Historic Quilt & Textile Exhibit
Event Details
11121 Hickman Rd
Urbandale, IA/50322
Email: pr@lhf.org
Phone: 5152785286
Website: www.lhf.org/event/historic-quilt-and-textile-show/
Event Description
“For the Love of Calico”
Calico, the factory woven and colorfully printed cotton fabric, calls up many images in our minds. We think of pioneer girls wearing flowered calico sun bonnets, farm women in checked calico aprons, and beds covered in colorful geometric patterned quilt squares. Though inexpensive, calico has been used for over 200 years to brighten up clothing, household items, and of course quilts. The colors and patterns provide an endless palette for artistic expression in everyday items. The historic Flynn Mansion hosts this season’s display of historic quilts, dresses, and household textile objects from the nationally recognized Living History Farms Historic Textile collection.
These exhibit pieces, dating from the 1830s through the 20th century, will showcase how calico colors and patterns were printed, designed, and varied in popularity over time. Guests can examine the many ways calico dyes fade and decay. Discover the myths and the realities of how calico clothing fabric could be repurposed into scrap quilts. Historic quilt tops will reveal the variety of ways calico patterns can be combined to create artistic impact, even in simple patch patterns. Interactive stations will challenge exhibit visitors to choose complimentary calicos for a project and to calculate the yardage in a historic quilt.
Children’s hands-on activities include quilt block puzzles and sewing cards. The show is free with regular admission to the museum. Exhibit runs from Wednesday, October 4th through Sunday, October 8, 2017.
