I came across the site for the International Quilt Study Center and Museum the other day. My friend, who is moving to Lincoln, Nebraska sent me an email with their website trying to entice me to visit! She knows me pretty well because quilts are a huge inspiration to me. According the IQSCM website, the center houses the worlds largest publicly held collection of quilts from over 25 countries. The current exhibition, “Jean Ray Laury: Getting it all Together” features the work of Jean Ray Laury, an important feminist quilter of the 1960′s/70′s, who encouraged women to develop their artistic vision and take time for creativity.

Jean Ray Laury

Jean Ray Laury 'Pods: A Pair' 1959, applique

And just in case you can’t make it to Nebraska, you can still enjoy the IQSCM collection online by browsing the Quilt Explorer. Once on the page, drag your cursor around the grid to view thumbnails of all 1068 quilts. You can also explore a timeline of quilt history, and even design your own digital quilt – so fun! Here’s a sampling of some of my favorite quilts from the collection…

Sarah Miller Collection, Maker Unknown, 1920-1940

Ralli, Maker Unknown, 1950-1960

Ardis and Robert James Collection, Maker Unknown, 1920-1940 courtesy of International Quilt Study Center and Museum

(Photos Courtesy of International Quilt Study Center & Museum)