Quilting Demonstrated At Historical Society Museum Open House 

By Andrew Gorosko

Stitch by stitch, a seated Amy Trompetter works quietly, illuminated by window light in the Matthew Curtiss Jr House at 44 Main Street.

Ms Trompetter of Danbury, who has been stitching together quilts for more than 25 years, demonstrated quilt making at an open house held at the Newtown Historical Society on Sunday, May 21.

The dark red saltbox-style Matthew Curtiss Jr House is believed to have been built about 1750. The structure contains historical items owned by the society and displayed to simulate a residence of the past.

Ms Trompetter estimates that she has created more than 100 quilts since she started the craft. Most of her work produces traditional quilts, though some involves creating contemporary designs, she said.

She has entered many quilting competitions in which quilters display their handiwork in seeking prizes for their efforts. On display May 21 was a “crazy quilt” that she had made which garnered two prizes at a recent competition. It is constructed of pieces of fabric of various patterns, colors, shapes, and sizes.

Other examples of Ms Trompetter’s work were on display in the front rooms of the house.

Quilting appears to come naturally to Ms Trompetter, who received a college degree in home economics.

Ms Trompetter was accompanied at the open house by two young quilters, Mairin Hayes and Rachel Lorenc.

Also on hand at the event were two docents dressed in period costumes, who explain the historical aspects of the building and its contents to the public. They are Nanette Maturi and Marianne Scanlon.

The historical society collects and preserves the history of Newtown. The group owns and oversees the Matthew Curtiss Jr House and the old schoolhouse near Middle Gate School.