Second graders of Elberta Elementary School recently enjoyed The Quilt Story in our reading book. The students learned how important quilts were to early settlers and how comforting quilts can be. As a culminating activity, Jeannie Peebles, a quilter, visited our school and shared her vast knowledge of quilts with us. She learned quilting from her grandmother, great-aunt, and aunt.

Mrs. Peebles gave a demonstration of how quilts are composed. She explained the differences in quilting and tacking for making quilts. Mrs. Peebles’ quilts are various sizes for various uses. Some are unique artistic wall hangings.  She has quilts made from men’s ties, ladies’ hankies, special scraps of old and dear clothing, and even zippers. The quilts are made in numerous patterns including the “bear paw”, “wedding ring”, and “butterflies”.

Perhaps, the most unusual quilt, was the one that told the story of the underground railroad. People living in “safe houses”, where escaping slaves could rest and get food, often laid special quilts over bushes or hung them outside as an all’s-clear signal to slaves. The students chose several favorites from Mrs. Peebles’ collection. Many students chose the very soft, cuddly quilts for comfort. Many picked the beautiful “stained glass” quilted wall hanging as their favorite. Others chose the adorable “bug collection” quilt. In it, the quilt is covered with  various sized ‘jars’ made from material depicting bees, lady bugs, beetles, etc. Mrs. Peebles is our school’s PTSO president, a substitute teacher, and wonderful volunteer. We appreciate her contributions to the education of our students.