Patchwork Happens – Russia 2019

8 September 2020

In August last year my friend Sarah and I went to Russia to attend the International Quilt Festival, which took place in Suzdal. The festival website has many photos from that year and several previous years. It was supposed to happen again in July this year in a different location – split between the historic towns of Kolomna and Zaraysk – but of course it was cancelled because of the pandemic.

I made a photobook of last year’s trip.  We spent four nights in Moscow, as well as the week in Suzdal, and also went on a day trip to the picturesque town of Plyos, on the river Volga (where the landscape painter Isaac Levitan had a studio. Here’s a link to a piece on Russia Beyond showing some of his most beloved paintings).

This was one of my favourite quilts.  I love that the choice of fabrics and shapes seems so random, yet the design that emerges is pleasing and still ‘reads’ perfectly. The maker, Yulia Volkova, had two quilts like this in the show. She pieces them by hand.

Based on a painting by Kandinsky

Small panels as part of the ‘Let’s be Friends’ project.  I think you’ll be able to spot my self-portrait.