The South Jefferson Public Library is pleased to announce an art exhibit featuring the works of several local quilters in the area. The quilts on display are a combination of full sized quilts, wall-hangings, and table toppers. This exhibition is the 44th in the Art in the Library series hosted by the library to highlight the talents of local artists. The exhibit runs from May 1 to June 30th and can be viewed during library hours: Monday through Thursday 10- 7, Saturdays 10-5, and Sundays 1-5. The library is closed Fridays. The library is located at 49 Church St, Summit Point, WV. Each of the exhibitors has written a short piece telling about themselves and their art.
Anita - As the only lefthander in a family of talented right handed needlewomen, I decided early on that learning any of the sewing arts was an impossibility. This was only confirmed by my grandmother who shooed me out to play after several frustrating hours spent attempting to teach me how to crochet. But love of quilts and embroidery won out. I made my first baby quilt in the 1980s and haven't stopped since.
Laura - is a biologist and quilt artist who lives in Jefferson County with her family. She enjoys the creative interaction of textile art and traditional quilting in nature-inspired pieces.
Laurie - I have been quilting for on and off for many years but after retiring and moving to West Virginia in 2005 I have been able to pursue my love of quilting on a much higher level. At this time I belong to three Quilt Guilds and do sewing for our church guilt group in addition to sewing for myself.
Lisa - My mom taught me to quilt in the late '90's - early 2000. Quilting relaxes me and keeps my head busy with new projects. I recently went back to work full time but I still do the newsletter for "Waterford Quilters Quild".
Marcia - I grew up sewing with my sister an found out through genealogy research that my great grandparents were tailors in Cincinnati. I have made quilts for all of my grandkids. My first quilt for my husband took 15 years to complete, but I have speeded up considerably. I enjoy all forms of needlecraft. I quilt with several others with the Zion Episcopal Church group.
Rita - I grew up watching my grandmother making quilts and treasure several that have been passed on to me especially a couple she made from flour sacks. I am retired and enjoy traveling, reading, gardening and being a part of the quilting group at Zion Episcopal Church.
Sue - I had sewn clothes for my two sons, but had not quilted I started working for a local library and a co-worker convinced me to try it. I have made quilts for my family and a few wall-hangings. I make quilts with a local charity group whose quilts go to people going through hard times. One of my favorite things is yearly quilt retreats with a group of online friends.
History of Quilting
Throughout history, people have enjoyed quilts for many different reasons. Quilts can provide clues to the past. Quilts can provide warmth. Quilts can provide beauty and value. Quilts can provide heritage. Quilts can provide enjoyment from working with color, texture, and pattern.
Quilting can be traced back to ancient Egypt and China where three layers of fabrics (top, batting for warmth, and backing) were stitched together to keep the middle layer from slipping and clumping.
Later in the 11th Century, quilting was used to hold together the layers of padding under armor. From then on, quilting was a common form of needlework.
In the 18th Century, it was stylish for English women to wear quilted petticoats and underskirts and for men to wear quilted waistcoats. Quilted bedding was also popular. Quilts were first brought to the American Colonies during this century.
There are only written references of the first American quilts. These quilts were probably styled after English quilts. The first American quilts were probably not patchwork or applique', but whole cloth.
Quilting in America became popular in the 19th Century which was then when distinctly American patchwork and applique' designs were created. These quilts were produced for utility and pleasure and are inspiration for today's quilters. They are also an important part of American Folk Art.
From the 1940s to the 1970s, quilting was not a regular pastime for America. Since 1976, quilting has again become popular."* The American Quilter's Society Show & Contest held at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, MI this past August brought more than 21,500 attendees over a 3 day period.
*Fons, Marianne and Porter, Liz. Quilter's Complete Guide. Birmingham: Oxmoor House, Inc., and Leisure Arts, Inc., 1993. 8-9. |
