Twelve Quilts of Christmas – #8

 

The centre of the quilt has embroidered on it “This is the Holen Boys Necktie Quilt”.  Almost a hundred silk ties were used to make this energetic quilt that compels us to engage visually with its dynamic design.

 

The use of red in the design helps to define the shape of the ties in the first two rounds and draws the eye to the message in the centre, prompting us to ponder, as Roderick Kiracofe and Sandi Fox wrote, in Going West: Quilts and Community, “Who were the Holen boys?  How did they have so many neckties, and why did they surrender them for this quilt?” The mix of other colours used in the remaining rounds, instead of red, to fill in the shape of the ties, adds a delightful complexity to the composition and forms a strong supporting base for the central part of the design.

 

This dynamic quilt was not easy to sew. Silk is slippery and flowing, even silk used for ties. The maker was not deterred when they made this quilt.

 

Don’t you wish you knew more about this quilt and why it was made? #labelyourquilts and #includeyourstory