Making A Memory Quilt & Quilt Stories

On July 20, 2024, the Minerva Community Center was alive with creativity as local retired art instructor, Mary Irene Lee, hosted a Memory Quilt workshop. Born and raised in Minerva, Mary brought her passion for art to life with the help of Mary Williams, crafting an experience that was heartwarming and educational. This workshop was primarily geared towards a younger crowd, though adults were more than welcome to join in on the fun

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​The workshop kicked off with a short video, “Stitching Through Time: The Inspiring History of Quilting.” Watching the history of quilting unfold on screen was like taking a mini time-travel adventure—who knew quilts had such a rich and varied history? After the video, Mary shared a brief written summary that traced quilting’s journey from practical necessity to military gear to the cherished art form we know today.
Mary’s focus was on how quilts have evolved from merely practical items to cherished pieces of art that tell the stories of our lives, passed down from generation to generation. She painted a vivid picture of quilting bees of the past, where women gathered to share stories, support each other, and create beautiful, functional art. It was a social event, a therapeutic escape, and a means of preserving history all rolled into one.

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​As technology advanced, so did quilting. The sewing machine was a game-changer, making quilting faster and fabric became more affordable. Quilters, filled this newfound creative space with their stories and art.If you’ve ever wondered what modern quilters are up to, I highly recommend visiting the exhibit at the Minerva Historical Society Museum. We’ve got some seriously talented quilters in Minerva, like Marie Hewitt O’Brien and her sister Shirley Hewitt Ware, whose works are currently on display. And don’t miss the fabric art of Ann Hornbeck, who’s taken traditional quilting in an entirely new direction, blending it into something that’s part tapestry, part quilt, and all art.
After discussing the historical context of quilting, Mary Irene got personal, sharing how her own art reflects the story of her life. She went on to explain that we would be quilting with paper, ribbon, and other art supplies. Mary explained that these paper quilts would be a reflection of who we are, each piece representing a different part of our lives. She showed us an example of her own, pointing out how each element held a special meaning to her.

With premade kits in hand, attendees were set loose to create their own paper quilts. Mary provided a treasure trove of art materials—ribbon, paper, markers—you name it. She even had several of her family’s quilts on display, adding a personal touch to the event and reminding us of the deep roots quilting has in storytelling.

​All in all, the workshop was a beautiful blend of history, art, and self-expression. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or someone who’s never threaded a needle, Mary Irene’s Memory Quilt workshop was an inspiring reminder that our stories, much like quilts, are meant to be shared and cherished.

Made possible, in part by the Essex County Arts Council's Cultural Assistance Program Grant with funding provided by Essex County.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.

Essex County Arts Council's

Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.