Variations on Several Themes: Exhibition by Mrs. László József with a Prize Competition!

Mrs. László József, a valued member of our reading community, is once again showcasing her patchwork creations. This time, her works will be on display until June 28, 2024, accompanied by a prize competition. Further details can be found below. 

All interested visitors are warmly welcomed during our opening hours!

Our Exhibitor's Introduction: "I'm Mrs. László József, also known as Éva, and I have a passion for patchwork. I learned to sew as a young girl, making clothes for my dolls. As I grew older, sewing evolved into my profession. I spent twenty-four years working in various sectors of the textile industry. I worked as a seamstress (from home), a tailor, and a workshop manager for fourteen years. After the regime change, opportunities in the textile industry dwindled, so I had to change careers, but my love for sewing endured. That’s when I turned to patchwork quilting.

In the early 2000s, I taught myself patchwork using Anna Dolányi's book. It was a difficult time; few people in the country were doing patchwork, and suitable materials were hard to find. Fortunately, over the years, more and more people discovered patchwork as a hobby. Today, there are a wide variety of shops offering the materials and tools that quilters need. Our national organization, the Guild, offers a framework and organizes exhibitions, courses, and festivals, providing opportunities for learning and development.

I retired a few years ago, and patchwork is a wonderful way to enjoy my retirement. Now I have the opportunity to fully immerse myself in this rewarding activity. I can try new techniques and explore the world of art quilting as well as traditional patterns. I most enjoy the technique of sewing on paper, both by hand and machine. Every two years, I am happy to fulfill the request of the Ervin Szabó Library by bringing my latest creations, which I hope bring much joy to the library's visitors and staff."

Prize Competition!

I invite you to play a game inspired by the theme of the exhibition! On a slip of paper, along with your name and phone number, write down the title of the artwork you believe is a cuckoo's egg—meaning it doesn't fit the theme—and then drop it into the box. Among those who figure out which creation has no pair or variation—be it in sewing technique or pattern—I will draw one person to win one of the exhibited bags, which the winner can choose for themselves!

The History of Patchwork

Patchwork has been practiced since ancient times, as evidenced by archaeological findings from Egypt. Legend has it that Buddha commissioned the first patchwork, as his humble followers could only offer him small pieces of silk fabric, which were sewn together into a large quilt. Over time, patchwork evolved into a folk art form, possibly inspired by the diverse materials of England's flourishing textile industry, where textile cuttings were utilized. This tradition traveled to America with Irish, English, Dutch, and Amish settlers, where it became widespread and uniquely popular as a form of handicraft. In the New World, imported materials were exclusively used until the early 18th century, making even the smallest pieces highly valued. Interestingly, patchwork is also found among Native Americans, with Seminole Indian patterns still in use today, and the Lone Star pattern of the Lakota Indians still made for significant life events.

Patchwork serves two main purposes: utilitarian and decorative. Over the past century, the techniques of patchwork and quilting have become deeply intertwined, with the terms often used interchangeably.

Today, patchwork is increasingly popular as a beautiful, albeit expensive, hobby. Active patchwork communities exist nationwide, encompassing enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Since 1989, the Hungarian Patchwork Guild has united communities into an enthusiastic team, organizing exhibitions and inviting enthusiasts to the annual National Patchwork Festival, hosted in different Hungarian cities each year. This year, in August, Eger will host the festival. Patchwork enthusiasts also participate in global events; in early September, astonishing wonders can be seen at the gathering of patchworkers in Silver Valley, France. The Guild also organizes trips to European events and hosts cheerful creative camps and instructional courses for those interested.

Hand Patchwork

The oldest technique of patchwork, paper piecing, originates from England. In this method, precisely cut, relatively stiff pieces of paper are used to stabilize the fabric materials, which do not need to be precisely cut for this technique. Then, following the pattern, the pieces are stitched together with small, hidden stitches. Once all the pieces are stitched together, the papers are removed from them. The advantage of this technique is that despite the relatively rough cutting, it provides a precise sewing image. Some of the most well-known hand paper piecing block patterns include "Grandma's Flower Garden" and the exhibited pattern named "Lucy Boston." There is also a machine-made variation of paper piecing, which allows for quicker creation of patchwork pieces compared to hand sewing.

MESZL Library of Bíró Mihály utca
1203 Budapest, Bíró Mihály utca 7.
Tel.: 1/283-0872
E-mail: fszek2002@fszek.hu

Photos: MESZL XX/2.