Patchwork Quilt
History: A classic example of patchwork quilting, this textile is essentially utilitarian. Made from recycled clothing, the inconsistent block sizes and shapes and lack of pattern indicates that...
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Arie Carpenter
Arie Carpenter, lovingly known as Aunt Arie, was one of the most interviewed Foxfire contacts. She quickly became a grandmother figure for dozens of Foxfire students and their readers.
Aunt Arie was born in 1885 and spent her young adult life caring for her mother. She married Ulysses Carpenter in 1923. By the time Foxfire students began interviewing her in the late 1960s and 1970s, she had a paralyzed arm and could no longer sew or quilt. Most of her quilts date to before her marriage, when she was caring for her mother.
Crazy Quilt
“Quilting was the joy of my life. Working with that. Ever’ little piece.” ~Aunt Arie Carpenter History: Crazy quilts were originally a method for using scraps of cloth, much like...
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Fishtail Quilt
History This quilt was donated to Foxfire by Aunt Arie Carpenter, which she called a “fishtail.” She made it around the time of World War I, when she was a young woman caring for her...
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Filet Lace
History: In addition to more utilitarian fiber crafts, like weaving and sewing, decorative handiwork such as needlepoint and lacemaking were also popular among women in Appalachia. This piece of...
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About Foxfire Exhibits
The collections at Foxfire contain hundreds of artifacts used throughout daily life in Southern Appalachia, from the 19th to 21st centuries. These exhibits investigate some of the deeper themes that make up the culture of these mountains, and provide historical context for the material culture.
