The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner
Stronghurst - Evelyn Bunt, soon to be 88 this November, is retired from teaching at public schools, teaching youngsters piano, and has curtailed art classes in her basement studio, but she is not retired from life.
A widow for many years, and mother of three married sons, Evelyn stays very active at the Stronghurst Methodist Church and at her home in Stronghurst and is sensitive to issues that effect the life of those around her. She has painted the Henderson County Covered Bridge near Gladstone, the Santa Fe Railroad Depot at Stronghurst and military Canon in the village park which was in service from 1862-1912, as well as other places that have been near and dear to the people's hearts.
As she is continually inspired by America and the people that make up this unique country, it is understandable that 9-11 and the tragedies that came from the event moved Evelyn into fashioning a memorial quilt, another talent she enjoyed since youth.
It wasn't that Evelyn wanted to depict the tragedies of the 9-11 terrorism, but she wanted to reflect the united spirit and the love that was generated for this country. It not only touched us, but the united spirit of America was embraced around the world.
"September 11 just broke my heart, even though I didn't have any relatives in it," Evelyn said.
"I just wanted something in memory of it."
Around March of 2002, Evelyn and her daughter-in-law Mrs. Jerry (Bonnie) Bunt of Dixon started at the same time to work on the project. They each were going to fashion their own quilt. Evelyn's full-size, and Bonnie's would be queen-size.
"Bonnie had lots of books, I had books. We looked at pictures and we did our own (designing of patterns). Some of mine I just made my own," Evelyn said.
The theme would be red white and blue from 100% (pre-washed) cotton fabric.
Inspired with the flood of beautiful patriotic fabrics, Evelyn began to shop many fabric shops while Bonnie, also a retired teacher, shopped for fabric in her area.
They were able to buy enough 1/2 yards of patriotic fabric to divide up for the two quilts, and shared patterns as well.
Bonnie made 45 blocks and Evelyn made 24 blocks, each block with its own different pattern, not embroidered but pieced.
"To design the patterns, we looked at little tiny pictures - some 3 inches square. We had to decide cutting, the colors and we each had some patterns the same and some that were different."
The outside is lined with "piano keys" of different patriotic material and the blocks have symbols such as "54-40 Or Fight", "4 Flags", lots with stars and flags, but she reserved here favorites for the center.
Evelyn said her quilt is not really reflecting New York or 9-11 but the world after it happened.
"People started helping each other and finding out about their neighbors."
"The flag is the most wonderful thing in the world," Evelyn said. "I think our country is the most wonderful place in the world. We don't realize it - we criticize it. But what country is more accommodating than ours? You know the country is made up of the people."
With Evelyn's keen eye for color and ability to envision work before it is assembled, she meticulously pieced the quilt together taking little tiny tiny stitches. She is calling it "The Patriotic Quilt in Memory of Sept. 11th"
"I had six brothers and six sisters and four served in the military. I have had relatives in every war except WW1. Our country means so much to me."
Evelyn made her first quilt after she was married in 1936. She looked at a pattern of big sunflowers and designed her own of little sunflowers.
"Mother did quilts all the time. I was raised around it." she said.
Evelyn is making quilts for all of her 17 great grandchildren as they are born and just finished one for the 15th called "Friendship Star".
"The girls really take care of them," she said. "You don't wash them very often - it wears them out. They are keeping them - some display on wall - foot of bed... one put their little one's quilt in a cedar chest - they really cherish them. One wrapped it around herself and wanted a picture taken."
Evelyn had taught school for 21 years beginning in 1959 at the country schools of Durham and Disco and was the last teacher at Bradshaw School before going to La Harpe, retiring in 1981.