In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not writing as much these days. I’ve been busy reading all the blogging 101 posts everyone else has been doing. It’s a tough job but someone must take on the task. I can’t seem to catch up no matter how many I read in a day. I’m also trying to finish projects that are stacked up in every corner of the house.
The teacup quilt is finished, the Christmas quilt from my quilt group has the top complete with names embroidered on each square the person made. My memory is starting to fade so putting it in writing is essential. I’ve made progress on another quilt I’ve started and of course starting something entirely new.
This is what happens when we each make 2 squares.
What’s hanging over the other side. Can you find my blocks? This one will go to safe house when quilted by someone else.
Last weekend was filled with surprises. A quilting friend invited me to the local quilt show at the senior center. Sure, no problem. In and out in an hour. The surprise was that Bill Volckening, a longtime collector of antique and vintage American quilts, specializing in the identification, documentation, valuation, calling himself a quilt magnet. was giving an hour long talk. He owns quilts that are exhibited all over the country and the world. What an education I received that day. We have come a long way in fiber arts but the original art form was quite fascinating. I’m hoping it’s an art form we can keep growing through the generations.
The quilt magnet himself
Very colorful with history. Mr. V is a local
Vintage Red/white/Blue with hand embroidery
Free form from the best
There were so many wonderful quilts done by local quilters that I just have to pare them down to a few of the more unusual.
A mini quilt with pearls and butons.
This one is for Alys. Cat and Mouse. Only the cat is called Mouse.
Can you see the the screening it’s done on?
Corsets of course and 3 dimensional just for some fun.
I rarely go out at night but my daughter found an event at the New Renaissance bookstore in downtown Portland she wanted to attend and wondered if I’d be interested. We’d have a quick bite to eat first. New Ren is a metaphysical bookstore and our favorite hands down. It’s dangerous in there for both of us.
We spend hours in there. It smells good too.
We watched her documentary on DVD and listened to the film maker explain her need to make it and a little about the book. There are a lot of healing arts that are struggling for survival against big pharma and modern medicine. Like her, I seriously hope we can save the healing plants that are being bulldozed under and look at augmenting ancient healing practices with current modalities. I promise you, if I’m in an accident, I want someone who can patch me together again. But I’m very much into self-healing naturally as much as possible. I found the author-film maker delightful and honest. We had our book autographed to both my daughter and myself. Now to get it read.
Talking Story book.
Marie-Rose Phan-Le’ Talking her story
This coming weekend will be filled as well with a WordPress event, again in downtown Portland OR. An all-day series of mini seminars. I don’t think there will be much picture-taking there. More like a lot of note taking. I’ll let you know. So now I have to get back to my reading.
Do you have any interest in the lost arts? Creative or healing arts?
From my heart to yours,
Marlene Herself
insearchofitall 
Comments on: "In Search of Lost Arts" (36)
I can certainly relate to trying to keep up with everyone’s blog postings. It’s extremely time consuming, but so worth it…when I’m not frustrated because it’s stealing my writing time. 🙂
Your quilts are so beautiful, Marlene! The “quilt magnet”…I love it!
Ah…the lost art of handwriting…it makes me sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The lost art of handwriting is a good one Jill. I’ll have to keep that in mind. I still write letters and cards. Managed to mix the cards into the wrong envelope last time. Trying too hard to keep up. I have a lot of older friends that can no longer do anything on the computer and welcome snail mail. I wish those were MY quilts. Just quilts that others make and I get a moment of pleasure from witnessing. The red and white quilt was put together from all our squares by one person and will be quilted and bound by another volunteer then donated to Safe House Shelter. Joint effort is a lost art too. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still write letters and cards too, Marlene. I’m doing my part. 🙂 I love to get snail mail.
I thought you had participated in the group quilt. They are all beautiful to view. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
I don’t know if any of what I do is considered a “lost” art or not, but I knit, crochet, and now I’m starting to garden. All I know is they’re relaxing.
Your quilt (the red one) is lovely. 🙂
LikeLike
I think all of those are great arts to try and keep going. The next generation doesn’t seem to know how to create without a keyboard. I appreciate technology to no end but… doing things with your hands creatively is meditative. I’m totally lost in the garden. When the bugs start biting in the dark is when I realize it’s time to go in. The red quilt is a joint effort by more than a dozen quilters. It will be donated to Safe House Shelter once it’s quilted and bound by another volunteer. I contributed only 2 squares. That’s how easy it is to be of value. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Hi Marlene. The quilt (yours) is beautiful. I imagine the show was fascinating, with all the historical info. My apologies for all the posts. I did try to keep them extra short. Now I am debating writing 201 next month. Maybe you can get revenge and sign up too.
As for lost arts, I garden, cook from scratch and preserve all kinds of goodies.
I am looking forward to going to the blogging fest with you tomorrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, sweet revenge. Oh that I had the time. I only had 2 squares in the red one. My job is to admire others work. Cooking from scratch is a lost art that I would , for one, almost rather forget. But, my son ate the last of the lentil soup I made so I must produce more for his breakfasts. See you in the morning.
LikeLike
I love the colors and patterns that blend together in quilts, to see these random pieces of fabric come together and become a quilt that makes sense is beautiful 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used to think quilting was as foolish as golf. Now I’m obsessed with their beauty and history. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Beautiful quilts! What a treat that must have been for you, to listen to someone who is so immersed in the world and history of quilting! I think taking something in in depth is a lost art – so many seem happy with following along on the surface these days. I like to understand things I am interested in and get a really big picture and understanding …..
I’m with you, as you know, on modern ‘health’ care [which is really ‘pharmaceutical trading’] and prefer to manage my own health wellbeing. Modern medicine is excellent for accidents such as when an iron falls on your face 🙂
I keep healthy through my diet and use Reiki on myself as necessary. I don’t exercise enough unfortunately – I spend too much time sitting – painting, crafting, reading, writing, talking – all sedentary occupations!
Just on ‘the lost arts’ you know, I think one of the really good things that came out of the last world recession was the re-emergence of interest in the almost lost arts of home cooking, gardening, knitting, crochet and sewing. Life has a way of bringing us back to where we need to be! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right, Pauline. Life has a way of bringing us back to where we need to be. I’m ready to see the re-emergence of medicinal herb and plant growth. Maybe this year I’ll get to look at some of it. I’m in the same shape you are. Not enough movement. Trying to get better at that. Have not done any of the exercises or walking since I moved in here. Everything is sitting. I did cut the grass today. I hope you eye has healed well and yes, that’s when I’d want a doctor.
I saw that same man on several quilt shows years ago and it never registered. That he lives here in Portland is a bonus. I was hoping he had a book out and that may be coming. Quilts have quite a history as I was explaining to my young friend today.She keeps threatening to come in one night and steal one of mine. Guess I’ll have to make her one of her own soon. I made 2 for her baby boy so far. I showed her your painting today. It’s so happy. I’ll be thinking of you all. Hugs.
LikeLike
All those quilts are stunning! I love quilts. Looks like you are getting out and doing some wonderful things Marlene. We all need to keep those lost arts not so lost. I am into herbal remedies and healing naturally. Nature will take care of you if you take care of nature. Big hugs!
LikeLike
Thanks for reading, Jackie. I thought the quilts were beautiful too. One day maybe I can do something that well.
I’m keeping busier than I’d like to be since I still can’t catch up.
I’m still researching the best ways of healing. There are so many. I prefer natural too. We need to plant the stuff that heals again. Hugs to you too my friend. Looks like the extra sleep is paying off in a big way. Your writing is wonderful.
LikeLike
Thank you Marlene. My writing muse is alive and well. 🙂 And rested!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve been busy! The quilts are stunning. My favorite is the Cat and Mouse. It’s fun and whimsical. As for a lost art … mine would be that I try to write by hand in my notebook before I go to my keyboard. Lovely, and happy spring my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by, Missy. I still write a great deal by hand and yes, that is a lost art. Keep it up. I thought the cat and mouse were cute too. I like to find the unusual. The show was at the Milwaukee Center.
LikeLike
So did you see the quilts on your way to writing class?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not going to writing class anymore but was at the quilt show there all morning on that Saturday. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I love quilts, but I can’t afford to buy them which is why I have been teaching myself how to quilt. Much cheaper to make than buy but my skills are poor and I’d cherish a lovely antique one. Even better if it came with the stories of its life.
I’m definitely in agreement with you on today’s health care. I prefer using natural healing methods and use the doctor for very little.
I’m not sure that any of my current hobbies involves the lost arts, but my goal this year is to learn to knit, get over my fears of canning, and make my own soaps. Wendy inspired me there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have the lost art of teaching little ones to do art and be responsible to their planet. That’s a big job they can pass on. Don’t under estimate the value of that.
I’ll never have an antique or vintage quilt but work at making my own. A young friend would really like for me to make one for her. I guess I’ll do my best to comply. They are expensive to make. I used to crochet but never learned to knit. Good luck with that task. It’s past my capacity.
I’m still hoping we can get back to more natural healing but that doesn’t put enough money in the right pockets. Thanks for reading. Still trying to catchup.
LikeLike
Keep on with the quilting – we all started like that, but slowly we acquire more skill and are satisfied with our results. I knit and crochet between quilts – useful for small Christas gifts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The quilts are so beautiful and fascinating. I have been to a quilt show and the skills of you talented quilters is quite amazing. I wish I could quilt but other than some self teaching via a few books, I have nor really found the opportunity to learn-nor had the patience to acquire the skills. I so admire your expertise. So much going on in your fair city! Thanks for sharing. ♡
LikeLike
I’m a novice and not all that good but I still have fun with it. There are many quilters who take their precision quite seriously. I’m a person that thinks art is supposed to be imperfect. Most of mine is entirely imperfect but I’m not going to enter any in a show. The shows do inspire and If I can learn it, anyone can. I started taking classes at the quilt store in my neighborhood to meet people. Quilters LOVE to teach. You sew amazingly well so you would be very good at it.
There is a lot going on here which is the main reason I moved here. I’m in a small town with access to the big city. Best of both worlds. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the encouragement. Perhaps I should look to see what offerings are in our community! I think I was just intimidated to try. I will let you know. ♡
LikeLike
Go for it. With your skill you will turn out to be a remarkable quilter. I started with a sampler quilt at a beginners class. It was fun and turned out well enough. From what I’ve seen of your skill level, you will be awesome.
LikeLike
How lovely to find another quilter via Celie’s appearance at Portland. I shall come back for more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looking forward to it seeing you again. (virtually of course). Thanks for stopping by. I’m obviously a novice quilter and with limited vision, I must use a machine to keep me straight.:)
LikeLike
You’ve had some lovely surprises lately Marlene, so happy for you. Smiling at the ‘The Quilt Magnet’ 😉 And what beautiful quilts too, and I just love that bookstore. I can see why it would be so dangerous for you and your daughter. Me too! I am curious about the WordPress meet, had no idea such things existed, but then doubt they do them here in the UK. I read Jill’s comment and agree totally about the lost art of handwriting. To think, when I was at school we actually took handwriting classes, using italic fountain pens with refillable ink cartridges. My writing was lovely back then…awful now and getting worse
But I do think that sending cards and letters through the post is so important, although I do love Jackie Lawson ecards too 🙂 Reading other blogs is very time consuming, I’ve resolved not to stress about it now, getting my writing done and then catching up when I can. It’s the only way, otherwise I’ll get nowhere. But we do our best and it’s always wonderful to catch up when we can! Have a lovely week Marlene. Hugs… 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you Sherri. It’s lovely to see you here. I think we have all been swamped with reading to do and I’m no closer to getting caught up. The Word Press event was the very first. We were guinea pigs and I so enjoyed it. I will try to write about it today after my sewing group. I never seem to have enough time to do it all.
I too remember handwriting class with fountain pens and unlined paper. Our teacher was very strict about it. I love sending and receiving cards from friends. I do the Jackie Lawson and Blue Mountain cards for those always on the go. Many of my older friends don’t do the computer and a lot travel all the time. I stay home and write cards. 🙂
I did manage to come away from the bookstore with only the one autographed book and a mindfulness magazine. Downtown Portland still has beautiful historic parts. The architecture is wonderful. Have a lovely week. Hugs.
LikeLike
Nothing is ever entirely “lost” I guess…often just parked for a while :). Since retiring, I have been able to let my creative side loose….hence my poetry and writing on my blog plus I have been making curtains, doing mosaic work with tiles, painting, knitting, crafting such as making my own bead door curtains and so on. I find all of these very meditative and therapeutic…..it took me a long while to wind down after a long and stressful work life. Now, I am feeling a lot more balanced. Oh and I forgot cookery! I love having the time to think of new recipes and trying out different ways of making food for my loved ones. Cheers and hugs, Stephanie
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by Stephanie. I like the idea that things aren’t completely lost, just parked for awhile. I love your poems and photos with them. I couldn’t write a poem even if it meant saving my life. You have an excellent photographic eye. You find time to do all the other creative endeavors as well! Wow! Retirement is lovely isn’t it? I often ask how I ever had time to work. 🙂 All that creativity will keep our minds young and healthy as well as calm and balanced. Have a wonderful week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post! I mentioned being in the right place at the right time in my last post and it seems like that happened to you with getting to hear a presentation by Mr. V. What a fun and educational surprise. Loved the cat quilt, with their tails curled in together.
I’ll repeat myself: I am impressed by your quiltwork. You make beautiful quilts, but more than that you find time to make multiple quilts. It’s just boggling to me.
Tara and I *love* New Renaissance book store! You are truly a kindred spirit. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
New Ren is our favorite place. We love the events and spend hours when we can. I’m glad you and Tara like it too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi! I totally loved your blog! Great Post! http://www.nithisclickncook.com
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by. I’m delighted you enjoyed reading it. Looks like you really love cooking. That’s almost a lost art too. Me, I really love restaurants. The only reason I have a kitchen is because it came with the house. I’d like to turn it into a library. 🙂
LikeLike
Going back in time, LOL
What a fun event to go to. I really love looking at old American quilts and hearing about where they were done and what year. I’m amazed at how well they’ve held up really. Your group quilt is coming together nicely. The hand stitching would be misery for me, I can’t see a thing that close and it takes a lot just to threat a needle. I cross my eyes and squint till my brain hurts and after many tries it usually works, LOL
The book shop looks so quaint with it’s Aqua trim and porch and balloons, I’d totally stop there. I’m not much of a self help book reader. I did struggle thru a Deepak Chopra book once because it was a gift. I just stumble thru life by the seat of my pants and hope for the best. I should probably be more knowledgable but I hardly have time to read the fun books I’ve collected.
Off to try and post something. I’ve been lazy and ‘re-blogged’ from organized people, ha! Tally ho I go, Later my little tater xoxo K
LikeLike