Quilt show celebrates heritage, today’s craftsmanship

As a little girl, Adele Kuszmaul crawled under the quilting frames whenever her mother would work on a quilt. It’s her earliest memory of how she started making her own quilts.

“That doesn’t make you a good quilter,” Kuszmaul said. “That just makes you an old quilter.”

One of Kuszmaul’s handmade quilts, spread out in front of her on a table, took her two years to piece together — a beautiful pattern made from scrap fabric.

Serious quilters or those who just appreciate the craftsmanship will be able to see quilts on display during a show held Friday through Sunday and in conjunction with Landmark Park’s Wiregrass Heritage Festival. This is the first year contemporary handmade quilts will be judged.

“There’s so much opportunity for expression,” said Sherry Burkhalter, who with Kuszmaul is co-director of the quilt show. “... Just like you would put paint on a canvas, it’s an expression.”

There are nearly 40 quilts in the judging portion and another 65 antique quilts that will be on display for viewing. The antique quilts were donated by owners for the show. Quilters can bring blocks in for a “block challenge.” The pieces will be put together for a quilt that will be sold as a fundraiser or displayed by Landmark Park.

The quilt show will feature quilting and sewing vendors, demonstrations, quilting appraisals by appointment and lectures. Mary Elizabeth Johnson Huff, who is working on a book about Alabama quilts, will be speaking in Landmark’s interpretive center on Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. Classes with Australian quilter Suzanne Wray will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday and at noon and 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Burkhalter, who teaches weekly quilting classes at Hancock Fabrics in Dothan, said quilting is an art people of all ages still show an interest in learning. Burkhalter said the craft is also an activity with health benefits — bringing people out of depression and helping other rehabilitate after a heart attack.

Burkhalter has been sewing since she was 4, but she didn’t start quilting until 25 years ago. Her mother-in-law quilted and was working on a quilt for a niece. Burkhalter began helping her with the quilt. Burkhalter’s mother-in-law died before the quilt was finished, so Burkhalter took some classes and finished it on her own.

It’s a different world for quilting today compared to the time when quilts were made simply to keep people warm. Specialized tools make for easier cutting, sewing machines also make the process quicker for those who don’t have time to hand stitch every piece. Burkhalter even uses a computer program that helps her create patterns.

While both Burkhalter and Kuszmaul use a machine, they both agree hand-quilting looks more authentic and is their preferred method. Many quilters use both methods on a single quilt.

“I never put a piece together on a machine until seven years ago,” Kuszmaul said. “That was a sin.”
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If you go ...
What: Landmark Park Quilt Show
Where: Landmark Park, U.S. 431 North, Dothan
When: Friday, Oct. 23, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 25, 1-4 p.m.
Cost: Friday and Sunday, adults, $4, children, $3, park members free; Saturday, adults, $8, senior citizens, $6, children, $4, park members, free
Other: Awards presentation at 11 a.m. Saturday in Stokes Activity Barn
Info: Call 794-3452

What: Wiregrass Heritage Festival
Where: Landmark Park, U.S. 431 North, Dothan
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: adults, $8; senior citizens, $6; children, $4; park members, free
Other: Activities include antique tractor pull, syrup making, cane grinding, peanut harvesting