Weaving A Tale, Jacquard Coverlets And Storytelling

Join the Colonel Palmer House staff under the shade of Colonel Palmer’s grand oaks and sugar maples for the final Summer Sunday on Aug 11th from 1-4 pm. This month’s FREE event features two new and unique offerings for the public. “Weaving a Tale: Coverlets, Quilts, and the Art of Storytelling” brings together a historical presentation of jacquard coverlets with two artful storytellers, sure to delight all ages.

Predating the popularity of quilts, jacquard coverlets were woven in Illinois during the 1840’s through the 1860’s as skilled weavers moved west to obtain land. An exhibit of these intricately woven bed coverings will be on loan from members of the Illinois Coverlet Guild. Jes Horwath of the guild joins us to explain their history within IL.

Visitors will be able to try different types of weaving techniques as members of the Woodstock Weavers Guild demonstrate a variety of fiber crafts, loom types, and weave structures.

A private collection of early American quilts will be on display for visitors to enjoy. This private quilt collection on loan from Audrey Veath of Barrington demonstrates the evolution of bed coverings from coverlets to quilts. Children will enjoy creating their own woven quilt with assistance of National Honor Society students from Jacobs High School.

Families can relax in the shade as two members of the McHenry County Storyteller’s Guild entertain all ages with oral storytelling. Long before the age of radio, television, and computers, storytellers were the source for information. Storyteller Jerry Martin brings to life tales of Native American heritage while Carol Waxenberg weaves stories of quilts and their place in American Folklore. Both storytellers’ will perform 20-30 min on the hour and half hour from 1-4pm.

During the event, the Colonel Palmer House will be open to visitors. The Palmer family and house history of the Federal and Greek Revival style home, which was built in 1858, will be presented. Colonel Palmer House is located at 660 E. Terra Cotta Rd, Crystal Lake. For information, call Mary Ott at 815-477-5873 or email palmerhouse@crystallakeparks.org.

For further information contact Mary Ott at (815) 477-5873, or via email palmerhouse@crystallakeparks.org.