LEWISBURG — Packwood House Museum’s free programs for kids series continues on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Susan Ball Faeder, proprietor of “The Beckoning Cat” in Lewisburg, will present a program called “Edith’s Pet Rooster Alfie.”
Edith Fetherston and her husband John were the founders of the museum. They lived in the old hotel building from 1936 through the 1960s and ’70s. Edith frequented local estate auctions and amassed a significant collection of local historical artifacts, decorative arts, and furniture. She also traveled widely and collected an eclectic array of Oriental artifacts.
This program is a fusible fun appliqué class that does not involve any sewing. Each child attending will receive a fabric kit that will allow each child to make two 12-inch quilt blocks, one of which will be shaped like a rooster. Although kits are provided, each child should bring a pair of sharp scissors.
“Alfie” was Edith Fetherston’s pet while she lived in Pittsburgh (1930-1932). When Edith decided to take up painting as a hobby, the first four paintings she ever did were scenes of her beloved pet. In fact, she won an amateur art competition with her first painting.
Today, Alfie is the symbol of the Packwood House Museum.
Susan Faeder is a nationally-known quilt artist. She is originally from Williamsport and is a Bucknell University graduate. Since 1988, Faeder has created and escorted 18 quilt tours to Japan. She has designed five fabric collections for quilters, all with a sense of Japanese beauty. She teaches, lectures, and vends at select quilt festivals across the United States. Her own art quilts have been exhibited nationally and internationally for 25 years.
Faeder moved to Lewisburg in 2005 and opened “The Beckoning Cat,” so named for the Japanese lucky cat with upraised paw who welcomes people in.
The program takes place in the museum’s Tour Center, located at 15 N. Water St., Lewisburg. For more information about the museum and its programs, or to sign up your children for future programs, visit www.packwoodhousemuseum.com or call 524-0323.
