In the 1800’s quilting was considered housework. Little bits of fabric stitched together as a household necessity provided warmth to family members. Young girls gathered together to piece a friendship quilt that would be given to the first one married on her wedding day. Quilts were given as gifts for a newborn child. They were stitched together during church socials or during local quilting bees where ladies gathered to sit, sew and gossip. Sadly a quilt was sometimes used to line a coffin or shroud a loved one in death.
    Today, quilters are the fabric of a multi-billion dollar industry. From the cotton growers, textile mills, and factories that make everything from needles, pins and thread to scissors, cutting mats, and sewing machines, literally thousands of people are employed in this industry. Quilting is now considered an art that can weave both family and friends together, creating a quilted piece of family history that will be enjoyed by generations to come.
    Many now enjoy quilting as a hobby during a long winter of snow and ice. However, as the weather begins to change, spring brings with it a time to begin planning your entries to the Washington County Piecemakers Quilt Show. The 2009 quilt show will be held at the Stevens Memorial Museum in Salem on Saturday June 13 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday June 14, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Entries will be accepted on Tuesday June 9  from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the museum. First, second, and third place ribbons will be awarded in the following categories: Honorary, Pieced, Appliqué, Embroidery, Small Quilts, Wall Hangings, Miniatures, Wearables, Miscellaneous (such as placemats, table runners or pillows), and Youth. Additional ribbons will be awarded for Best of Show, Judges Choice, Hand Quilting, and Viewers Choice.