Mola Love

Before I collected fabric and sewing notions, I collected Molas. These reverse applique panels are made in the San Blas region of Panama by the Kuna Indians. The Indians made these textiles to decorate their clothing, so many that you find are worn and faded somewhat. The detail on these pieces is amazing. Layers of colorful fabrics exactingly cut and hand stitched to create geometric designs, birds, animals, fish, and more. Most have hand embroidered details as well. You should see how tiny these stitches are. Amazing.

Molas!

Fishy Mola

A Pair of Hares with Their Babies

Thunderbirds

I stopped by a church tag sale yesterday and scored these three Molas and a stack of mostly vintage cotton fabrics for $1. Don't you love deals like that? I've always been intrigued by the reverse applique process used to make the molas. The Kuna Indian women of the San Blas Islands in Panama construct these by hand and use them to decorate their clothing. They are beautiful pieces of art and have become quite collectible. One day I'll shoot pictures of the others I've collected over the years.

The vintage prints are in the front.

My kaleidoscope of butterflies is growing. I was hoping for rainstorms all weekend so I would have an excuse to stay inside and sew, but I don't think that's going to happen. Silly weather.

The talented Tonya over at Lazy Gal Quilting has a book coming out in December. All those wonderful liberated letters are calling my name. I can't wait to see it! How about you?