Aleeda Crawley

I have been a sewer for many years, and frequently made blankets for expecting friends—but I did not consider myself a quilter—quilting makes the quilt.  I first took an interest in quilting after seeing some of the quilts done by my grandmother.  These were what I had always considered quilts—scraps of clothing, bedding, whatever—sewn together with love.  Grandma’s quilt is keeping me warm this winter.  I have been quilting just under two years, and joined local guilds almost immediately.  Quilt shows and guild members frequently provide inspiration and fire my own imagination, expanding my definition of what a quilt can be.  Though I have done mostly traditional quilts, this past summer I made a conscientious effort to expand my artistic horizons with art quilts.  I am in the process of designing and creating a supersized wallhanging of a cross that will hang from the beams in my church.  This piece will be made from a variety of African fabrics and silk. I have only exhibited my quilts in St. George’s Episcopal Church, Maplewood, NJ.   This was a series of wallhangings based on the Underground Railroad designs, made in celebration of Black History Month 2004.  I make use of the wide range of fabrics and now, embellishments, that we have access to here in NY.  While I am partial to red, I have found that all colors, like people, have a place in which they shine.