Black Lives Matter. Since the very beginning of this country, Black Americans have faced injustice and violence more than any other group. This is not opinion. This is fact. It is painful to say this has not changed 150 years after Lincoln and 50 years after Martin Luther King. I hereby pledge to use my vote, my voice and my money to end racism, and make this country a better place for everyone. This is not a zero-sum game. Ending racism and injustice makes it a better place for everyone – even for the privileged groups.
I want to say that I am very proud of the quilting community both on the blog-land and members of my local quilt guild – The Houston Modern Quilt Guild (HMQG @houstonmqg). So many of you have used your voice, your blogs and other social media in support of ending racism. There was a unprecedented fundraiser on Instagram: @misterdomesticfundraiser which had over 750 handmade items donated by quilters and artists, and raised $151,949.23 for anti-racist organizations. The response from businesses and manufacturers has not been satisfactory. While some were quick to support BLM, others have been silent and unwilling to take a stance against racism.
Speaking of hope, I want to introduce two young women – Nitya and Niharika . While staying home from school/college they discovered their grandmother’s embroidery supplies, and taught themselves basic embroidery stitches. They started a project to make small embroidery pieces with words of hope and solidarity, and use the proceeds to support BLM organizations. Look them up on Instagram: @embroideringchange and message them if you’d like a sweet little piece of art and support BLM organizations at the same time. These young women are our future.
The fabric, thread and needle I used for this project were provided by Island Batik, Aurifil thread and Schmetz needles respectively, as part of the Island Batik ambassador program.
I started with a mound of Island Batik scraps. Cutting and sewing and cutting again and sewing back while I processed my anger and grief at the killing of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery. There was hope as well. I was moved by the number of people that took to the streets in protest. People of every age and color – black, white and brown.
This is my second project for Island Batik June challenge. It is a “free” theme. The first project was Purple Princess – a project for Hands2Help.
I used Heat N’ Bond and solid black Island Batik fabric to applique the fists.
I used two layers of black batting and stitched along the perimeter of the fists. I stitched from the front while this is a picture pf the back. I used Schmetz microtex needles. A fresh and sharp micortex needle was absolutely needed to sew cleanly through two layers of batting and two plus layers of fabric – the improv piecing has several overlapping seams – and the fusible web.
Next step was to carefully cut out the batting all around the fists. I used “sharp” applique scissors that were not as sharp as I thought. This was a nerve-wracking process because I was afraid i would accidentally cut into the improv background fabric. A minimalist trapunto?
I marked the details of the clenched fist with a hear-erasable pen and stitched over the lines with black thread.
I layered the whole piece with one layer of batting and a backing, and quilted matchsticks at 1/4″ in the background area, leaving the fists in high relief. I used Aurifil 50 weight cotton in Wine #5003), which blended well in both the dark and light areas of the background.
The back 
Fist detail
What a fantastic piece of work! Black Lives Matter!
Amazing statement that needs to be heard.
Beautiful! Black Lives Matter!
Powerful piece of art, and a wonderful narrative. Ending racism does make this a better place for everyone.
Heartfelt, Beautiful and Timely. You never fail to impress, Vasudha. This is no exception. I am reminded of your Justice quilt. Big Hugs.
Beautiful mini quilt, I love everything on it, the intent included.
Thank you – for your words and your piece that says so much. I am reminded of a phrase….a terrible beauty. Whites have been at the least complicit and perpetrators at our worst. We must do better….we are all human beings who deserve to be treated well. We all need to work for profound change.
I love the strong statement this quilt makes. Beautiful job.
Hi Vasudha! Your piece speaks volumes and your post is well written. Black lives matter. It is unbelievable that we are in this position 50 years after Martin Luther King. Enough.
Great project! I admire your work.
I love the powerful imagery in this. The stitching in the detail of the fists is fantastic. Lovely and strong!
Amazing piece. Well done! I like how you made the fists.
Excellent example of art making a powerful statement. Well done, Vasudha!
Fantastic work (as always)!