Saturday, July 5, 2008

Prosperity Is Just Around the Corner

I recently aquired a appilqued quilting mannual, I saw this quilt featured in the context. I love this quilt, it was made by Fannie B Shaw. I've seen it in several books ever since I can remember. It took best in show at the Texas Quilting Show. Fannie B Shaw made her quilt during the depression, she was a farmers wife and the suffering state of America didn't affect her too much. She recalls many city men stopping at her door to ask for work, men who were hungry and had poor clothing.


Sleeping one night, she expericence a revolation, she kept hearing Hoover's word..."Prosperity is just around the corner" and she decided to put it into form. It took her 18 months to piece and 2 months to quilt. The square borders are quilted with footprints for the many steps working men and women took during the depression. Over all the quilt has over 1100 pieces. I've listed the personailties in order, starting from the top and going across: Seamstress, Dentist, Sailor, Butcher, Oil gas man, Merchant,m Baker, Cook, Conductor, Lumberman, Grocer, Engineer, Poultryman, Druggist, Bum, Banker, Housewife, Farmer, Ballplayer, Preacher, Mechanic, Teacher, Cowboy, Doctor, Clerk, Nurse, GOP Elephant, Fannie, Democrat donkey, and Uncle Sam coming the other way! Carrying farm relief, legal beer and aid!


"Prosperity is Just Around the Corner measures" 86'' x 72'' and dates 1930-1932. Fannie and her neighbors waited a decade for Mister right square! Mrs. Shaw lived 92 years and her quilt is on display at the Dallas Museum of Art.

9 comments:

tina said...

So is this a copy of the original pattern? And are each person pieced and appliqued?

Dawn said...

Yep, each person is pieced appliqued. I've seen this quilt in books forever. Really pretty and politcal. This is a pic of the quilt. Fannie Shaw also painted on wood and such,her work has been auctioned for alot.

Jean Merriman said...

Oh boy, that took some kinda dedication!!! Magnificence piece of work straight from the heart.

DP Nguyen said...

That is a wonderful quilt. It is reminiscent of the American peoples, and all the different occupations that they had during her time. I love it!

Skeeter said...

What an interesting quilt!
American history lesson...

Dawn said...

Hi guys, hope all had a lovely holiday, back to the grindstone on Monday!

Eve said...

What a fascinating story and such a wonderful quilt. I think it makes the quilt special if you can know the story behind them. The Gee's Bend Quilters had thier stories on TV not too long ago. It was so interesting!

Dawn said...

Hi Eve,
I visited you the other day, see you have another site up.

Anonymous said...

Hi Dawn,

Have you ever considered doing another replica of this quilt to sell? It has been a favorite of my mother's ever since I can remember and she even traveled to dallas from Michigan to see it. If you or anyone you know whould be interested I would love to commission the piece. Please get in touch with me. Waseya@yahoo.com