Quilt presented to Woodford County Historical Society

SHARON BLOOM presented a 20th Century Sunbonnet Sue patterned quilt to the Woodford County Historical Society. (Photo submitted)

Sharon Bloom, a member of the Woodford County Historical Society board and a quilter of about 25 years, presented a quilt she finished to the society. The quilt pattern titled 20th Century Sunbonnet Sue is a presentation of significant events in the 20th century from the first automobile in 1900 through the dawn of the computer age in 1990. For anyone familiar with quilting, the Sunbonnet Sue pattern is well-known for children’s quilts and there is always a bonnet in each square and the style of clothing is the same in each square. Bloom was attracted to this quilt pattern after being introduced to Sunbonnet Sue by a cousin who had a collection of Sunbonnet patterns. She very much enjoys history and was delighted to actively participate in the society when asked by her friend Sally Graul to become involved. Her favorite square on the quilt is the one from the 1900s that introduces the Model T, as the automobile has been a significant part of our history. An added attraction to the quilt is the presence of a tree in each corner of the quilt that also grows as time progresses. The quilt was made with all the fabric that Sharon has in her “stash.” She chose the fabric based on a pattern that would go with each time period. Bloom is originally from Indiana, has lived in Ohio, but calls Kentucky her home. She retired from Midway Elementary School as their cafeteria manager. She started sewing as a child but was encouraged to try quilting by her sister. She finds it to be relaxing, she enjoys the creativity and is “never happier than when sitting in front of her sewing machine.” Bloom has also created quilts for various charitable organizations, including a Winnie the Pooh that was recently sold at the Friends of the Library auction. Following the movement of the genealogical records to the Woodford County Library in the near future, the society will be having more displays of artifacts in its collection as well as exhibits such as a quilt show involving members of the community. This article, originally published in the Woodford County Historical Society’s October-December newsletter, was reprinted with permission.