Herman shares pieces of history about quilting

Jane Hermann presented an interesting program on the history and art of Quilting at the Alida C. Bliss Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution meeting held Monday, Oct. 12 at the home of Karen Schmick.

Hostesses for the afternoon were Pat Sanders and Jan Frosch.

Ms. Herman, who works at The Fabric Center in Morris, is very knowledgeable about the history as well as the practical execution of this art form dating back to the Egyptians. In colonial times, quilting served as a way of reusing valuable and rare cloth into an art form that was practical as well as beautiful. Quilts were used to tell stories, to express artistic ability, and to add color and comfort, warmth and solace to lives often filled with many difficulties.

Ms. Hermann brought many examples of different kinds of quilts and articles in the quilting family, explaining that the art of quilting over the years has had many revivals. As an art form, quilting seems to still be evolving with new sewing technologies and techniques.

Today, many people quilt with machines, but some still prefer the hand stitching method, creating works of art that are often generational.

Mrs. Schmick also showed her collection of beautiful antique quilts, some of them treasured heirlooms within her own family.

The next meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 9 at the Morris Historical Society Museum with a presentation by Debbie Steffes.

For information on the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, go to www.dar.org or www.ildar.org.