Care taken with each handmade item was lovely to see
— Photo from Donna Gwin
Emilie Wright treasures the “Double Wedding Ring” quilt made by her grandmother 85 years ago and subsequently given to Emilie when she got married.
— Photo from Donna Gwin
Marion Burghart poses with the quilt started by her mother 35 years ago. Marion continued the sewing and did the hand-quilting of the item when she was married. She has named her quilt “The 25th Anniversary Quilt.”
To the Editor:
In conjunction with the Helderberg Hilltown Association Farms and Artisans Tour, the Knox and Berne historical societies held the fourth biennial Quilts and Needlework Show at the Knox Town Hall on Sunday, Sept. 16.
Forty-eight amazing quilts were displayed, each with their history provided by their owners. Some quilts were begun 100 years ago and the unfinished pieces passed from one family member to another until the item was completed. Other quilts were treasured as gifts passed down through the generations.
Present-day quilts were highlighted: some machine-quilted with extraordinary patterns and some hand-quilted with care. The variety of patterns and fabric was beautiful.
Thirty-four needlework items were showcased and ranged from exquisite doll clothes to finely-detailed needlework to unique knitted and crocheted items. The care taken with each handmade item was lovely to see.
As an added treat, throughout the day, JoAnne Brady demonstrated her “Penny Rug” crafting skills and displayed the variety of items she has made.
Visitors to the show voted for their favorite quilt and needlework item, but narrowing down a favorite to just one item in each category was extremely hard to do.
Ann Hein’s Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt, made by her grandmother 100 years ago, was the first-place winner. In the Needlework division, first place was awarded to Twylla Hughes for her crewel embroidery picture and her counted cross-stitch picture.
The Knox and Berne historical societies welcomed the chance to highlight the artistic talents of our neighbors and the beautiful heirlooms that people treasure.
Donna Gwin, secretary
Knox Historical Society