Holston Quilt Guild's Sesquicentennial Quilt
The Holston Quilt Guild made Bristol's Sesquicentennial Quilt, which is on display in the Artspace on the second floor of the new Bristol Public Library. Entitled "Postcards From Bristol," the quilt contains three different block patterns and features postcard images from Bristol's past. It also has applications of Virginia and Tennessee state birds and state flowers.
Laura Quesenberry of Bristol, Va. says, "In quilting circles, I have made many new friends and have lots to talk about - no need to only talk about people. Quilting has become a social event as it was in the past for our mothers and grandmothers - great friends for visiting and support, and a place for newcomers to learn about their community."
Cathy Cardwell was in charge of a project to create a quilt for the Johnson City (Tenn.) Chamber of Commerce to use as a door prize for the 2006 Economic Summit held in October. She explains, "They were looking for a prize that was representative of the heritage of our area. The Blue Ridge Quilt Guild made an 85"X 92" quilt that features a central 'Moon Over the Mountain' block surrounded by hand appliquéand several of the traditional blocks on local 'Quilt Trail' barns. We used 1930s reproduction fabric, and all fabric, batting, machine quilting and quilt construction was donated by local shops and guild members."
Diane Sack and her husband opened the Abingdon Quilt Cottage in 2005, one week before Christmas. They recently joined a nationwide project called "Home of the Brave" which carries on the tradition, which began during the Civil War, of giving quilts to the families of fallen American soldiers.
Diane says, "I have been sewing for as long as I can remember - making doll clothes, stuffed animals, crafts, and small blankets. About four years ago, I developed a passion for the art of quilt making. My husband and I wanted to start a small family business, and opening a quilt shop has been a blessing for us. I am inspired by our customers who tell about the quilts they are working on. Some even bring their quilt in our quilt shop for us to see."
She adds, "Our 11-year-old son designed one of the quilts hanging in the quilt shop. He chose the fabrics, the design, and the layout. I sewed the pieces, but he did all of the designing and fabric choice."
Members of the Wolf Hills Quilters Guild have worked on the following community projects:
