Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Afghan Stitch Potholder Class

The Giles County Historical Society and Giles Arts Council present an Afghan Stitch Potholder Class taught by Evelyn Harris on April 9th and 16th from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. The Afghan stitch worked with a long Afghan crochet hook, creates a very dense fabric grid that can also be embellished with cross-stitch needlework. The Afghan stitch is created in a two-step process where during the first pass, called “forward,” the loops are created and gathered on the hook. During the second pass, called “return,” the loops are connected and dropped from the hook.

The Afghan stitch is known by different names in different parts of the world including Tunisian crochet, tricot crochet (France), hook knitting, Shepherd’s knitting, railroad knitting (England), and hakking (Norway). It is likely that the Afghan stitch was derived from hooked knitting in Africa and Central Asia where two hooked needles similar to crochet hooks were used to create fabrics and patterns. The stitch and simple tool and supplies may have been an easy way for sailors and shepherds to make clothing. As with many needle arts, Tunisian crochet became popular in the Victorian era and appears in publications of the times.


Come join us on April 9th and 16th and learn a new needle art! Class fee is $10. E-mail info@gilescountyhistorical.org or call 921-1050 to register.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Genealogy Workshop - April 10th

Did your ancestors live in Giles County? Are you searching for genealogical documentation on a southwest Virginia line? Thinking about forming a family assocation? Need to know the basics of internet research? Ever wonder if DNA testing can solve your brick wall? The George Pearis Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Giles County Historical Society are hosting a Genealogy Workshop on April 10th from 9am to 4pm at the Giles County Historical Society to answer these questions and more. Pre-registration is required. Topics include:

Researching Giles County Court Records. Local historian Ruth Blevins, the driving force behind such publications as Giles County Virginia, History – Families, Volumes I and II will offer many practical research suggestions on the records of Giles County.


Family Associations, Connections To Past And Present. Mabel Peters, Past President of the Snidow Family Association, will share ideas on how one family organization works at preserving the past, and promoting family history as well as creating and maintaining connections to distant relatives.


How To Find Your Ancestors Online. Mary Jane Burn, will explain the ease of online research, and the simple tools necessary to get you started. Learn how to trace your family tree from the comforts of home. Review what documentation is available for free as well as through subscriber services.


DNA – Its Relevance In Today’s Genealogy. Pat McCracken will discuss the relevance of DNA testing in conjunction with the genealogical paper trail.


Registration of $15 includes lunch, genealogy exhibits, and tours of the Andrew Johnston House. To register, call 540-922-2527, 540-921-3510, or 540-921- 4496 prior to April 3rd. For more information or if you have questions about Giles County genealogy, contact the Giles County Historical Society at 540-921-1050, info@gilescountyhistorical.org, on the web at www.gilescountyhistorical.org, or on Facebook.


The Giles County Historical Society works to perpetuate interest in the history of Giles County; provides a repository for Giles County family histories, documents, and artifacts; assists those interested in genealogical research; and voices concerns and pursues the preservation of any and all endangered Giles County history including artifacts, sites, and records.