Colored Computer

Colored Computer - This refers to African American women mathematicians employed by NASA in the 1950's and 60's before the age of machine computers.  They did all the calculations manually, which sent our first astronauts into space.  These women did amazing work, all the while burdened by Jim Crow laws in Virginia.  They are the brave, strong, smart women lauded in the current film "Hidden Figures." 

17"x19" 

completed on Feb 13, 2017

This is fused applique using a pack of bright fat quarters from Timeless Treasures Dash Basic, which I just happened to win at a quilt guild meeting last weekend, and machine quilted with some 'hand-me-down' variegated thread from my friend, Teri Lucas!  

This quilt is made for Project Quilting Season 8 - week 4 with the theme: Brighter the Better.   I just saw the film "Hidden Figures" a few days ago, and knew I wanted to play with the phrase colored computers, because it is shocking,  this challenge encouraged me to get to this right away.  I've quilted the names of a few of the smart women around the border:  Dorothy Vaughn, Katherine Johnson, Eunice Smith, Kathryn Peddrew, Sue Wilder, Mary Johnson.   Here is more information about this group of women from an article in Smithsonian. 

Since I was also a computer programmer in the early days  (I started in 1980) and a self proclaimed "math girl", I'm drawn to stories of smart women, especially in the analytical sciences.  The amazing contributions of this group of women who were up against incredible odds inspired me.  

Peace.

Step Away from the Edge of the Platform

Step Away - The train platforms have a textured strip to warn people about the edge.  As each train approaches, there is an announcement: "Step away from the edge of the platform."

3"x2"   (yes.. inches)

completed on Feb 4, 2017

This very small quilt is made for Project Quilting Season 8 - week 3 with the theme: Texture.   My friend Adva, in California, was talking about being inspired by the raised dots at the curb in front of a store  (here is her quilt called "Bumpy" )   I took this picture, because its similar, but on the train platform in New York City:

I then remembered that I had this variegated thread that looked 'dirty' like the yellow raised dots in the photo:

I started with rows of French knots - and eventually decided to add the shoe tips, to give a sense of where these dots live 'in the wild'.  Once I added a female and male set of shoes, I decided to comment about following rules (regarding standing behind the yellow edge) and following the requests regarding personal space.  One set of shoes tests the edge rules.

Peace