As with most of my creative obsessions, I have a tendency to nerd out on the history; how a particular craft originated, how it evolved, and the individuals who shaped its development.
Having recently fallen in love with quilting, I came across the Jane Stickle quilt, affectionately known as “Dear Jane” and my inner history buff rejoiced! When I discovered that the Bennington Museum in Vermont only showcases it from Labor Day Weekend to Indigenous People’s Day, I checked the calendar and… wow! I had just about three weeks before it would be tucked away for the season.
My husband and I decided to visit Vermont for the holiday weekend — not only to see the quilt but to also enjoy some hiking and leaf-peeping.
Because it was the last day to view the Jane Stickle quilt, I assumed the museum would be mobbed! But to my surprise, it was pretty quiet. They keep Dear Jane in a small room on the second floor. And, because the quilt is so old, not only do they show her one month out of the year, but they equip the gallery with a light sensor to protect it, on the second floor.
Being alone in the room with the quilt felt surreal but I took my time, soaking up all the many different colored quilt blocks and meticulous hand stitching.
I’m so happy I was able to see it in person before they put her back into hibernation. Needless to say, I’m very inspired to make my own Dear Jane — which would no doubt be a massive undertaking. I thought about it, but admittedly got cold feet. That’s not to say I won’t ever try making a Dear Jane quilt. It would be fascinating to experience what it might have been like to create such a masterpiece!
