The special exhibit “Quilts from the Trunk of Cindy Vermillion Hamilton” continues at the San Juan Historical Society. Over 35 quilts are on display as a part of this show that will continue through Sept. 19.
“Star and Crescent” is one of the oldest quilts in the display, dating to 1845. Hamilton tells us that this quilt was purchased from a New York estate and is an example of a quilt “created by a person of considerable wealth, who enjoyed plenty of leisure time and had access to a wide variety of fine early cotton dressmaker’s fabrics.”
This is a difficult pattern to piece and “would have been chosen by a woman wishing to show evidence of a high level of needlework skills. The stiching in both the piecing and quilting are perfection.”
“To England and Back”
“To England and Back,” a quilting masterpiece, is also on display. The museum is honored to have a quilt of this caliber to share with the public.
This quilt took first place honors at the American Quilter’s Society Quilt Show and Contest held April 22-25, in Paducah, Ky. This was the 25th year for this prestigious show.
Hamilton entered “To England and Back” in the handmade quilts category. The entire top was hand pieced and finished with hand quilting. The quilt is made in the traditional medallion style with the utmost attention to detail. The colors are exquisite and the handwork is exceptional.
The quilt is presented in the current issue of American Quilter Magazine along with other winners from this show. The only place it will be on display this summer is at our own museum.
Over 35 quilts are included in the exhibit. With the exception of “To England and Back,” all of the quilts in the display are antique quilts collected over Hamilton’s years of studying quilt history. The quilts date from 1843.
This summer, there is no admission fee to the museum. The board of directors is making this offer to encourage more people to attend this unique exhibit and also take advantage of all of the interesting artifacts from Archuleta County’s history.
Voluntary donations will be accepted to defray operating expenses.
No quilts will be for sale, but the museum has a small gift shop, which will carry Hamilton’s book “Medallion Quilts Inspiration & Patterns.” Books of regional historical interest, vintage quilt patterns, historical playing cards and a few locally handcrafted items will also be available.
The San Juan Historical Society Museum is located at the corner of U.S. 160 and 1st Street on the eastern end of Pagosa Springs. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Be sure to take advantage of this special opportunity to visit Pagosa Springs’ own museum.