By Patricia Belyea
LA CONNER WA It was a gray day when I arrived at the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum. Gray outside. But greatness inside.
On the second floor, The Red Dress project stood regally at the center of its own room. The moment I saw it, I was thrilled. The dress featured a bodice top and a flowing skirt that pooled onto the floor—crafted from glowing red silk dupioni.
Like a tapestry, embroidery covered every inch of the fabric. No two clusters of embroidery matched in color, style, or stitch length—yet the gown radiated harmony.
BELOW: From Darkness to Light by six women in Rwanda
A 14-year endeavor, The Red Dress was conceived, directed, and assembled by British artist Kirstie Macleod. Constructed from 87 silk panels, The Red Dress is adorned with an estimated 1 to 1.5 billion stitches, made by 380 individuals from 51 countries.
BELOW: Serene Bird by Anastasia Yurievna Katyshevtseva of Russia
Instead of a Frankenstein creation, a magical gown emerged.
Most participants were women who have endured crises, poverty, war, and/or loss—each stitch and bead giving voice to their stories.
BELOW: Traditional Embroidery from Chiapas by Zenaida Aguilar in Chiapas, Mexico
The reputation of The Red Dress precedes it. The museum was packed with more visitors than I’ve seen at openings or special events. The power of its expressive stitching calls to us all.
BELOW: Birds of Peace by Feride and Fatime Hallili in Kosovo, Ukraine
BELOW: Kenyan Figures by Kenyan Embroiderers Guild, Kenya
BELOW: Folk Life by Noayini Nogemane of South Africa
EXHIBIT
The Red Dress
January 8 to March 2, 2025
Visit The Red Dress website +here
Learn about the many artisans who contributed to the dress +here
EXHIBIT VENUE
Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum
703 South Second Street
La Conner WA
+museum website
Open WED through SUN, 11am to 4pm
Admission: $7 for non-members
Handicap access is limited
MORE
Looping videos tell the story of The Red Dress for Museum visitors.
Embroidered quilts from the Museum’s collection are exhibited on the same floor as The Red Dress.
BELOW: Suzani (Central Asia) c. 1970
Regional stitchers, inspired by The Red Dress, made their own projects that are displayed on the third floor.
BELOW: L Community & Diversity by Amy Spanne R RED by Crystal Colombo
BELOW: My Red Jacket by Susan Mattso
BELOW: The Red Kimono by Lynn Woll
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ABOUT US: Okan Arts, a petite family business, is co-owned by mother-daughter duo Patricia Belyea and Victoria Stone. Patricia and Victoria sell Japanese textiles online, host creative quilting experiences, and lead quilting & textile tours to Japan.
FOLLOW OKAN ARTS ON INSTAGRAM @okanarts
