Cartoons about quilters generally are enjoyable and bring a smile, sometimes even a belly laugh, because they’re so typical of this unique group of artisans.
Kyra, of Black Threads, calls our attention to Mrs. Bobbins, the cartoon found on Pickledish, home of the Kansas City Star Quilts (a fascinating site in itself).
Enjoy!  All the links.

Kyra, blogger at Black Threads, has a fascinating list of quilts and quilting related items she’d like to see featured at the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).  Included with her list are links to web sites, blogs, or photos of the items.
Did you know there exists a quilt made by Harriet Tubman?
What about Rosa Parks’ sewing basket?
Fabric with African and African American images
Pearl Bailey’s needlepoint piece
A sewing machine used by Harriet Powers
These and many more Kyra mentions in her list of suggestions. 
After going through Kyra’s list, can you think of others to add?

Obama Fabric
In keeping with current events, author and quilt historian Barbara Brackman has originated an  Obama fabric design  you can print off onto fabric sheets of your own. 
Thanks to Kyra, of Black Threads, for providing the link for the fabric Pdf at her post Barbara Brackman Designs Obama Fabric – you can print it!  At that same post, you’ll find another fabric Pdf featuring Obama and Biden.

Throughout Barack Obama’s campaign, I read many stories about the quilters who were making quilts and wall hangings to commemmorate his run for the Presidency.  Now that Obama is President Elect, these quilts take on more significance.
An exhibt has been organized in Washington, DC for the Inauguration.  Check out Kyra’s post at Black Threads, Quilts for Obama: Celebrating the Inauguration of Our 44th President for more details about time and place.
For more about Obama and presidential quilts:
Club captures presidential race in unique quilt
East St. Louis quilter selected for inaugural exhibit
History attractions prepare for inaugural in DC
(Whether you agree or disagree with Obama as President, …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com
 Kyra of Black Threads continues with her updates on the Gee’s Bend Quilters lawsuits and other news.  If you’ve been following this situation, check out, Judge Grants All Concerned in Three Gee’s Bend Cases an Additional 45 Days.
Also, here you’ll find related news and previous articles and resources concerning this case.
The Gee’s Bend quilts continue to draw attention as they are displayed around the country. There even are postcards of the quilts, such as in the illustration above.
Have you seen any of the Gee’s Bend quilts “in person?”
(C)2008 Mary Emma Allen

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com 
  If you’re following the Gee’s Bend lawsuit, you can find, at Black Threads, a good summary of the latest motion by Judge Bert W. Milling, Jr. to grant a motion to suspend deadlines until April 24, 2008. 
Kyra also has more information and links at her blog to keep you up to date with this story.
For information about the Gee’s Bend quilts in general:
The Quilts of Gee’s Bend
PBS – The Quiltmakers of Gee’s Bend
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com 
Quilters aren’t running for public office, that I know of (although some probably are in their community or state).  However, quilters are expressing their support for Barack Obama through their art.
At Kyra’s Black Threads, I read a post, Fiber Artists for Obama, about the artists who are using their talents to support the candidate of their choice.  Kyra directs you to Cultural Expressions for more information.
Are there quilters and fiber artists supporting other candidates through quilting or who simply are raising the consiciousness of citizens to take an interest in the political scene and vote?
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen