Quilting in the Blackstone Valley
We are planning a Blackstone Valley Quilt. This quilt will be comprised of a square from each of the 24 towns and cities of the Blackstone Valley. A letter is being sent to the city manager and the Historic Society in each town or city. Coordination between local government and historical societies is the province of each city or town.
So, you are cordially invited to submit a quilt square for inclusion into the Blackstone Valley quilt. Once the squares are collected, they will be used to create the quilt. Border and backing will be the choice of the individual or group who does the actual work. Once the quilt is completed, it will be offered to each town for display. During the 2009-2010 year, the quilt will make its way around the Blackstone Valley for all to admire.
A second quilt is also planned. This quilt (or quilts, depending on the number of submissions) is open to Blackstone Valley organizations and businesses. Girl Scout troops, farms, restaurants, clubs, organizations, anyone who works or plays in the Valley can offer a square. These squares will be collected and used to make the quilt. Border and backing will be the choice of the individual or group who does the actual work. This quilt (or quilts) will be auctioned off during the Fifth Annual Footsteps in History in October 2010.
Square details are as follows:
- Each square must have a cotton backing. No batik is allowed.
- Each square shall measure 16 inches by 16 inches. However, after piecing and trimming and squaring, only 15 inches by 15 inches will show. Plan your square accordingly.
- Squares may have appliqués, embroidery, stenciling or any other artistic representation so deemed appropriate by your city or town or organization. Imagination is the only limiting factor.
- Squares will be delivered to the Blackstone Valley Interpreter Network at the Quilt Show on October 24, 2009 between 10:00 A.M and 3:00 P.M. at the Blackstone Valley Historical Society at 1873 Old Louisquisset Pike Lincoln, Rhode Island 02865. Squares will be displayed for the visiting public before being gathered and delivered to our designated quilting organization.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me.
Pat Perry, Footsteps Coordinator
(401) 663-5612
Rules & Regs
1. This is an event sponsored by the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and its partner organizations. The quilt show will take place October 24, 2009 from 10:00 A.M . to 3:00 P.M. The location is the Blackstone Valley Historical Society at 1873 Old Louisquisset PikeLincoln, Rhode Island 02865.
2. This is a rain or shine event!!
3. This is a family event, and will be open to the general public.
4. All quilts to be displayed must be delivered no later than October 23, 2009 at 5:00 P.M. to the Depot at One Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI 02895. Other arrangements, prior to October 23, can be made for pick up by calling Pat Perry at (401) 663-5612.
5. When you drop off your quilt, you will be given a receipt for the quilt. Don’t lose this receipt. The receipt and formal ID is how you claim your quilt at the end of the show.
6. Quilts will be laid flat on tables. The tables will be covered with disposable vinyl-backed tablecloths.
7. Each quilt needs a card of identification to accompany it. A blank card is attached to these rules. Print it out, fill it out, and bring it with your quilt (preferably pinned on the quilt). Also bring the registration sheet completed when you drop off the quilt.
8. Voting ballots will be available for the general population to vote for their favorite quilt. This is a People’s Choice Award and no categories or directions will be given to the voters.
9. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be posted on the Footsteps in History website. A photo of the winner the quilt will accompany the announcement.
10. Quilts must be pre-registered. No quilts will be accepted on the day of the show.
11. Volunteers from either the Blackstone Valley Historical Society or the Volunteer in Parks program will be in constant attendance during the quilt show to ensure that quilts are not handled by visitors.
12. Quilts can be retrieved at the end of the show between 3:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. If you are unable to pick up your quilt then, I will take the quilts back to the Depot in Woonsocket with me where they will be stored in a cool, dry environment, locked up until the owner, with a receipt and ID, appears to claim it.
13. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Patricia Perry at (401)663-5612 or e-mail trainer304@cox.net
