“Tying the Knot”, Handmade Quilt, (2023)
Flannel Cotton, suede, upcycled textiles, fabric scraps, G&S Ink, posco fabric markers, nylon thread
This was my final piece for my Craft x Research Independent Study with Dr. J. Hollenbach in my undergrad. I made a weighted lap quilt to help comfort me during my research practice, throughout my Masters program & beyond. This was such a special course to have, especially in a transition period between finalizing my undergrad and beginning my Masters program. At the beginning I opened up about my insecurities & discomforts with being neurodivergent within an institution setting + academia, and Julie gave me the reassurance I needed to be able to develop my own approach to research. This support allowed me to discover the ways in which I thrive academically (such as developing templates & adapting structures for note taking, annotations and essay writing) as well as honouring auto-ethnographic writings that are usually looked down upon within academia. The goal of my research was to centralize 2SQTBIPOC voices + experiences within craft, scholarship, and harm reduction.
When brainstorming different ways I could reflect on the research I conducted throughout those 4 months, I kept thinking of these reminders in the form of ‘patches’. It then hit me that I could create a blanket from scratch with fabrics that comfort me, with both screenprinted + hand-drawn patches. These patches include identifiers (queer, empath, misfit) as well as significant quotes from readings, conversations and texts. I structurally made this with the opportunity to add patches to this later and develop a collage of reminders as I go.
This piece consists of textured applique and printed patches, done in various coloured inks, composed within a rectangular frame. The illustrations depict affirmations and reminders that root from significant readings done throughout the course of this independent study. There are a mix of screen-printed and hand-written patches; honoring both techniques to achieve a diverse range of handicraft processes. The materials consist of 100% cotton flannel, faux suede, velvet, thrifted cotton bedsheets, muslin, G&S dyes, Posca permanent fabric markers, and Guttermann thread.
The symbolism and imagery I used stem from objects I have held onto closely; whether they are hand-made, natural items found on outings, or stylized potion bottles made from spells. I wanted to create a collection of visual reminders to help accompany quotes I read and intentions I made throughout the course that could help aid me in times of needing some support during my research practice and MAED Program beginning this September. Imagery includes: three hand foraged nails, depression altar still life, affirmations done in stylized frames, ceramic stim shaker, self-portrait, historical pink triangle. Affirmations include ‘empath’, ‘queer’, and ‘misfit’.
