This pinecone-patterned coverlet being prepared for display by Mountain Heritage Center staff members is one of the many hand-woven textiles in the “Airing of the Coverlets” exhibit.

In the late 18th and 19th centuries, rural mountain families wove coverlets and other textiles on simple two- or four-harness looms to supply their bedding needs. Coverlets were generally woven with natural cotton warps, the threads that run vertically on the loom, and dyed woolen wefts, the threads that come from the shuttle as it is passed from hand to hand by the weaver. A variety of patterns and colors were produced by the weavers.

In addition to the display of hand-woven coverlets, the Mountain Heritage Center’s featured slideshow for February and March is “Coverlets: New Threads in Old Patterns,” a 20-minute show featuring the story of coverlets and the handicraft revival in southern Appalachia.

Other activities include a warping demonstration on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Visiting scholar/artist Susan Leveille and WCU students, under the direction of Erin Tapley of the WCU department of art, will demonstrate warping techniques using a loom that is more than 150 years old.

On Sunday, March 4, from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., hand weavers may bring their woven pieces to the Coverlet Discovery Afternoon to be digitally photographed and documented by hand weaving and coverlet experts Susan Morgan Leveille and Cassie Dickson.

The center also will present an Arti-Facts! weaving program for children on March 4, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Mountain Heritage Center is located on the ground floor of H.F. Robinson Administration Building. The museum is open to the public free of charge. Visiting hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. June through October.

For exhibit and programming information, check the Web site at www.wcu.edu/mhc or call 828-227-7129.