Historic Coverlet c. 1936

Ruth M. Barnes made this coverlet, and who knows how many others, during her long lifetime. Looking at it, I start to imagine her stitching away, surrounded by scraps of fabric, with sunlight streaming in. There’s a circular motif of an eagle surrounded by a ring of stars, repeated and repeated. I'm curious about the process of creating this image with embroidery – the patience and intention behind each stitch, as well as the physical act of making. The texture created by the stitches gives the image a tactile quality, inviting you to run your fingers across the surface, but don’t touch! I love how the eagle is both regal and a little wonky, slightly asymmetrical. Did she set out for it to look like this? We don’t know. But I suspect she just kept going, honoring the act of making, and not fussing too much with perfection. As painters know, mistakes are sometimes the best part. This kind of work has a way of speaking across time, reminding us of the endless possibilities of creativity and the simple joy of making something by hand.