I came back from the quilt festival Sunday afternoon, but I think the most amazing quilts I saw that weekend weren't on display at the convention center. Well, at least not this year. A few years back, there was an exhibit of Indian rallis or quilts included at quilt festival. I remember seeing them and just being bowled over by them. The color palette on these quilts was pretty limited, but they were intense and saturated. The patterning was graphic and the surfaces were heavily stitched. There was an energy to these quilts that was raw and very powerful.
Ralli quilts didn't make an encore appearance at this year's festival, but I did find a terrific book about them and their makers.
There were so many inspiring quilts in this book that i really had a hard time deciding which I would photograph. The book features quilts that are patchwork, applique and embroidered.
And they're all big because they're all strictly functional.
Check out this two page spread!
This one is an example of an applique ralli. I couldn't get over how much it reminded me of Matisse's cut paper works.
I could have included so many more quilts because they're all terrific. If you're interested in learning more I found this website where you can view some of the quilts and even purchase a ralli for you very own self. Also, the book is available at Amazon. Happy reading!
9 comments:
Thanks for sharing these beautiful quilts with us ! I have just started reading your blog & love the fabric you create. Do you teach and if so, where ? And do you plan to publish a book on dyeing ? -Karen
These quilts are amazing! The website too! Thank you for sharing.
Karen,
I do teach both adults and kids here in Austin.I've done workshops at my house and at various art schools around town. I don't have any plans to publish a book on dyeing right now, but if you know a publisher...
the Ralli quilts are wonderful and I enjoyed what you wrote about them. it's true how the limited colours has such profusion and power! thanks for sharing
i have been studying these for a while through my interest in folk quilting.thank you for the focus.
I've never heard of Ralli quilts but I'm glad I've been informed of their existence through your blog! I hope my local library has this book. Thanks
I feel great happiness to read such encouraging comments for our village women made traditonal quilts. We represent a group of artisans who produce hand made traditional and tribal ethnic textiles from desert of Tharparker, Sindh Pakistan. We want to show you the handcrafted traditional ralli quilts, pillow cases, embroidered works, cushion covers, mirror works, wall hangings, tablecloths, clothing, hand woven kilims/rugs and other home décor products. We want to improve the life style of those poor women with your support for introducing the handcrafted products of depressed crafters though out the globe. Ours is a juried folk artisans' group whose Ralli Quilts, Table Runners and Ralli Squares were displayed at the *3rd and *4th International Folk Art Market, Santa Fe, New Mexico on July 8-9, 2006 and 2007.
After visiting our website http://www.tharparker.vze.com we think some of our artisans ethnic quilts could of interest for you.
I feel great happiness to read such encouraging comments on our rural womens' made traditional ralli quilts. We represent a group of artisans who produce hand made traditional and tribal ethnic textiles from desert of Tharparker, Sindh Pakistan. We want to show you the handcrafted traditional ralli quilts, pillow cases, embroidered works, cushion covers, mirror works, wall hangings, tablecloths, clothing, hand woven kilims/rugs and other home décor products. We want to improve the life style of those poor women with your support for introducing the handcrafted products of depressed crafters though out the globe. Ours is a juried folk artisans' group whose Ralli Quilts, Table Runners and Ralli Squares were displayed at the *3rd and *4th International Folk Art Market, Santa Fe, New Mexico on July 8-9, 2006 and 2007.
After visiting our website http://www.tharparker.vze.com we think some of our artisans ethnic quilts could of interest for you.
I recently just finished reading this book and I loved it too. great pics.
Post a Comment