LIVERMORE — In the late 1800s, as the treadle (foot and belt powered) sewing machine was first introduced, people were continuing a tradition of creating works of art in the quilts and bed coverings they crafted for their homes.

Elegant in their simplicity, designed for warmth and beauty, quilts were often constructed of remnants from dress- or shirt-making projects or from the “too good to throw away” sections of a garment, such as the back of a velvet coat or wool jacket that could no longer be worn.

In this spirit of the frugality, which permeated the everyday life of Maine people in the late 1800s, the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center will host a special exhibit and hands-on living history workshop from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6, 7 and 8. The $5 admission will help the Norlands continue to provide educational programs for Maine school children.

The linen chest has been opened. A number of vintage hand-sewn quilts will be on display in the 1867 Italianate-style mansion, the former home of the Washburn family. The exhibit will include antique “whole cloth” quilts with intricate hand quilting, patchwork quilts and “crazy” quilts, with seemingly disorganized shapes unified by an array of colorful hand embroidery.

In the kitchen and on the lawn, visitors can help to “fill a linen chest” by working alongside other volunteers in a quilting bee. There is something for all ages: cutting remnants to shape, washing cloth with the ringer washer, sewing piecework quilt blocks (by hand or try out the treadle machine), tying the three layers of a quilt together to finish it off, and sipping iced tea on the porch. No experience is needed.

At the Norlands, the old adage, “make do or do without, use it up, wear it out,” is often sung. It was true with the life-cycle of textiles in the 19th century. Before it was sold to the “ragman,” a garment was put to as many uses as could be found. A dress became an apron or a dress for a smaller sibling, a coat became a vest, and so on.

For this special event, “Inside the Linen Chest: The Elegance of Frugality,” the public is invited to help the Norlands volunteers make quilts for guest “bed chambers,” which will soon reopen above the farmers’ kitchen.

Norlands lost 15 reproduction quilts in the April 2008 fire and needs to replace them. Those interested may attend the workshop and help with the handwork or donate fabric remnants, clean cotton or wool blankets that could be used as the middle layer inside the quilt.

For more information, call 897-4366 or go to www.norlands.org.

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