Hartsville museum hosts Swamp Fox Quilt “Garden Gate”
The newest exhibit at the Hartsville Museum is the annual quilt challenge. Sponsored by the Swamp Fox Quilters Guild, this eagerly anticipated show’s theme is “Black and White Plus One.” Each of the entries was allowed to use the colors of black and white plus one additional color to prepare the quilts.
Members of the Swamp Fox Quilters’ Guild enjoyed examining the fine details in Peggy O’Quinn’s “Garden Gate.”
One of this year’s favorite pieces is a quilt embroidered by Peggy O’Quinn of Timmonsville. “Garden Gate” required months to stitch by hand. The design was copied and enlarged from a drawing in a Dover coloring book. Neocolor II crayons were used to highlight the handwork. The background quilting was sewn using a Sashiko machine. Sashiko is a form of decorative reinforcement stitching from Japan. Originally used to reinforce or repair points of wear, sashiko is a running stitch technique that today is often used purely for decorative purposes. The tassels which adorn each of the quilt’s four corners were constructed from embroidery floss.
The delicate stitches produced by Peggy were recognized by her peers. The quilt received a first place ribbon for “Best Art Quilt” from the Guild.
Entries in this year’s quilt challenge are currently being housed at the Hartsville Museum. The pieces have been awarded many ribbons by the members but the award for “People’s Choice” is yet to be given. Come by the museum and cast your vote. The “Black and White Plus One” exhibit will be on location through August 29. The museum is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, and the Hartsville Museum is handicapped accessible. For more information, visit www.hartsvillemuseum.org.
