History lives on through quilts

FALLBROOK — A little part of American history recently came to life for Zion Lutheran fifth and eighth grade students.

As part of their curriculum, the students embarked on an adventure that began with a visit from Betty Hall, a retired Fallbrook High School teacher and member of the Fallbrook Quilters’ Guild, and ended with the students learning an authentic early American skill: quilting.

Hall brought three cases full of handmade quilts dating from the 1930s to the presentation for the students to examine. She talked about the various techniques used in their construction and the history of American quilting. Quilts were not only employed as bedding but were also used as window coverings, bench padding, as a means of safely packing valuables for travel and even to cover caskets.

This history lesson became a hands-on experience as the students learned some basic sewing skills and pieced together log cabin and nine-patch pattern quilt blocks.

Zion parents, church members and community members all pitched in to help the students. Even two home-schooled students joined in the fun as they shared their sewing expertise.

Each fifth grade student sewed an individual log cabin block, each of which was used to create a larger pattern as the quilt was put together. Stephanie Grondin sewed the blocks together and bound the finished quilt. A group of students then hand-tied the quilt using a method employed by the American colonists.

The eighth grade quilt was constructed of nine-patch pattern blocks which the students machine-stitched together with the help of adult volunteers. Eighth-grader Cierra Soufflis sewed the completed blocks together and art teacher Anny Ashbrook, together with her mother, Phyllis Brown, completed the project and applied the quilt binding. A group of students hand-tied the finished quilt.

On April 11, the two quilts were auctioned off at the school’s Annual Golf Tournament; the funds raised will be used by the technology department for new equipment.

All the students involved found this adventure in American history rewarding and they enjoyed learning a new skill. Both students and Zion staff thank the many volunteers who helped with this undertaking through patient teaching, donations and generously giving their time.

Fabric: Donated

Thread: $4

Batting: $20

Learning to sew: Priceless!