April 25, 2011

With the one year anniversary of the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails approaching, it is rewarding to see how far we've come to make this community project a reality. Eleven months ago, as an intern for Community Partnerships RC&D in Lewistown, PA,  I was instructed to make a quilt trail. The first month or so I spent researching quilt trails and driving around discovering many hidden jewels and beautiful vistas of central Pennsylvania. Although, at the time, I had been a central PA resident for twenty-two years I discovered lovely forests , rustic farmlands, sleepy small towns, museums, and charming down towns that I had not known about before.


Although Hunters Valley Winery is often credited as the first quilt of the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails, there were actually two quilt square commitments within days of each other. The Sewing Shanty of Selinsgrove, with its beautiful inlaid wood quilt square, created in remembrance of a family member, was hung within days of Hunters Valley Winery.

Today there are four squares in various states of being created. One "Trail Rug" is to be hung this summer at the Tuscarora State Forest Ranger Station in Blain, PA. It is the first Trail Rug of any of the quilt trails throughout the nation!

Next year promises to be just as exciting with more squares, a newly designed brochure and the completion of an official PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails map. The year after? Book, photo contests, PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails official tours? Who knows the sky is truly the limit.

April 20, 2011

The latest Federal budget cut has eliminated Federal partnership with all RC&Ds. Some RC&D will no longer be able to function without this partnership. Because of great community support and a dynamic board, Community Partnerships RC&D will continue to function as a non-profit organization.

So what does this mean in terms of the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails?

Currently the PA Quilt Trail (and Rug) will continue as is- the future however, in this time of economic turmoil, is uncertain. Now is the time most needed to show your financial support of this great community project. While sponsor fees pay the costs of the squares themselves, Community Partnerships RC&D will federal assistance have been paying administration costs and all other expenses related to this project.

Please, please, please! Donate now via PAYPAL. check, cash, etc. Any amount small or large is greatly appreciated.

April 11, 2011

Last week I was putting together a presentation about the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails for the board of Community Partnerships RC&D. As I collected photos to use in this presentation I was reminded of the beauty of Quilt Trails which are now throughout over half of the United States.

As I looked through Quilt Trail photos, I was reminded of how much fun following a quilt trail could be. And it doesn't have to be done all at once. Grab a buddy or take a drive alone and go find a square in your own neighborhood. By following these delightful treasures one can discover the beauty of the area while being reminded of it's cultural side. To me, a Quilt Trail is a well designed "Scavenger Hunt" with the path of finding the treasure (Quilt or Rug Square) as much a part of the fun. 

Post your quilt trail photos here from the PA Quilt Trails and beyond!