Sunday, March 6, 2011

Fragments

Today has been quite an odd one for me. I spent a good part of the afternoon making progress on the Texas Braid - sewing rows 11 and 12 out of 14 to be made. No pic for that because it just doesn't look much different than the last one I shared. This afternoon I received good news from a friend, and this morning some disturbing news - nothing truly awful. My dad has Alzheimer's, and my parents live together in assisted living. The facility called to tell me that my dad had a dispute with another resident - he asked for a cigarette, and the man said no, then my dad called him a name. I didn't ask what, but assumed that he swore at him. This is a new, bad behavior for him, so I kept thinking about it throughout the day, and how best to handle it.
The only reason that I mention it is because I think that is why I made this little top. The red pieces are slivers from the trimmed ends of the "match" part of the Texas Braid. The exhibit in New York of red and white quilts has been on my mind (Vicki and I bought our tickets and are ready to go!), and I just wanted to make a little, liberated piece with them. When I finished, I realized that it may need to be my donation for the Alzheimer's Art Initiative. It just seems to represent to me the disconnected brain signals that occur with the disease. I think that I will not even attempt to square this up, just quilt and bind it with the unevenness left as is.

18 comments:

Linda C said...

Your little quilt is cute.
l send you strength to deal with aging parents.
Did l already know you will both be in NYC for the exhibit? l am losing track of who's going. What days are you going to be there?

antique quilter said...

OH what day are you two going to be at the show? I hope its the day I am coming in too!
Love your little quilt its perfect for this cause.
the little v's look like birds flying all different directions too...
perfect choice to reflect this disease.
Kathie

Sue said...

Sorry to hear about your dad . A cure must be found for this dreadful disease and your quilt will help.

I am flying in from the UK for the Red and White Exhibition.
The list of to do gets longer and longer by the day. Well they do say it's the city that dosen't sleep. Not sure I will have time for any.

Barb said...

Love your quilt....did you get it all thought out? sure hope so, I know it is not easy for you....

Sujata Shah said...

It must be so difficult! I think this quilt is a really true representation of the emotions you describe here!

*karendianne. said...

Wow! I can't imagine what it feels like for you but I do know this. It really is a wonderfully creative piece you've put together here. Impressive the way you've worked thru the moment with fabric. Very creative!

Appalachian Mercantile said...

Prayers coming your way for you and your Dad. My step-dad (who is like my real dad as far as I am concerned) is starting to show signs. Hubs brother was also diagnosed. He used to do his Marine cadences up and down the halls of the facility. Thank you for donating to help the cause. Your efforts are appreciated!

Blessings

Jill said...

Wonderful idea for your little quilt!
Looking forward to the show, myself. The excitement is building.

Cheryl said...

Such a devastating disease! One of our dearest friends is wasting away from it. Your quilt is perfect for AAQI. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your parents.

Anonymous said...

You should add this to the online red and white exhibit at http://reproquiltlover.blogspot.com/2011/03/red-and-white-quilt-exhibit-bloggers.html

pbach1 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
pbach1 said...

first-time reader, but just had to let you know that you are (now) in my prayers. it's not your father, you know, who is doing these things. and, your quilt is quite possibly an outward expression of your inner thoughts. sometimes, we just cannot verbally express them (or simply don't want to confront them). God bless you as you tread this path.

Lori said...

I like the quilt and think these are the best kind to help us work through our emotions about Alzheimer's. I'm sorry you are going through this too.

Barb said...

sorry to hear about your dad. It's not really him, as you well know.
I really really like this whimsical little quilt. It has a really great energy about it. It will be so cute quilted up and bound

Ginny Worden said...

Sometimes sewing our feeling helps us with the trials and tribulations life puts in our way.

Marisa said...

Red and white are probably my favorite quilts, although there are always red and green ones...maybe that would be my favorite favorite combo.

KathyB said...

So sorry about your Dad's illness. The good thing is, that you have your quilt making to comfort and distract you from your worry. I love the loose and fresh look of this quilt. I don't quilt, but I use fabric for my artwork. If you want some fun ideas of what to do with even your smallest scraps, drop by to see what I'm making.
www.kbartdesigns.com

Jean Carlton said...

Your quilt is great. I have wanted to make a quilt for Alzheimer's (Ami Simms program) and have not gotten to it. I have had various ideas which all relate to your concept of scattering of thoughts/memories etc. My dear Mom had Alzheimer's and I do hope research can soon make some headway into its mysteries.