Native Quilts and Baskets

 

 The trip to the museum was extremely interesting. It was divided into two different parts: Baskets and Quilts. There were so many different types of baskets that came from all over the United States. I believe that my favorite basket was the giant strawberry one. It looked like it was made out of  window blinds. The basket was incredibly large and actually looked like a strawberry. It was red and had a green lid. It was rather amazing to know that someone could make something so large and have it look like what it was suppose to, even through it was made out of such a weird material. The fact that the museum had basket from different moments in time was even more interesting to witness. There were baskets that were newer and ones that came from a long time ago. The baskets that were newer weren't as beautiful as the older baskets where. I understand that they were made the same way and the tradition is there, but they didn't have the usage factor. I think when something is made and actually used it has a stronger sense of pride and well roundedness. There is something about it that takes a new shape and connects you to the past. It is almost like being there. There were a several newer baskets that were beautiful...don't get me wrong, but the feeling just isn't the same. The materials used to make the baskets was amazing that they still had the sweet grass smell. I love the smell of sweet grass. It is so fresh and light. I couldn't believe that the smell lasted for so long without fading away.
After the baskets we went to see some quilts. They were pretty extraordinary. The colors and pattern shapes were breathe taking. There is so much detail work that goes into making a quilt. I had no idea that it took so many hours and so much effort to learn. Even the patterns that were made in the stitching where extremely detailed. I have always wanted to learn how to make a quilt. I feel like it would be a beautiful thing to be able to do. I would love to give them away to family members and friends. It seems like it would be such an amazing gift idea. The only blankets that I know how to do are the knot blankets. They aren't that hard, but they are time intensive. It means a lot of the individual that receives them as well. You have to put kindness, care and happy thoughts into it while you make the blanket so that they can always be comfy and protected. That is an amazing thing to be able to do from someone else that you love and care for. The most interesting quilt was the one that they received from the 1950s or 40s...I believe. It was beautiful and there was a back story to it. It was about the girl that made it. Her father served in the arm as a sharp shooter. The two women talking about the quilt believed that it was originally made to be a gift for another family and by the way it looked they used it well. The stitch work on it was beautiful as well. The detail is really something to be admired. I would love to go back and look are more quilts that are currently there.