I am new to both the quilt and Okiciyap groups and therefore had to spend some time to discover what this project means to me. I found that I most appreciate the layers and layers of community. First we have the Dkos community that hosts so many different interest and action groups. It is a community that has shown over and over again a willingness to band together to help others. Within this community is the Okiciyap group, which exists specifically to help and support the community of the Cheyenne River Reservation.
As a community, Okiciyap group has accepted the generous gift of a beautiful custom quilt created by the members of the DK Quilt Guild and offers for auction a beautiful quilt full of meaning for the Native American community and quilt lovers alike. It is displayed below the fold with some of the individual blocks.
I have lived in the middle of Amish quilt country most of my adult life. Amish religion discourages individual expression but quiltmaking has allowed Amish women to express their creative natures without giving offence. The Amish communities have always encouraged activities that promote community and family closeness so quilting became a fundamental part of social life for the women of the community. Quilts are created for everyday use or to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, raising funds for the church or community cause.
Since the “English” (the name for non-Amish people) discovered Amish work in the late 1960s, quilting has become a source of income for many. Queen size quilts run from $900.00-$2,500.00. Their quilts have become collectors’ items all over the world. The most experienced quilter generally designs and lays out the quilt and is joined by 8-10 others to execute the design. All the quilts are made by hand with 8-9 stitches per inch. Below are pictures of a working group and some beautiful examples of their work.
Some of the most impressive quilts use no color at all and the stitching is the art:
What I have learned is that quilting in its essence is community. For the Amish and the DailyKos communities, it brings members closer together to achieve a common goal.
If you were considering a bid, but it's already past what you can afford, please consider donating a portion of your desired bid directly to the pantry.
CURRENT HIGH BID $ 5080
Bid, or donated already? Help by rec'ing this so other folks will see it.
Want to help every time you shop online? Here is a link to IGive:
This is the new Okiciyap widget for donating directly to the pantry.
Please do not worry about the total, as many of the donations went through Paypal or were sent as checks. Just click on the donate button and follow the directions. It is easy to follow and will be our ChipIn and Paypal replacement.