Quilt Remnants on Kentucky Topography

In the last couple of months, I have inadvertently found myself wrapped in a metaphorical quilt of all things Appalachia. As a vendor at a regional quilt show, I admired amazing handiwork and discovered a source for quilt remnants that I’ve begun playing with in my work. A visit to a Creative Reuse shop in Lexington, KY led to the discovery of vintage topographical maps of Kentucky regions that date back to the early 1960’s. Their colors and intricate lines begged to find use. And then there are the audiobooks I listen to as I travel and the short stories on my nightstand by Kentucky authors that have brought all of this to life.

This collection of animals is hand stitched from quilt remnants and stuffed with recycled denim. I’ve selected names for each from old county maps of eastern Kentucky. Most of the locations are too small to be incorporated or to be recognized as towns. But there are some very playful names to be found. The county for each is identified with the name. For now, those maps make a nice background for photography and serve as stationary for labeling names and prices, but I’m sure a more worthy project will emerge with time!