A couple of weeks ago I shared a quilt my first scrappy quilt. You can find it here. It was stitched full of memories for my kids, and they wore it out. In my effort to save the quilt I offered each of my 3 kids a new quilt of their own, any pattern they wanted. Since my daughter was living in another state we decided she would be the first to pick a quilt pattern. What a shock it was when she requested a Rebel flag quilt. Just what in the heck is my daughter doing one state away!? I understood what this symbol meant to some people but did she understand? Maybe I was being overly sensitive, but I won't quilt negativity. After some questioning I realized that my little girl had absolutely no idea what this symbol meant. She thought it meant she was a country girl, a tomboy who liked driving big trucks, fishing and living a little bit old fashion. When we discussed its real meaning she said and I quote "Well it may mean that to them but it doesn't mean that to me, that's stupid, it's just a flag." Her ignorance about the symbol satisfied the MOTHER in me and I made the quilt, not just one but two. When her first baby was born she requested a baby size.
A couple years later a young woman at work saw my baby flag quilt and requested one for her newborn. Again I had to ask why she wanted this flag. She too was just a clueless young woman that had no idea the negative meaning that some attach to the symbol. So I made another. Over the years I've had many more requests for this quilt from people who I felt attached negative meaning to the symbol, they didn't get one or any other quilt.
This quilt may offend some of my readers, that's not my intention. If I made a quilt with a skull and cross bones would you think I was a witch mixing up bad potions, casting spells, drinking blood and doing animal sacrifices ? Maybe all those star quilts I've made are Satanic symbols! You see it's all about perception and intention. So please don't leave negative comments. This post was to share older quilts I've made and a little history behind them. My daughter cherishes this quilt because to her it's means she's a country girl just trying to survive in a world gone crazy. She lives a simple life with no cable, no TV black box, no internet, she doesn't even read the newspaper. Totally clueless of the turmoil this symbol has created in the media over the last year. Yes ignorance is bliss, she's living a life that most of us could never imagine.
I'm linking up today with Krista Quilts for Throwback Thursday.
~ Lea Anne ~
I think it is a lovely quilt. I agree that different things mean different things to people. We should not assume that we know what something means to someone else!
ReplyDeleteYou go Girl!!!!(Errr lady) .
ReplyDeleteWhat you create...for who you create....when you create is in that moment and for those reasons. To many people to busy tweeting, twerking and B.Sing the work of others. I wonder if they are to busy commenting of the work of the past (and present) to make/create something new of their own.
You struck a good chord in me! I agree - it's just a flag, just a design, and it makes for a colorful, bold, and very attractive quilt. Although I understand how some may feel about it, I don't agree with all the negative controversy surrounding it lately, but that's another story. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's a nice quilt for your daughter. And good for you, to check her interpretation of the meaning before you made it. A great way to honour her request but still ensure you stayed true to your beliefs.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy this different perspective on a polarizing symbol. It should be a reminder that we should get to know people, not caricatures, and judge them by their actions, not what they chose to wear or believe or think. If one person helps another, should it matter who is a Christian or who an atheist, who has lighter skin, who wears designer clothes or who shops at a thrift store? The important point is that someone was helped and someone received help, because there is joy in both giving and receiving - as we all well know with quilting! :)
ReplyDeleteAmen! Tolerance.
ReplyDeleteGreat quilt and great message too. It's interesting how differently people react to symbols like this.
ReplyDeleteIn many ways I envy your daughter her simpler lifestyle. Not sure I could do it.
Great quilt and a great post. I'm a Pagan and I can write you books on the unnecessary negativity attached to many of the symbols I hold dear. As long as your ethics are satisfied then it's no one else's business what you make.
ReplyDeleteI'm just stunned at how far all of this is going. The removal of statues of civil war generals (those from the south) and tributes to those who fought (they fought for what they believed was right at the time), etc. It IS a part of US history for crying out loud and it shouldn't all be erased. I don't have a problem with the flag but wouldn't wave it in someone's face to offend them. Political correctness has gone way overboard IMHO.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree.
DeleteI agree, you CANNOT please everyone, its a proven fact.
DeleteAGREED! Its Southern Heritage, which isn't the glorification of slavery but a way of life. It has been made to be political and I say shame on them.
DeleteGood for you - asking why and what does it mean to that person.
ReplyDeleteYou did it for your daughter with love, and that is how she received it. That is what counts.
ReplyDeleteI just love the thought that she doesn't have tv or read newspapers! That must be such bliss!! I stopped reading the news or watching it for about a year - life was over whelming me and 'switching' off was just what I needed.
ReplyDeleteYour quilts are always skillfully made and you are so kind to share your wonderful designs for free. It's lovely to get a glimpse into your past by viewing the older quilts that you made years ago.
Ignorance is certainly bliss with me as I do not have a clue what the flag stands for nedless to say I rather like it
ReplyDeleteGood for your daughter! I envy her, I can't do it. I have given up our news media - I don't watch it. Some still filters through (via my internet simply but turning on my computer) but for the most part, I am happier without it. I love your quilts and for the reasons behind them. Yes, political correctness has gotten out of hand. It's a shame...
ReplyDeleteI made one for one of my grand sons, only the blacks live in the past. They need to make a life instead of hanging onto something we had nothing to do with. I had hoped with Obama black boys would see what they could do but didn't work
ReplyDeletesometimes as they say, Ignorance is Bliss. I would love this pattern. My son and his new wife are confederate civil war re-enactors. and I know they would love this as a throw
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
If we hide from our past we will repeat it in the future. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI think your quilts are lovely. I have a pattern to make my DH for Christmas. He's from NC and to him it is a symbol of his Southern Heritage. You can't hide from your past or those who want to change our past history won't really change anything it happened right or wrong and trying to make it disappear or pretty it up to make it politically correct doesn't change it. Okay off my soapbox and going quilting.
ReplyDeleteWow is what comes to my mind. After reading your post and the replies. I think it is fabulous that you took the time and continue to take the time to inform others of the meaning behind this flag symbol. I also salute you for creating this piece that looks perfect. Did you design the quilt pattern yourself or were you able to find a pattern? I hope that you continue to teach about historic symbols and hold onto your beliefs. Have a great time creating quilts and have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt - you did a great job on it! I just googled the meaning behind the flag and you may be interested in it: http://www.confederatewave.org/wave/2005/confederate-flag.php I love the way you handled it as well - good job, mom!!!
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ReplyDeleteThe problem with symbols is that frame of reference is everything when interpreting the meaning. You've handled the issue responsibly.
ReplyDelete2015. The year anything and everything will offend someone. I'm in Tennessee and I love your quilt!
ReplyDeleteI found your page simply by Google. I love this pattern.
ReplyDeleteLove it❤️❤️
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