Each quilt has a narrative

Quilts made in or residing in West Virginia and made earlier than 1975 may be documented for future generations throughout the upcoming Mountaineer Week.

Documentation will likely be held Nov. 4-5 within the Cathedral Room within the Mountainlair. The documentation days are a part of an ongoing effort to file West Virginia’s quilt artistry and historical past.

The West Virginia Quilt Documentation Undertaking is sponsored by West Virginia Quilters Inc. — the state-wide quilting guild — in collaboration with the West Virginia Division of Tradition and Historical past. The quilt documentation is free, however quilt homeowners want an appointment for the documentation course of.

“Among the many treasures that West Virginians typically speak about and take delight in are their quilts. Taking the time to have ‘Grandma’s Quilt’ photographed and documented for future generations, historians and researchers is an excellent means to make sure that the story of this quilt just isn’t misplaced,” mentioned Roberta Gellner, venture coordinator.

Volunteers from throughout the state look at the quilts and file details concerning the quilts and the quiltmakers. The data will likely be saved within the West Virginia Tradition Heart Archives in addition to in The Quilt Index (quiltindex.org), a nationwide database of quilts from throughout the nation.”

Properly-loved and well-worn quilts, in addition to household heirlooms and treasures, are welcome for documentation. Quilts the place the quiltmaker is unknown are additionally welcome.

Folks considering having their quilts documented could make an appointment with Roberta Gellner,
both by electronic mail —[email protected] — or by calling 304-893-8324.

The Undertaking has processed info on greater than 500 quilts and their makers since 2016. It’s a supply of delight for the homeowners of those quilts to have their quilt info recorded in a nationwide database.

Details about the quilt homeowners is stored confidential for safety functions, however different quilt info is offered for analysis functions and for others to view.

Quilts ought to be introduced “as is” — don’t wash, restore, or alter a quilt in different methods only for documentation functions. Particulars, such because the quiltmaker’s start date, demise date, maiden and married names, are useful info. Photographs of the maker are helpful, as nicely.