America's Quilting History

As I write this review it has been almost one year since September 11, 2001. The book, "America From the Heart", brings back memories of that day through the eyes of quilters. From realistic to abstract and from traditional to no-holds-barred we find a stunning array of quilts in this book. The pictured quilts represent the reactions of 270 quilters to the tragedy of 9/11/2001.

All of these quilts were made within the first 6 weeks after September 11 so they reflect the immediate raw emotions people were experiencing at the time. Some communicate our initial reaction of shock, grief and fear. Abstract creations using colors of black, red and oranges depict devastation while crazed images embody how the world as we knew it had been shattered.

Other quilters affirmed how their faith in God gave them support and how that same faith supports the nation. Angels are portrayed watching over the victims and crosses are used to represent those who were lost. Doves offer a sense of peace. Sometimes light or color was all that was needed to convey the spiritual.

Many turned to patriotism and the patriotic images found on several quilts are strikingly moving. Flags and the Statue of Liberty were frequent motifs but were used in so many fresh inspirational ways that each quilt is unique.

Expressions of compassion for families of the victims and appreciation of the rescue workers capture the strength of the American people. Two quilts show silhouettes of a child whose parent would never return reminding us of the personal pain the surviving families members are still experiencing. Hope for the future is conveyed through symbols of new beginnings including butterflies and flowers.

The book is intense in its images and the shared thoughts from the quilt artists are extremely moving. It is a book to be looked over slowly. Reading the comments from the quilters and taking in the images on the quilts will draw you back to what we all experienced a year ago. Some pictured quilts bring tears and others evoke pride in our nation. You will be reminded of how resilient people can be in the face of tragedy.

The quilts shown in this book were a part of a spontaneous exhibit seen at the Houston Quilt Festival. Because this 9/11 exhibit was not organized until just before the festival there was no space planned. It was decided that the quilts would be hung down the middle of the main aisle of the festival in a wall of quilts. What a great central spot this was for such a moving exhibit. Those who saw it will never forget. For those of us who could not see the exhibit this book is a way we too can experience this exhibit.

© 2003 Anne Johnson (Do not reproduce any material from this site without permission.)