Annual quilt show to open
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STEUBENVILLE -- The annual Spring Quilt Show will be on display at the Visitor Center at Historic Fort Steuben from Sunday through April 21. A few of the themes include Cleopatra's Fan, Wild Blossoms, Paradise Crossroads and Puppy Love.
"More than 30 quilters from Ohio and West Virginia have submitted their creations for the exhibit," explained Judy Bratten, director of Historic Fort Steuben. "Throughout the years, we have seen an amazing variety of patterns and designs, each one unique. Many of them have stories attached."
"We know that history can be found in letters, diaries, photographs and artifacts," Bratten continued. "These quilts are a source of knowledge about the times when they were created. From the designs, fabrics and manner of quilting, we can learn about the everyday life of people in that time period. For example, during the Great Depression, many quilts were made from feed sacks -- quilters used whatever was available. Today there is an industry dedicated to producing fabrics and supplies just for quilters."
This year's quilts reflect a variety of techniques and designs. Some are hand-quilted and pieced, while others are machine-worked. Some include buttons and ribbons, while others are made from T-shirts. Men and women are participating in the show, reminding visitors that quilting is a skill not limited to gender or age.
"For some people, quilting is a hobby, as well as a way of artistic expression," Bratten said. "But over the years, creating a quilt was a community project. Women would gather around the huge quilting frame and share their thoughts, troubles and joys with each other as they stitched. That still happens today, more likely in a quilting class, but many work on the piecing on their own."
Visitors can vote for their favorite quilt for $1 a vote. They can purchase a $5 drawing ticket for a quilt made by local artist Helen Sweeney. The drawing will run through June 3.
The exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is free to the public. Historic Fort Steuben is located at 120 S. Third St. For information, call (740) 283-1787.