By Gary and Karen Alexander
“Quilts are carriers of women’s history, family history and community history.”
So says quilt historian Karen Alexander as she passionately describes her motivation for hosting a quilt history retreat on Lopez Island May 15-17. The event will be a joint project by the Lopez Island Historical Society and Washington Quilt Study Group. In addition, there will be quilts on exhibit at all three San Juan County historical societies – Lopez, Orcas and San Juan.
The dream of holding a quilt history retreat has been on Karen’s “Bucket List” for at least 10 years, ever since we moved to Lopez Island full time in May of 2004. “This retreat is my personal way of promoting both quilt history and local history. I want this to be a fun event as well as an educational event. And we aim to show visitors a good time!”
Karen first caught the quilting bug from Wini Alexander, a long-time Lopez resident and Gary’s mother. Karen has been actively studying quilt history since 1981 when she joined the American Quilt Study Group. She became president of The Quilters Hall of Fame (located in Marion, Indiana) just as we moved to Lopez in 2004; a year later she co-founded the Washington Quilt Study Group with Joy Neal of Anacortes. Both Karen and Gary became involved in the Lopez Island Historical Society within a year of moving to Lopez.
Though she is the catalyst behind the retreat, Karen is seeking the help of many friends to pull it off. “Most of that help will come from board members of LIHS and Enchanted Quilters,” the quilt group Wini Alexander co-founded in 1984. The retreat will offer a program on two early 20th century quilt designers by Karen; a lecture on Signature quilts (by Karen and Susan Underwood of Seattle); an old-fashioned Bed Turning of early 19th century quilts from Great Britain, France and North America from the collection of Kate and Mary Edgar of Michigan; a tour the Lopez Island Historical Society and its quilts; and a workshop on repairing vintage and antique quilts by Anne Dawson of Lopez Island. A trip to Orcas and San Juan historical societies is also available. Consider inviting a friend to spend the week of May15-17 with you and attend a workshop.
You may register for the whole retreat at a discount (if you are a member of the Lopez Island Historical Society or WQSG/AQSG), or you may choose from an a la carte menu of options on the registration form and select only one or two sessions. The Signature Quilt program, held Friday night May 16 at Port Stanley School, is open to any LIHS member for a donation at the door. However, pre-registration is greatly appreciated. You are encouraged to bring a Signature quilt you may own and share its story!
Email Karen at karenquilt@gmail.com for a registration form, or learn more at karenquilt.blogspot.com.
Lopez Island 2014 Quilt History Retreat SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 15 — Optional Tour
Quilts will be hanging at Orcas, Lopez & San Juan Historical Societies this same week. Full details will be sent to those who plan to arrive in time for this event. Arrangements will be made to go as a group if enough people show interest and commit to this tour.
Friday – May 16, 9:30-11:30 a.m. — History of Early 20th Century Quilt Designers Ruby McKim and Marie Webster – Karen Alexander.
Bring a quilt or two from either designer to share.
Friday – May 16, 2-4 p.m. — Mary & Kate Edgar Collection of Early British, French & American 19th Century Quilts. Two fellow AQSG members from Michigan are coming to share some of their fabulous quilts!
Friday, May 16, 7-9:30 p.m. — History of Signature Quilts and How to Research Them – Karen Alexander & AQSG member Susan Underwood of Seattle at the restored Port Stanley one-room schoolhouse. Bring one Signature quilt if you like, We will have Show & Tell as long as time allows.
Saturday, May 17, 9:30-10:15 a.m. — This tour of the Lopez Island Historical Society will include a viewing of Lopez Island Signature quilts.
Saturday, May 17, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — Bed Turning at The Quilt Cabin. Karen Alexander will share a selection from her wide-ranging teaching collection as well as share her documentation methods, files and extensive textile research library.
Saturday, May 17, 2-4 p.m. — Quilt Restoration/Conservation
Quilt Restoration expert and AQSG member Anne Dawson has her own restoration business here on Lopez Island, which garners business from all over the country. We will meet at the restored Port Stanley one-room schoolhouse for this workshop. Bring one “needy” quilt and your questions
Saturday, May 17, 4-5:30 p.m. — Show & Tell at the restored Port Stanley one-room schoolhouse. Here is your chance once again to share quilts from you own collection.
Space is limited so don’t delay registering.
Registrations are due in by May 1, 2014.
