I think the last time I rode the T, the rate was 60 cents per token. Now the tokens are gone, you buy tickets, and each ride is $2.65. Times have changed. I was happy to find that I still remembered the difference between in bound and out bound and that I had no trouble figuring out which train to get on. It took me about 35 minutes to go from South Station to the MFA stop on the Green Line.
I loved the exhibit. My favorite part of quilting is gazing at fabric -- so what could be better than rooms and rooms of beautiful quilts to look at? I liked that these were functional quilts first and foremost. They were made to keep people warm and be used. It looked like some were made from old clothes, and there were blends of silk, wool, and cotton. There were plaids, stripes, dots, solids, floral, all mixed and matched. I didn't buy the program book as it was hard cover and heavy and I didn't want to be walking around with it; but if I had, I could better remember the statement underneath one of the quilts in the description plaque, somebody had said that the ladies that made these quilts would be so surprised to see their work in the museum because they weren't made to be art. The exhibit was inspirational for me in that way. These were regular people, making beautiful objects for real world use and we can appreciate them on so many levels.
I stayed in the exhibit for a long time. A few things still linger in my mind and one is that I want to learn how to hand quilt. I've always assumed that I wouldn't have the patience for it. But maybe I have sold myself short. I really liked the quilts that mixed solid fabrics with pattern and had intricate quilting stitches in the solid/empty spaces. All my quilts have been machine quilted and there is a beauty there was well. But to see how the quilt can change due to the quilting stitches was a revelation to me.
And all the Amish quilts reminded me of Grammy Louise and Aunt Mary. I don't know what year it was the we went to Eli and Lizzy's farm. My only memory was waking up early and finding out that I was the only one still abed. Everybody else was out doing chores. I think it was after that trip that I got a quilt. It is a Log Cabin, with red centers. Many of the Log Cabin quilts in the exhibit had red center squares. I felt that connection.
There were many variations on the Log Cabin. One was clearly a featured quilt -- big and bold with a lot of black. It didn't appeal to me. I didn't really like the heaviness of the black and I didn't plan on looking at it for long. But as I walked closer, I saw that each center square had beautiful hand embroidered flowers on the inside. I don't think any center square was exactly the same as any other. And then I couldn't walk away. It so intriguing for me, like discovering hidden jewels. There is a life lesson for me there that there can be hidden depths and treasure under an exterior that I don't find very pleasing. At this particular moment in time, that was an interesting and beautiful way to be reminded of a stronger message, for me.
The other thing that I felt after the exhibit was that I think I have a pretty good sense of color. I think I have a nice way of combining color and pattern for a very pleasing overall feel. I think I might experiment with a little more plaid. For some reason, I really liked the liberal use of very patterned fabrics, like stripes and plaid. Going forward, that is something for me to keep in mind.
After the quilts, I wandered abound a bit. I went into the American Wing. I love how they have set up various rooms that are actual replicas of old colonial homes. I like how paintings and furniture is set against wall paper and fabric draped walls, not just a solid paint color. And of course, I had to take a picture of the big doors.
I wandered some more and found a corridor of Islamic Art. Someday I'll have a house that has an archway inside.
It wasn't until I went through to the other side that I realized that the carving on the other side is what most people would be taking a picture of, not the back side that I liked so much.
I smiled when I went in to a gift shop and heard two couples speaking Turkish. I couldn't understand most of what they said, but I think one of the ladies was speaking about the Turkish class that they have for kids at MIT on the weekends. That is what I am extrapolating from being able to pick out a few words. Selim and I need to get serious about learning the language.
And lastly, I like taking pictures of sculpture.
There were two bronze dogs in the courtyard that caught my eye when I went out for a bit of fresh air.
As well as a lively blue jay that perched for me.
There is a large piece at the entrance that also had dogs.
I left the museum feeling satisfied, full, inspired, and happy. A great way to spend a few hours.
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