Learn about quilts — traditional and modern, fabric and wood

“Clay’s Choice” is the newest addition to Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail. Nicolina Barber used the traditional pattern in a blue-and-white quilt for her first grandchild, Nicolas. John Elberfeld, left, helps Dennis Barber hold up the Barber family quilt that inspired the barn quilt “Clay’s Choice.” Visitors can see the quilt and get a map for Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail at Knox Historical Society’s quilt show at Knox Town Hall. The show is part of “The Quilts of Berne and Knox” on Sunday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

— Photo by Jane McLean

Art installation: On a hot July morning, Brian Whipple lifted Dennis Barber and John Elberfeld to attach the new barn quilt at Barber Family Farm in Knox. Bob Flagler assisted with the installation. The barn quilt, at the corner of Pleasant Valley and Knox Cave Roads, is illuminated at night. 

To the Editor:

Lovers of quilts and fans of rural architecture are invited to “The Quilts of Berne and Knox” on Sunday, Aug. 3. They’ll see fabric quilts, both traditional and modern, and learn about barn quilts, the wooden painted patterns that are popping up on barns in the Hilltowns.

Barn quilts are part of a national grassroots folk-art movement celebrating our rural architecture and our legacy of quilting.

Nicolina “Nickie” Barber, a well-known and prolific quilter, stitched the pattern “Clay’s Choice” in blue and white for her first grandson, Nicolas. Dennis Barber recently created and installed an 8-by-8-foot barn quilt based on that quilt at the family farm in Knox.

“Clay’s Choice,” beautifully set against a red barn, is the latest addition to Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail’s driving tour. Visitors may pick up trail maps at either quilt show.

The Berne Historical Society will hold its show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Senior Citizens’ Center, 1360 Helderberg Trail (Route 443) in Berne. The show will feature historic quilts from the society’s collections and other quilts from Berne, as well as drawings and prizes.

The group will host a luncheon at Berne Fire Department, 30 Canaday Hill Road (County Route 9), from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Summertime foods, including sandwiches, fresh fruits, and refreshing beverages, will be available for a free-will donation.

The Knox Historical Society’s show will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knox Town Hall, 2192 Berne-Altamont Road (Route 156). The quilters of Knox Reformed Church, including Mrs. Barber, will be honored with an exhibit.

Experts will demonstrate hand-quilting techniques and barn-quilt construction from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m. Visitors may see the Knox Bicentennial quilt and other artifacts from Knox history at the Saddlemire Homestead, in front of the Town Hall, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Admission to both shows is by suggested donation. Visitors are asked not to bring in food, drinks, or pets so that we all can enjoy the beauty of the quilts that have so graciously been loaned. For details and to download maps, visit Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail at http://www.hqbt.org/ Please contact me at 872-2082 or [email protected] for more information.

Jane McLean, vice president
Knox Historical Society

More Letters to the Editor

The Altamont Enterprise is focused on hyper-local, high-quality journalism. We produce free election guides, curate readers' opinion pieces, and engage with important local issues. Subscriptions open full access to our work and make it possible.