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Quilting, a skill supported by the Society

For 30 years the Huntington Historical Society Quilters have been producing gorgeous works of art, and teaching the skills of quilting to new generations of interested craftspersons.

Many collectors and craftspersons place great value in the delicate beauty of the handmade American patchwork quilt.  Utilitarian in their origin these individual works of art are each as unique as a fingerprint.  It could be said that the technique of patchwork is so old that it developed when the first hole was worn through the first garment.  In the early centuries, fabric was made at home.  It was a long, time-consuming process so frugality was of the utmost importance.  Large cloth pieces were used to make clothes and the many misshapen scraps were saved.  Sewing these fabric scraps together in a random manner resulted in a "Patchwork".

The Huntington Historical Society quilting group was started, in 1976, by Marion Adams, and has been meeting continuously ever since.  In 1982, Marion retired, and Joan Orr took up the baton as quilt historian and instructor.  The quilters have met in several of the Society's properties, and they are currently meeting in the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial. 

In addition to providing a support group for people interested in the skill of quilting, the group provides one-on-one instructions in quilting.  The student decides on the project of choice, and Joan provides guidance and instruction as required to complete a quality project.  Both beginners and experienced quilters are welcome.  Samples of Antique quilts are on display at all classes.

Classes are held on Monday and Tuesday evenings or on Tuesday afternoons.  A donation to the society of $45 is requested for a class consisting of 5 sessions. For more information you can call Cathi Horowitz at the office (427-7045, Ext 403), or you can call Joan Orr at 421-2382.

The photographs below show the details of some of the finished quilts, and some of the works in progress.