Polk County
Living
Polk County Itemizer-Observer • March 15, 2017 7A
The practical
art of the
Quilt
Quilts new and old are on display
at the Polk County Museum
By Emily Mentzer
The Itemizer-Observer
RICKREALL — Quilting is
an original upcycling proj-
ect, taking worn out bits of
things, or flour or sugar
sacks and sewing them into
something that is not only
beautiful, but useful.
“The material’s free cause
you had sacks, and you have
a blanket when you’re done,”
said David Moellenberdt,
president of the Polk County
Historical Society.
The Polk County Museum
has its historic quilts on dis-
play now through April.
Walking around the upper
level, each quilt tells a story.
Pioneers would dye flour
or sugar sacks, cut them into
strips or shapes and assem-
ble them into an intricate
design. Other quilts were
embroidered with flowers or
signatures.
Some detail family history.
Others honor U.S. presi-
dents.
All the quilts were donat-
ed — some are more modern
than others, taking patrons
on a time trip from the 1840s
to the late 20th century.
Some have information
telling the story of how it was
made on the Oregon Trail, or
stitched with a new inven-
tion: the sewing machine.
Others are clearly newer,
with photos printed onto
cloth to make squares.
Check it out
The Polk County Mu-
seum, 520 S. Pacific High-
way W., Rickreall, is host-
ing Family Day on Satur-
day from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
There is no cost to at-
tend.
Quilting was a social
event, Moellenberdt said.
“It was a club,” he said.
“They’d bring in the squares
and then put them togeth-
er.”
It is just one way the mu-
seum brings history to life.
“We have a little bit of
everything, just about,”
Moellenberdt said.
Displays tell the story
about the Kalapuya Indians
who lived in Polk County be-
fore the settlers migrated
west on the Oregon Trail. Ar-
tifacts found in the county
show how Native Americans
used small rocks to keep
their fingers smooth, helping
keep their aim true when
shooting an arrow.
Antique working looms
with partially completed
rugs wait for a demonstra-
tion day, when weavers will
come in and show children
and adults alike how they
work.
“On Family Day, we’ll have
two weavers, and a spinner,
and a quilter,” Moellenberdt
said.
Photos by Emily Mentzer/ Itemizer-Observer
Quilts old and new will be displayed at the Polk County Museum through April. Quilts date from the 1840s to the
last 20th century. Some have detailed family history or were made to honor U.S. presidents.
FOR ALL YOUR QUILTING NEEDS
past & present
A self-taught quilt historian and avid reader, owner
Rachel Greco is frequently asked to give lectures about
quilts, quilt blocks and the role of women and their
connection to fabric. When not hard at work at Grandma’s
Attic either on the sales floor or within the webstore
developing the selection
and quality of products
her customers seek, she
spends her time
researching the history
of quilts and fabrics
when time allows.
167 SW Court St, Dallas
Mon - Sat
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday
Noon - 4 p.m.
Additional products and classes
can be viewed online at
www.grandmasatticquilting.com
503-623-0451