Three Lopez Island quilters, Laurie Latta, Anne Dawson and Karen Alexander, decided this spring it was time to create a very special Lopez Island Signature Quilt.
Latta created a unique design featuring Lopez Island as the focal point and Dawson proposed using lush naturalistic fabrics in blues, greens and tans. They presented the idea to the Lopez Island Historical Society, and with the board’s enthusiastic approval, the project was launched. Latta, Dawson and Alexander presented a mock-up of the quilt at the LIHS Big Event in July.
This project seeks to collect signatures and the “Lopez Story” of everyone who thinks of Lopez as home. Whether you are a full-time, part time or summer resident, or have family ties to the island, the Historical Society wants to know your “Lopez Story.” How did you discover Lopez? What makes the island meaningful to you? Why do you call Lopez home?
Signature Quilts that carry multiple signatures or names inked, stamped, or embroidered are valuable primary historical artifacts that record community history. However, prior to 1800 writing on quilts was done infrequently and was usually either the single name of the maker or the person for whom the quilt was made.
Historians, genealogists, cultural anthropologists, and sociologists use Signature Quilts in their studies of family and community histories, social and kinship relationships, as well as economic, religious, political, and club histories. The Signature Quilts already in the LIHS collection are invaluable in helping document Lopez’s community history in the early part of the 20th century.
Other popular forms of Signature Quilts include Friendship Quilts, Album Quilts (often made for a family or community member who was moving away, for example the McNallie quilt in the LIHS collection), and Presentation Quilts (made to honor a special person in the community.) The Signature Quilt became even more popular after the American Bicentennial in 1976 and its popularity continues unabated today.
This quilt and all the stories the Historical Society collects will become a permanent part of the museum’s archives. Future generations will get a peek at who was here at the beginning of the 21st century and what brought us each to Lopez.
You may arrange with Alexander if you would like a brief talk given to your group about the project. Stop by the Lopez Museum to get a form, or contact Dawson at The Quilters Studio on 468-4677 if you have specific questions.
You may also pick up signature forms at the following locations: Paper Scissors On The Rock, The Galley, Vortex, Pharmacy, Chamber of Commerce, Library, Museum, Islandale South Ender, Fudge Factory.
Signature forms must be returned or mailed to LIHS by Dec. 31, for a signature to be included in the quilt.
