A Woman’s Place: Bella Abzug

In 1971, a few days after my 14th birthday, I was arrested in front of the White House. That same day 300 people died in Vietnam. Influenced by Bella Abzug and Shirley Chisholm, I believed in their work for social justice – human rights, civil rights, women’s rights, LGBT rights – and took part in activities for social and political change. During the same time period, I learned to sew, cook, turn wood, fix cars. My dream was to live in a home where everything was made by my own hands. This home would be in a community of peace and justice, respect and dignity. I wanted to do everything my father and brothers could do along with everything my mother and grandmother could do. I made my own clothes and quilts, wired my own lamp, bled the brakes on my car. I walked 19 miles with Abzug. I demonstrated, marched, spent the night in jail…and I quilted.

The inspiration for this quilt comes from the bold hats Abzug wore throughout her career. Abzug declared a “woman’s place is in the House – the House of Representatives” during her campaign in 1970. This quilt is a tribute to Abzug and her tireless work for women’s rights.

Bella Abzug (1920-1998) was an American lawyer, U.S. Representative, social activist and founding member of the National Women’s Political Caucus.

Solid cotton fabric, cotton thread, cotton embroidery thread.