National Quilt Museum... Via Clyde's Eyes

With all the exciting stops planned on our road trip, I knew it was truly going to be epic. But on the very first day of our adventure, I checked something off my life-long bucket list ...visiting The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky! I consider myself still a novice quilter, although I have made many of them. But my love of the artistry, craftsmanship, and skill of quilting runs deep. 
I credit my sweet Grandmother Reed with my love of quilts. She made the most precious handmade blankets, all lovingly stitched by hand using scraps of fabric, often pieced from old clothes (her generation wasted nothing). Classic quilt patterns were among her favorites: double-wedding ring, log cabin, Dresden plate, rail fence, and more. But one amazing quilt she made stands out in my mind. She called the pattern "Step Around the Mountain" (although it is better known as "Trip Around the World"). It started with a single colored square. From there, tiny one-inch squares were wrapped in ever-increasing rings around the center, each diamond row using a different fabric pattern. Granddaddy's old shirts, curtain pieces, an old dress, every material unique and special. The careful attention required to make no mis-steps in the pattern was just remarkable. When Grandmother died, I became the proud owner of a queen-sized Trip Around the World quilt top she had made, one I truly cherish.

So I knew our epic road trip would have to include a visit to Paducah. The museum building itself is rather plain-looking. There is a lovely display of bronze sculptures on the front lawn depicting Lewis and Clark's relationship with Native Americans in the early 1800s. But otherwise, it is just a long brick building with block letters on the front. However, its outer appearance belies the beauty within! Even the lobby displays are amazing. There is a display case of fun crafts made from yo-yos (gathered fabric circles) and a beautiful work-in-progress on a quilting frame. They even feature a quilt made of WOOD! 

There are probably close to 100 quilts of all sizes hanging on display inside the museum, ranging from the simplest patterns hand-sewn to intricate textile images stitched and quilted on huge machines. The guide pointed out a particularly large quilt that featured detailed willow trees, and she shared the background story of how the artist made it in memory of her cat who loved to play amongst the willows in their yard. A quilt depicting farm animals was hanging right next to a silk batik quilt. A spectacular Best In Show quilt captured the final wedding scene in "Lord of the Rings." There were traditional pioneer patterns and ultra-modern, graphic designs. Each quilt told a story. Each quilt was magnificent.

On the far wall in the center of the museum, one quilt caught my eye and took my breath. It was a giant Trip Around the World quilt! Stretching about 9' tall and 7' wide, it was a sight to behold. I must have been staring in awe, because an older gentleman quietly walked up beside me and asked, "What makes this one a masterpiece compared to all the other quilts in here?" I answered, "It reminds me of my grandmother." He and I then shared a quiet, thoughtful, reflective conversation about quilting out of necessity but still quilting out of love. 

I finished my visit in the museum, then stopped at the gift shop (of course!) to bring home some mementos. I learned that the quilt displays are changed out every few months. I will be back. 

~ Clyde
Clyde