A Pennyslvania exhibition of fine quilts crafted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries not only shows off their Mennonite makers' skills but also begins to share the stories of their lives.
The exhibition, "Mennonite Quilts of Lancaster County: The Women, Their Stories, Their Heirlooms," is scheduled to remain on show through Nov. 2 at the People's Place Quilt Museum in Intercourse, Penn.The nucleus of the show is a collection of around 25 quilts, their stitching and colors reflecting the imagination and taste of the individuals who created them.
Although Mennonite quilts are similar to Amish quilts, Mennonite quilters used printed fabrics as well as the solid colors that were the Amish standard.
Set among the quilts are other artifacts, ranging from a handmade wedding dress, handmade toys, a dressy hat and jewelry to household items like dishes and a washboard.
The personal items, together with photos and the antique quilts, piece together a colorful account of the lives of these Mennonite quilters between the years 1855-1935.