July 25, 2011

It seems like it's been ages since I lasted posted. The world's first Trail Rug has been installed and unveiled. The unveiling was an emotional event, something I will remember for many years. One of the charms of the PA Quilt (And Rug) Trails is its flexibility in being guided by the community not visa versa. To me, it is one of its most appealing attributes.

Currently two quilt squares are being worked on, both sponosored by the Juniata Valley Quilter's Guild. Thanks to the groups generousity, both Mifflin and Juniata counties will be the homes of two new pieces.

In the works is a quilt square honoring those men and women who have served our country. We are looking for a sponsor and/or location. The pattern   will be a symbolic piece honoring our military who so generously give their time and sometimes their lives to keep us safe at home.

Photo by Rick Brandt

If you know of any groups or location that would be interested in sponosoring a "patriotic" square contact:

Community Partnerships RC&D

717-248-4901 extension 326

administrator@paquilttrails.org

July 11, 2011

The tables and tents have been put away, remnants of sandwiches and cake are gone and all that remains is the first Trail Rug of any quilt trail. On Friday, July 8, 2011, sixty or so people were on hand to see history in the making. In attendance were Community Partnerships RC&D staff, residents, friends and employees of Locust Grove Rehabilitation and Retirement Village, Tuscarora State Forest staff, Kathy Wright,director of Sauder Village rug hooking week, Deb Smith, aeditor of Rug Hooking magazine, Eby/Briner family members, Representative Mark Keller, Books Catering, and media.

All were there to celebrate the installation of a Trail Rug, the first of its kind, honoring primitive local rug hook artisan, Magdalena Briner Eby. Magdalena and many of her family members lived on land that is now part of the Tuscarora State Forest. She is considered one of the masters of hooked rugs. Today her pieces are highly sought after.

Facing the challenging task of translating one of her whimsical rugs,  Locust Grove Rehabilitation and Retirement Village residents succeeding in capturing the color, whimsy and beauty of Magdalena's original piece. Under the direction of Freda Durio who had only a photo copy of a photo of the original rug, a beautiful painted 8' x 6' replica was created.

This piece now resides at the Tuscarora State Forest Fire Building located next to the Ranger Station.

As a member of the group that was responsible this Trail Rug, I was proud to be part of a project that brought together so many community members, working together on something unique, beautiful and that will last for years and years.

Make it a point to visit this newest addition tot the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails and see what happens when the past meets the present and the future.

Thanks to the following people who participated in making history happen

Sam Price

Larry Schardt

Sharon Lee

Community Partnerships RC&D board members

Mike Lennartz

Melissa Holden

Kevin Morgan

Kristen Price

Joe Fiore

Bob Lyter

Gene Odato

Dennis Chestnut

Andrew Glodek

Tom Milheim

Curtis Robinson

Bill Hain

Mike Kessler

Steve Wacker

Adam Kling

Andrew Baker

Kathy Odato

Penn DOT Perry County

Randy Tressler

Chuck Shumaker

Eric Boozel

Deb Smith

Kathy Wright

Stackpole Book

Rug Hooking Magazine

Locust Grove Retirement and Rehabilitation Village

Freda Durio

Grace Donahey (post mortem)

Jimmy James

Shirley Guiser

Martha Price

Dale Gray

Janice Hipple

Bea Wilson

Kathy Breon

Jim Nale

Jane Passmore

Pat Arnold

Maintenance Department of Locust Grove