By Debra Herndon
The Bice-Ferguson Memorial Museum is holding a quilt show through the month of September during regular hours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
The quilt in frontier America was a thing of necessity and rarely of beauty. Clothing that had worn out to the point that it could no longer be used, was saved so the “good” parts could be cut out. Pieces were sewn together, a backing of cheap muslin or old sheets was fashioned and in between a worn blanket or even feathers would make up the filling.
In order to keep the filling stabilized, knots of thread or stitching would keep the layers together. These early quilts were often not pretty, but kept the body heat in the bed on cold winter nights in drafty, poorly heated dwellings. Older quilts often have one particular color that has disintegrated more than the other pieces, simply because it was from a garment that was used longer or harder than the other pieces. There were times when a handmade quilt would be considered as part of a young girl’s dowry. Quilt making also could provide extra money, but certainly not fair recompense for the time spent on the quilt.
In the 1800’s colorful feed sacks and the availability of more fabrics encouraged more creativity in quilt making. The (almost exclusively) women who sewed came up with patterns that everyone recognized and quilting became the art form it still is today. At the Museum this month you can see beautiful examples of Log Cabin, Double Wedding Ring, Bear Paw, Fan, Churn Dash and other traditional patterns. Original works are also included. Some quilts have been intricately machine-quilted while others represent hours of hand quilting.
Those visiting the show will be able to vote for a People’s Choice award. On September 30 th at noon, the Museum will hold a Quilt Talk and Reception where the quilters represented will share their experiences and the People’s Choice prize will be awarded. This event is open to everyone. Those that have quilts they would like to display will be invited to sign up for next year’s show.
Questions may be addressed to Museum Director Debra Herndon at 304-677-6650.