Bonham Quilt Hop will explore Amish & Mennonite quilting tradition
By Dana Taylor, CTA, Director of Tourism, Bonham Visitors Information & Tourism Center
Jul 27, 2012
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The Briscoe Center’s Sam Rayburn Museum will host the exhibit “Threads of Tradition” as part of Bonham’s Third Annual Quilt Hop, Saturday, July 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  This year’s hop takes place at nine different locations around town including the Bonham Visitor Center, Fannin County Museum of History, Bonham Public Library, Sam Rayburn House Museum, Fannin County Historical Commission, Creative Arts Center, Sam Rayburn Museum, and the Senior Citizen Center.

Again, Bonham will have a unique opportunity to spotlight quilts from the University of Texas at Austin, Briscoe Center for American History collection.  This year we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to view an exhibit titled ”Threads of Tradition” which will be showcased as a two-part display. 

The Bonham Visitor Center, at 327 N. Main, will have five Amish quilts, dating from 1905 to 1983. Come and learn the feature characteristics shared by every Amish quilt. This display may change your impression about the use of color in the Amish quilt. 

The Rayburn Library located at 800 W. Sam Rayburn Dr., will focus on the Mennonite quilting tradition, exhibiting both an historic and more modern Mennonite quilt, as well as a set of hand-stitched “plain clothes.”   In addition to displaying the quilts, the exhibition highlights the similarities or differences within each culture’s quilting traditions.

Join us at the Quilt Hop on July 28 as we hop from one location to another and enjoy quilts from antique to modern day creations.  Let us remember that quilting is not just bed coverings, but wall hangings, table runners and clothing.  All quilting had been by hand.  Now quilts are pieced and quilted by machine.  Colors have changed and patterns have really changed.  If you can dream it, then it can be made. 

For more information on the Bonham Quilt Hop, contact the Bonham Visitor’s Center at 903-583-9830 or email us: info@visitbonham.com. Our web site will give all the necessary information: www.visitbonham.com.  We look forward to you joining us for the hopping fun!