Friday, July 31, 2020

50 Shades of Brown in More than one Way


After doing 2 little paper pieced borders I believe I'll need to rethink the quilt if I want anyone to sew along!! LOL 
I thought these 2 pieces look a little like pointy teeth!! hahahaha

I don't have it trimmed quite all the way but the finished size is 1"x9"
Even if you don't paper piece and I offer templates I think it will still be a little more tedious than a "fun" sewalong should be!!
And because I live in the desert and we get very little precipitation, the name comes from my area with word play on the book 50 Shades of Gray (which I had no desire to read) 
Hence the quilt name, "50 Shades of Brown"

On another note.
2 friends and myself felt called to have a get together  to talk about race and racism in our community. 
We kept the group small and limited to personal invitations to woman from our churches. 
Each of us contacted a woman of color that we knew  and asked if they'd be willing to speak and share their personal stories. 
With everything that has, and is going on, it is such a good time to listen and discuss racism. 


We supported a local outdoor venue and although the day's temp topped at 100 all 30 people, which was our limit, came! It was very exciting.  Here is Laurie, a Native American, who takes every opportunity she can to educate others about her culture, history and current racism issues. 

Here is Irene, who was raised in a large non English speaking migrant family.  She was really nervous, so her good friend sat close for support. 

And Cecilia, who grew up in the south and shared with us "at least you knew who didn't like you there." 
None of these women are holding grudges, but were eager to educate and share their experiences. My heart was touched. 


I hope your week is going great. Not sure what I'm up to this weekend. It's been HOT!

Much Love


18 comments:

  1. What a wonderful idea for a get together. Even those of us who have always considered ourselves non racist have a lot to learn about how it feels to be on the receiving end. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Cultural education is so important.

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  3. I love the idea of women getting together and discussing real issues that affect us all. I'll bet it was nice to get out and actually see some other human beings as well (with proper social distancing!)
    Your paper pieced border will undoubtedly look spectacular once it is on the quilt. I know I don't pay enough attention to making interesting borders and applaud you for it.

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  4. That was such a great way to reach out to all women of any race, to educate us all.

    BTW, I love the spikey border!

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  5. And here I thought I was the only woman in American who didn't read that book! LOL Love your idea for bringing together such a wonderful group of women to talk

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  6. Love that the women in your area gathered to share their stories. Having an open conversation during this difficult time is not only informative but also inspirational!

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  7. Good for you. These are the kinds of meetings of the mind that we should all be having if given the opportunity.

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  8. I love your pointy teeth but I hate paper piecing. I’d turn to appliqué for pieces like that. Such an interesting idea for a learning opportunity about racism. Glad it went well even in the heat.

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  9. I’m allergic to paper piecing, I think 😛
    I had no interest in the 50 shades books or movies —ick.
    WONDERFUL of you to invite others to share their stories with others , live and in person.

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  10. I like the dog tooth border, and paper piecing is a wonderful fast , accurate way to make pieced borders.

    Your meeting was a commendable effort. No masks?

    lizzy

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  11. What a meaningful get-together. I hope you've inspired others to do the same. It could change the world if more of us made the effort.

    Mimi

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  12. I love those borders, Lori, and I often choose to foundation piece borders on small quilts when triangles are involved. But I know that isn't everyone's cup of tea. :)
    So proud of what you and your friends organized to help increase understanding across cultural and racial lines. Wish I could have been there!

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  13. I really admire that you proactively put together a listening/learning community discussion on racism. So important!

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  14. I read your post and it made me cry. I don't understand why and how people can judge others by the color of their skin. There are good and bad in all colors.

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  15. I never read "Fifty Shades of Gray" either.

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  16. It's so important to get to know people from all ethnic groups personally because then we know that we have more in common than not. We are all God's creation.

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  17. What a wonderful idea! Wish it had been recorded so we could hear what was shared.

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  18. To INVITE and LISTEN to women of color. Listening, that's better than any protest. Kudos to you for the gathering.

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