Quilting “Babes” in Nicaragua
What an awesome opportunity I was given a few weeks ago to go to Nicaragua in Central America. My friend, Anne, and I spent 8 beautiful days with the women in the mountain villages of Boraco, San Juan, and San Andres. These women do excellent redwork embroidery and Anne helps them sell their work in the states to support their families.They live a very poor life by the world’s standards, but they are very rich in spirit.
One of my friends there, Cate, was intrigued when she saw pictures of quilts and the beautiful designs that could be made with fabric scraps. She knew how to put scraps of fabric together to make an everyday door curtain, or a tablecloth, but she never thought of actually using the scraps to add design to these things. She was quick to express an interest in learning to quilt herself.
I decided to throw together squares and triangles to make a simple Churn Dash block to surprise her. She had never seen anything like it and was super-inspired! She became a quilter-obsessed. She took my block and surprised me! On her own, she measured and cut and within a hour she had duplicated the block! It was like watching a baby walk for the first time! It was so exciting and well worth the trip!
Soon there was an avalanche of ideas flowing from Cate’s head! We started drawing out other simple blocks on paper. When it was time to leave, I told her I would return and I wanted to see a quilt on every bed and in every doorway of her house.
You know, I wouldn’t be surprised if I were to see quilts in every home in the village!
Tags: Linda Smoker
About the Author: QUILT Magazine
Living in the northeast, I can never have enough quilts! I come from a long line of quilt makers and designers. There is nothing better than to take all the pieces to a puzzle, sew them together one at a time, and stand back amazed at the beautiful design that evolves. I am currently working as Technical Editor for QUILT Magazine.
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