Description: Appalachian Stitches: Community Blanket Making
Location: Harrison Bay State Park
Step into the rich heritage of the Tennessee Valley with our Appalachian Blanket Making program at Harrison Bay State Park. Rooted in the deeply collaborative traditions of regional quilting bees and textile crafting, this hands-on workshop invites participants to connect with history through the art of yarn. Together, we will learn to crochet craft the "granny square"—a staple of Appalachian fiber arts born from resourcefulness, community, and the sharing of patterns across generations. Whether you are a seasoned crafter or picking up a crochet hook for the first time, we will guide you through the process from start to finish.
Every participant will be contributing to a larger piece of Harrison Bay's living history. The goal of this program series is to combine the individual granny squares crafted by our community into a beautiful, collective blanket that will be proudly displayed in the park's Interpretive Center. By participating, you are not only learning a traditional skill, but you are also leaving your own lasting mark on the park. Join us to spin stories, share techniques, and help weave the fabric of our community together, one square at a time. Participants are also welcome to donate their own granny squares to contribute to the ongoing project!
This program is free for all participants but spots will be limited, so pre-registration is encouraged. All materials, including yarn and crochet hooks, will be provided for the program. We will meet for this program at 1:00 p.m. at the interpretive center, located at the entrance of the park.