Quilt showcases pieces of Joseph Smith's life

Quilting was a popular form of artistic creation as well as utilitarian need in early 19th-century America, so it is fitting that some quilt projects have been specifically designed to honor Joseph Smith.

One pattern, designed by Jodi Warner, is for a 30-by-30-inch wall hanging. Another is a block-of-the-month pattern for a full-size quilt designed by Nancy P. Nielson and JoyLynn Rigby.

Warner designer her quilt after a shop in Nauvoo called her in January to see if anyhing special was going on as part of the bicentennial birthday celebration. "I thought it would be fun to get something out there."

The quilt combines applique and patchwork patterns that are symbolic of Joseph's life. There's an applique portrait of the Prophet as well as a tree, key and maple leaves that represent events in his life. There's a variation on the Victoria's Crown patchwork block that Warner calls the Martyr's Crown. Other traditional blocks include Children of Israel, Vermont block and Log Cabin blocks.

"I wanted something that would remind people of his life, of all the hard work he and his family had to do to clear the land and survive. We forget what that life was like," said Warner. "I also wanted something that was obviously Joseph Smith; something different to make this year that was different from anything you made last year. I think it's a great way to celebrate."

Nielsen and Rigby have chosen traditional patchwork blocks — such as Log Cabin, Tree of Life and Broken Dishes — that represent different periods in Joseph's life. They were originally going to release one block a month, "but we've speeded it up a bit, so people could get the quilt done by June if they want," said Nielsen.

Although these are traditional blocks, what makes their project unique, she said, are the stories and vignettes they include. "We really wanted people to read and appreciate the stories." That way, when they look at the quilt, the blocks will have added significance.

The quilt is also designed to be done with reproduction fabrics that would have been typical of the colors and patterns used in Joseph's day.

Actually known as Civil War fabrics, they have become hugely popular in the past year, said Deanna Hartvigsen, who works at Mormon Handicraft. "We saw the first ones about a year ago; they came out with the furor over the Lewis and Clark bicentennial. Now, 10, 15 different fabric companies are offering them."

Hartvigsen has been surprised at the interest in the Joseph Smith quilt projects. "This is the most excitement we've seen in a long time. Quilters feel driven to do something, and there's a clamor to get fabrics as close as possible to the period."

And it's not just local women. "We've been getting calls about the patterns from back East."

Why the excitement? "I think people are really having a personal experience with it," said Hartvigsen. "Somehow, it makes Joseph come alive. It's just been incredible."