In this case, The Kelly is the temporary home of some of the loveliest old and new quilts you will ever see. They are pieced and/or appliqueed; some small wall hangings have 3D applique and collage. Sherry Watkins, Erin Hutchinson, and Libby Christensen all created original designs to quilt. Some old quilts were made for hope chests and kept in pristine condition while other antiques from the Hickman and Richardson families are well-tattered with loving use.
Also, there are beautiful samples of child clothing, some smocked by Charlotte Whetstone, some Alabama National Fair winners by Libby Christensen, and some stunning examples of hand-sewing on loan from Beth Bryson's Heirloom Sewing Shop. There is adult clothing cleverly and artistically made by quilters and beautiful tailoring by Marilee Tankersley. She also brought length of silk she wove herself, somewhat like the Arlington Historic House of Birmingham's handwoven coverlet they kindly loaned for the exhibit.
Knitting and crocheting are represented, including a sweater with the face of Michelangelo and a Viking helmet--not together, though! Be sure to stop and appreciate the sweater with 3D grapes made by Karen Bohman's late mother. There are also crewelwork and needlepoint pictures by Carol Hickman and her sister, cross-stitch Christmas stockings, and hem-stitched altar cloths--so many different forms of simply extraordinary needlework. Joann Staley brought in one of her unique woven/crocheted Biblical scenes. Libby Christensen loaned a variety of 1st place winners, including an appliqeed and thread-painted man's vest that won the national Make-a-Man-a-Vest Contest. Emily Roney displays a small quilt that is totally thread-painted, and Sherry Watkins' exemplary purple fan quilt is made of taffeta and embellished with tons of embroidery. She also has created some absolutely incredible dog portraits, which are for sale. You have to see them to believe they are made from fabric.
Sure this exhibit, sponsored by Christensen Creations at www.sewgocreate.com , lacks little. When it comes to needle arts, The Kelly, under the direction of Curator Carol Hickman, covered it all, "covered" with quilts and "covered" with stitchery. Look for the 11-page booklet that describes each numbered exhibit item to help guide you through all the entries and read the background stories of these heirlooms or heirlooms-to-become.
Home and Hearth Exhibit. Photo by LJ Christensen