To the Editor:

A retrospective of a quiltmaker’s work will be on display at “Quilts and Needlework of Knox and Berne” at the Knox Town Hall on Sunday, July 17. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is sponsored by the historical societies of Berne and Knox.

Quiltmaker “Granny” Browne was the grandmother of Stephen Browne, late husband of Mary Browne of Knox. Last summer Mary gave me two large bags full of Granny’s unfinished quilt pieces, assuring me, “You’ll do something with them.”

Granny Browne was an intrepid and prolific quiltmaker, very often “making do” with what she had. She pieced small scraps together, made her own cardboard templates, and used a wide variety of patterned material. She fearlessly stitched bias-cut fabrics and curved or Y-shaped seams, techniques frequently avoided by modern quiltmakers.

As I sorted through her delightful vintage quilt squares and scraps, two ideas evolved. First, use some of the pieces to make aprons for a fundraising benefit for Berne Public Library. A dozen “Grandmother’s Fan” aprons will go on sale in October.

Second, create a display showing hand-sewing techniques from the last century. I’ve used large embroidery hoops to frame two dozen examples of her colorful work in traditional patchwork and applique patterns.

Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail maps will be available at the quilt and needlework show. Visitors are encouraged to view the barn quilts mounted on the buildings at Mary Browne’s farm on Pleasant Valley Road. More information about the show is at http://www.knoxhistoricalsociety.org/quilt-and-needlework-show-2016.html

Jane McLean

Belfast, Maine