Clara Ford Quilt Gallery

An exhibition of the quilts of Clara Ford, who lived and quilted in Crossett, Arkansas until her death in 1966. Visit www.clarafordfoundation.org for more information about African American quilts and quilters.

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Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Soon after beginning to quilt, I inherited eight of my grandmother's quilts. My grandmother Clara Ford was born December 12, 1892 and died May 20, 1966. She lived and quilted in Crossett, Arkansas. My mother was one of her six children. This site is dedicated to her memory,the preservation of her quilts and the preservation of antique quilts made by African Americans. I started quilting as a way to balance the stress in a high profile job. Along the way, I found my bliss. I love the notion of putting together pieces that may be ugly standing alone, but become gloriously beautiful when made a part of the whole. I love sharing my bliss by giving my quilts to others. I am a founding member of the Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Guild in Atlanta. The members are predominantly African American, and their unique view of color and style is a source of constant inspiration for me. I am the founder of the Clara Ford Foundation, a foundation that honors my grandmother's quilts.

Sunday, October 30, 2005

Clara’s Big Red Squares Quilt

Circa 1955
50 x 73 inches


My grandmother really liked red. So do I. Red dominates in many of her quilts. Clara’s Big Red Squares has 12 big red squares that alternate with 12 pieced blocks. The pieced blocks contain many of the floral feedsack prints of her era. The quilt has a bright yellow border that fold over to make the binding.

The quilt has a muslin back and is hand quilted in a fan pattern.

Clara's Big Red Squares has been appraised by American Quilters Society Certified Appraiser Holly Anderson. It was appraised at $625.00