Material Arts Design: An Exploration in Creativity, Ecology and Culture

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I remember my Grandmother making patch quilts from old clothing, braiding rugs from rags, scraps, and old nylon stockings, hooking rugs from burlap bags, and unraveling knitted garments to re-use the yarn. This kind of conservation existed out of necessity, in her case because of poverty. Although poverty was the initial catalyst for these kinds of activities, what lives on is far more enduring and significant. What a connection, appreciation, and intimate relationship she enjoyed with the stuff that made up her environment. When you cover yourself with a quilt that is made of pieces of material taken from clothing worn by family and friends, the quilt becomes so much more than just a …