Special exhibit through August 31 at Museum of Appalachia

NORRIS: In Old Appalachia, the quilt was a necessity—so much so that one mother cut up her boy’s only coat to make warm bedding for the family.
Patchwork was also a creative outlet for Appalachian women, often confined to lonely farms in isolated areas. It was a labor of love; Ethel Hall spoke for many when she said, “I’d druther quilt than to eat on the hungriest day ever I seen.”
For these reasons, the practice of making quilts never ceased altogether in this region of the country, says John Rice Irwin in his book on “A People and Their Quilts.”
Through August 31, regional quilts and their makers will be showcased in Stitches & Stories: Quilts of Appalachia, a special exhibit at the Museum of Appalachia near Norris. Quilts are displayed throughout the Museum; the special exhibit is included with regular admission.
Many of the 36 quilts in the exhibit have never been shown publicly. They include exquisite examples of needlework and original design, said Ruby Patterson, a Museum volunteer and quilter who helped put together the exhibit. Several quilts have “humility” blocks, a deliberate flaw added to indicate that only God could make a perfect quilt.
But the stories of their makers lend a special touch—and stories are a hallmark of this unique and fascinating place. Visitors can match numbers on quilts throughout the Museum with descriptions in a special brochure, telling pattern name, date, and maker.
The craft and gift shop at the Museum features handiwork from regional artisans, including a special group of quilts and quilt-related items.

The Museum is located 16 miles north of Knoxville, one mile east of I-75, exit 122. For more information, call 865-494-7680, or visit the website at http://www.museumofappalachia.org.

I had never heard about “humility” blocks.