Special Exhibit - Telling Our Stories
The history of quilting can be traced to ancient civilizations in nearly every part of the world. Initially quilting was used to layer fabric for insulation and protection although many had decorative elements added to them.
In the American Colonial period, quilts were made as decorative pieces and created to show off the handwork skills of the maker. The leisure time required to create these quilts limited them to well-to-do households. These quilts often featured whole cloth tops, appliqued designs, and large-scale medallions but little piecing.
By the early 1800s, the industrialization of fabric production meant women could purchase manufactured cloth rather than making it themselves. This allowed time for other handwork like quilting. Women used quilting techniques such as applique and piecing to create useful and artistic items for their families. The preservation of those quilts, along with the skills of piecing and hand quilting can be found in the work displayed.
This exhibit tells the story of how those skills were passed down through generations of families who settled in NW Ohio in the early 1800s. Featured are some spectacular examples of their work – both in piecing the quilt top and the delicate and decorative hand stitching that transforms the finished piece. These are not your ordinary historic blankets – they are heirlooms stitched with sentiment, devotion, and love; often gifted to family and friends.
Telling Our Stories will include pre-recorded video interviews with the makers and quilters. You will hear in their own words, why they chose the pattern, the fabrics, and the quilt design for each piece.. There will be a unique opportunity to meet the fabric artists for a Saturday morning Gallery Talk during the annual Quilt Show at Sauder Village. Each quilter will share who taught them to quilt and why they continue this labor of love.
Guild Exhibits
Did your guild complete a unique challenge this year? Is your quilting group organizing a project centered around an interesting theme? If you're interested in displaying your guild's quilts as part of our exhibit, please reach out to us at autumn.owens@saudervillage.org to receive more information about applying for a guild exhibit slot. Size restrictions may apply.