A pioneer woman is defined as a woman who goes before, preparing the way for others to follow.
The Pioneer Women of the Brown County Historical Society practice and teach the domestic frontier crafts: quilting, weaving, knitting, embroidery, spinning, etc.
Quilts of old were created from scraps from making clothing and by cutting pieces from clothing no longer wearable. Using only scissors, needle, thread and thimble, quilters were able to make practical quilts for daily use. Quilt piece patterns were shared by neighbors as well as in chain letters. Tracing onto paper was a common way of exchanging patterns.
Today, a quilter has endless possibilities of aids to help create quilted potholders, placemats, table runners, table toppers, wall hangings and quilts.
Scissors are still used in quilting, but the main cutting tool now is the rotary cutter used with a self-healing mat. The number or tools available to today’s quilter is endless. There are rulers and templates of every shape and size. These tools help to make quick work of cutting pieces to make a quilted project.
A quilter uses fabric that is 100 percent cotton. Yardage of fabrics is available in an unbelievable number of colors and designs.
One shortcut in quilting is purchasing fabric packages called pre-cuts. Pre-cuts such as “layer cakes,” “charm packs,” “jelly rolls,” “lollipops” and “mini charms” are packaged in coordinating fabric colors to create projects.
The Brown County Pioneer Women meet each Wednesday from 9 a.m. until noon for informal work sessions. They work to keep traditions alive through their crafts and volunteer efforts that raise money for the historical society.
The Pioneer Women’s Club held its first quilt show in 1996. The quilt show this year will be held in Nashville on Friday, May 31and Saturday, June 1. The Pioneer Women put countless hours into making this event successful.
This is the fourth year for the PWC Quilt Show to be held at the Brown County History Center, 90 E. Gould St. in Nashville. The History Center is a perfect venue for displaying quilted items. Quilts will be displayed in 11 categories and may be judged or just on display for all to admire.
This year, attendees will not only enjoy the beautiful quilts, but also live music, demonstrations, and eating at the Quilt Cafe. The Quilt Show bargain booth, gift store, and vendors — Cotton Cottage Quilts, The Good Live, Quilting Memories, Quilts in Wood, Sew Crazy, Tree City Stitches, The Yellow Door Quilt Shop and Maggie Bags — will be open for shopping daily. A Jelly Roll Race will be held Friday, May 31 at 4:30 p.m. in the Grand Hall. Come and cheer for your favorite team. New this year, you may view a bedturning of quilts twice daily during the show in the Owl Creek schoolhouse.
The donation quilt this year is a “Triple Irish Chain.” The beautiful, multicolored and white quilt, containing 57 Kaffe Fassett fabrics, was designed and constructed by Susie Zody of the PWC. All proceeds from this raffle quilt will help to support the Brown County Historical Society. The drawing for the quilt and three Bountiful Treasure baskets will be held Saturday, June 1 at 4:30 p.m.
Plan to attend the Pioneer Women’s Quilt Show Friday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 with no charge for children under 12.
— Brenda Main, Brown County Historical Society
