The Bent Needle -- April 2007 Edition: April In Paris

Paris Quilt Shop, originally uploaded by ssrq.

Miss me? It's been a very busy month. Nevertheless, onward:

In honor of Tonya's imminent departure for Paris, this month's edition of The Bent Needle takes you on a tour of French (and other European) quilts and quilt sites:

Let's first go to the International Quilt Study Center and select through the collection by country of origin. There are 29 French quilts in the collection, dating back to the 1700's. Or, page through the French magazine Quiltmania (if the English language version doesn't pop up immediately, look for the UK flag icon). (This is a terrific quilt magazine, with great photography.)

Inspired by these quilts to travel to the source, we'll peruse specialized travel opportunities such as a Trip of A Lifetime-France Quilt and Textile Study Tour. Perhaps instead, though, we'll make up our own itinerary, using the links provided through the European Quilt Association (hat tip: Hedgehog). Ready for departure?

Since you're traveling with me, we'll be making our first flight connection through Chicago O'Hare. We'll take a three-day layover to visit the International Quilt Festival, under escort by Pat, Dawn, and Debbi.

Finally, we arrive in France. First, of course, we must look up some of our European blog friends: Lucy, at Quilting With The Past (Netherlands); Clare, at Dordogne Quilter (France); Marion, at Artmixter (United Kingdom) -- and now, of course, Tonya.

We'll agree to meet in Salleles 'dAude, to take a class from visiting Australian artist Dijanne Cevaal at the Centre du Europeen Patchwork (English language accessible). Dijanne has also posted a video of a workshop she taught at Le Palaiseau, as well as another video of the exhibit. Her blog, Musings of a Textile Itinerant, has all the latest on her travels.

Next, we'll go to Lyon to visit the Musees Des Tissus Des Arts Decoratifs -- whose collection includes tapestries, carpets, and fabrics from East and West. (Also English language accessible.)

Finally, we'll head north to Dundee, Scotland to see the University of Dundee's Textile Collection. (For those of us with Scottish crazy quilts, the Scottish Textile Heritage Online site is an exciting find! )

Exhausted by our whirlwind trip, we'll head back to London for the flight home, stopping off first to fortify ourselves for the flight at the Borough Market. (Hat tip to the Shiftless Badger, who also shares a recipe for Treacle Sponge.)

We give Tonya a big hug at Heathrow and head for home. We've got just one last place to visit at Daybreak-- Betsy Abbot, who was featured in the first edition of The Bent Needle, has another quilt in progress. (Hat tip: Tim Abbott)

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