Where's Wally Now??

Across the Shenandoah Valley

At the Virginia Quilt Museum in Harrisonburg no less!  (17 July 2010)

After spending too much time worrying about our floating accommodation, we finally took a break.  We had acquainted ourselves (rather too well) with Deltaville VA goings on and the time was ripe to suggest a long haul out to Harrisonburg.  So what and where is Harrisonburg?  Well, for me it is home to Shenandoah Valley Mennonites since 1727 (*) and their renown quilt makers, and best of all, the Virginia Quilt Museum.

A Welcome Sight

The Museum is located in the Warren-Sipe House (1856) on Main Street, in the historic “Old Town” district.  It was very near to our B&B, a Queen Anne period delight, the Joshua Wilton House (1888).  We stayed in the Mauve Room with its antique 4-poster and feather bed.  It was also airconditioned – a relief after our seriously hot & humid Deltaville weather –  too many days of 104F….  Don’t think for one minute that Harrisonburg’s temperatures were any better!  They weren’t.  

The exhibition was the second part of the VQM’s 15^th Anniversary Exhibit Series with highlights from their collection dating from 1810 to 1992.  The exhibition also included some wonderful vintage clothing that attached further meaning to those quilts.  Photos were not allowed and given the age of some of the quilts, that was a sensible decision, but it makes for a dry post….

VQM in Warren Sipe House: with a history all of its own

The Civil War Room, held some beautiful quilts and we were able to glean something of the lives women led during those harsh days/years.  Julie Anne Faulkner’s Crossed Laurel Leaves was stunning.  Malinda Flint showed amazing grit and determination to raise children alone and yet find time to make beautiful quilts like Evening Star and Crossed Canoes.  We were able to see a display of quilts made by Lucinda Robinson Rice, starting at age 5.  Her doll was also on display and this too added deeper understanding of the exhibition.  It is said that a ghost of a Confederate soldier can be seen on the stairs in the house.

Nearby Joshua Wilton Inn 1888 (our B&B)

Works by Linda Poole were also on show.  She’s a very accomplished local quilt artist, and her stitching made me envious, it was so tiny and there was so much of it!   

Upstairs, a room of vintage sewing machines took my eye - I saw my first Singer Featherweight!  I did buy a book of the VQM collection in the gift shop before leaving, but after browsing so many beautiful quilts I’m not sure of the exact ones I saw.  Always wise in hindsight but a definite excuse to travel back to Harrisonburg!

(*) Try reading books by Phyllis Pellman Good