by Jill Lucas
A mother’s gift can come in many different packages and for various reasons. Betsy Samuels, a McDowell County resident, discovered the perfect gifts for two of her daughters in the form of quilt blocks. Now, one daughter, Debby Grice, lives in Fayetteville, NC. The other daughter, Terry Olson, lives in Unicoi, Tennessee. Mrs. Samuels visited the McDowell Quilt Trail studio at the historic McDowell House on Highway 70 West and made inquiry. The answer was: As long as the county the block is going to does not have an existing quilt trail, we will make a block for you.
Betsy chose the “Eastern Star,” a traditional pattern in colors of bright purple and green, for Debby, who is an avid quilter. This 2×2-foot block hangs on a wall of Debby’s quilting workshop for her and her friends to enjoy. Pictured is Jill Lucas presenting the Certificate of Authenticity to Betsy Samuels. 
The 3×3-foot “Jonesboro Tree” quilt block went to the home of Terry, Mrs. Samuels’ other daughter. Terry and her mother visited the quilt trail studio and brought in a design to discuss with Mike Lucas. The “Jonesboro Tree,” painted in earth tone colors, is named for Jonesboro, Tennessee, the state’s oldest town, settled in 1779, and boasts the distinction of being the storytelling capital of the world. Pictured is Mrs. Samuels the day she picked up the block for delivery to Terry.
To date, four blocks grace the walls of structures outside McDowell County, in addition to two blocks on Lake James in Burke County. When it comes to gifts, think outside the box, like Betsy, and give the quilt trail a call at MACA 652-8610, where a 2×2-foot block, called “Formal Garden,” is on display. Tickets can be purchased at MACA, located at 50 South Main Street or from any of the 10 McDowell Quilt Trail committee members. The winning ticket will be drawn on December 15. The proceeds from the raffle will go toward the McDowell County Rural Heritage Quilt Trail, which is being developed. Visit the quilt trail website at www.mcdowellquilttrail.org and follow the quilt trail’s activities on Facebook.
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