GRAVETTE - The scores of persons who visited the Museum and Civic Center Saturday were greeted by cockleburrs, postage stamps, butterflies, stars, lots of flowers and even broken dishes. They could visualize climbing Jacob’s ladder, could look out window panes, view a collection of family farm photos, and even view dozens of ribbons and awards won by a 4-H member several years ago.
Those are just a few of the patterns and names on more than 100 quilts on display during the Gravette museum’s fi rstever quilt show.
The event, partnered with the Gravette Piecemakers Quilt Club, was termed a success by its organizer, Lavon Stark - a term alsoused by several persons who walked through the aisles gazing at the handwork of today’s generation as well as that of the nimble fi ngers of mothers, grandmothers and housewives of earlier generations.
Almost half of the 106 quilts displayed at two locations - fi fty-two - were considered older handiwork, some dating to the late 1800’s, with many being crafted during the roaring 1920s, the 1930 depression era, and the 1950 World War II era. The materials used by each generation were easily recognizable. Most of the older quilts displayed the intricate handwork of being “pieced” and then quilted by hand on old fashioned wooden quilt frames. The quilts, appropriately, were displayed in the museum exhibit hall.
Fifty-four quilts were newer creations. Displayed in the Civic Center, some showed the quilt blocks were pieced on a sewing machine, though quite a number showed patient delicate hand stitching. Almost all, though not quite all, had been quilted on machines that can create their own intricate stitching patterns.
This was not a “judged” show, but rather a show which gave viewers a chance to choose a “people’s choice.” More than 150 persons participated.
Barbara West of Maysville exhibited a “Crazy Quilt,” a term that describes crafting quilts of random pieces of cloth held together with some fancy stitching. The practice was used by early colonists who, by necessity, used whatever scraps of cloth that could be found. The term “crazy” did not become popular until the late 1800s. Her period quilt was the people’s choice pick among older quilts.
Rowena Meek, of Gravette, showed several quilts of unusual patterns, but it was an almost hypnotizing varied blue and white spiraling circle she called “Spin Star” which captured the people’s choice new quilt award.
Among the quilts displayed was one titled, “First Friendship Quilt of Gravette 1900,” madejust seven years after Gravette became a town. In contrast, one quilt featured framed quilted computer-generated photos of a farm family in farm activities.
An interesting quilt which also was historical but did not list the quilters was “Broken Dishes,” made many years ago by the Mt. Olive Quilt Bee ladies.
Men’s ties were utilized in several patterns, while several versions of the Flower Garden pattern were displayed; but none was more popular than numerous wedding ring/double wedding rings, showing excellent craftsmanship.
There were crossstitch patterns, applique butterflies and delicate embroidery utilized. One quilt even featured beauty pageants reaching from Gravette to the University of Arkansas.
A most unusual quilt was a modern display of quilt blocks depicting emblems telling the story of the “Underground Railroad” escape route to Canada used by slaves prior to the Civil War. One block utilized miniature pictures and text to reveal the story of the quilt.
Limited space does not allow describing or picturing the myriad of designs, color combinations and originality displayed at this fi rst show, which, undoubtedly, because of its success, should be an annual museum project. But listing just a few more of the unusual names and themes of quilts might pique your interest when the second annual show is held.
Can you picture what these quilts represent and who may have spent hours creating the story in cloth and thread?
Chicken Scratch, 5 & Dime, Log Cabin, Dogs and Bones, Turning 20 Again, Ohio Rose, Bear in the Woods, Yo Yo? And one even titled: “Version of Drunkard’s Path.”
News, Pages 8 on 09/18/2013