniversary. It's too bad with all the publiciaty of the Red and White Quit Show, they did not do some cross-publicity for this textiles history.