Eastonite of the Week: Polly Edwards

Name: Polly Edwards

Occupation: Health Officer Town of Easton, Quilter creative type [as described by her husband]

Family: Husband and two grown children

How long have you lived in Easton?

We have lived in Easton for 28 years.

What does your job entail?

Every day brings new challenges, anything from dealing with a rabid raccoon, to looking at the possible health issues and concerns of a potential project like Saddle Ridge. I visit the schools regularly to check on their kitchens as well and many of the other health issues that arise in the town.

How did you get into the health field?

I studied biology and environmental science at Fairfield University. I received both my undergraduate and graduate there. I then worked in the Health Departments of Monroe, Newtown and Orange. When I was working in Orange then First Selectman Tony Colonnese called me and said Easton needs a health officer. Since I was already living here it was an easy decision to make. That was 18 years ago.

You currently have some of your quilts displayed at the . what can you tell me about the show?

I had done a show several years ago at the library and they requested that I do one again. So I went to my group, Fiber Hearts, and asked the members to brainstorm and we put together the exhibit.

What is Fiber Hearts?

Fiber Hearts is a group of quilters and sewers and we make quilts for various organizations. Our biggest one is the Linus Project, a group that distributes blankets to kids going into the hospital for cancer treatment. We also sew pillowcases for ConnKerr an organization that distributes them to children spending a night at the hospital and our newest project Little Dresses for Africa finds us making dresses to order for children in that country. We will be holding a fund-raising event at the library in the near future for this to help buy supplies to make the dresses.

What got you into quilting?

I was a sewer all my life. My family was poor and my mother told me that if I wanted nice clothing I would have to make it myself. I took some quilting classes when I was pregnant with my daughter and I have been quilting for the past 20 years.

Where can people buy your quilts and bags? (see photos)

I sell my work by word of mouth. If someone would like me to make a quilt I will make one, otherwise it’s a hobby and I give the quilts away.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I go to quilt shows, magazines, the outdoors and other artists. I am not a modern quilter I am much more traditional in my style.

What is your favorite thing about Easton?

I like the fact that we have fought off the development that would have made us over crowded and commercialized like some of our neighboring towns.