How do you picture Blackfoot? All quilters and crafters are being asked to answer that question through original 12.5-inch-by-12.5-inch unfinished quilt blocks. Any technique is allowed — or a combination of typical quilt techniques — to depict Blackfoot. Each block also needs to be accompanied by the artist’s name and their written description of their inspiration. No political or objectionable designs will be accepted.

All blocks entered by June 2 by 6 p.m. will be stitched into a quilt that will first be unveiled at Celebrate Blackfoot and then be displayed in the Bingham County Historical Society Museum for years to come as the Blackfoot’s 125th Community Legacy Quilt. All who want to celebrate Blackfoot through fabric are encouraged to create a block, and all skill levels are welcome.

There will also be an accompanying Blackfoot 125 Community Legacy Quilt Blocks booklet that will celebrate each block, artist and their thoughts on Blackfoot. This booklet will be available for a minor cost to bring the quilt into local homes, block by block, as a lasting record of Blackfoot’s first 125 years. Future generations will not only see this quilt — they will read the voices behind it as well.

This commemorative quilt is made possible by The Craft Shop, the Historical Society, the City of Blackfoot and the Chamber of Commerce. The details of the legacy project can be found at The Craft Shop, located at 45 N. Broadway, or online at the Craft Shop’s and the city’s Facebook pages. There will also be flyers at the library, Senior Center and local businesses. Annie at The Craft Shop can answer any further questions by calling her at 208-785-8697 or emailing her at annie@thecraftshopblackfoot.com.

The Craft Shop is also offering free community sew days on one Saturday each month for the next three months to help anyone with an idea learn how to make it a reality. They also have $5 Open Sew Nights every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m.

After the deadline, the experts at The Craft Shop will piece the blocks together, add the batting and backing, long-arm quilt it and bind the edges. The Chamber will display the quilt and sell the booklets at Celebrate Blackfoot at the end of June. Then the Legacy Quilt will take up permanent residence at the Museum located at 190 N. Shilling.

How do you picture Blackfoot? Farmlands, rivers, landmarks, nearby mountains, family traditions, fair memories, sunsets on the snow, towers and bridges, colors of a summer day in the park, holiday traditions, historical events, current additions, ranchers, rodeos or lake recreation? Let’s stitch together 125 years of memories and preserve the stories behind them for future generations.