Quilt show celebrates art, history, skill
These are the products of the Mystery Quilt game, where they all end up with the same pattern, but each piece is as unique as the creators.
Photos by Tanna Yeoumans The States Quilt, begun by the late Jeanie Karr and finished by her daughter and two others, has every state flower embroidered on it with their respective states.
The quilts on display were all artistically crafted.
Hand painted pumpkins were for sale with proceeds going for fairground improvements.
BONNERS FERRY — With crisp fall air and the leaves making their descent from the tree tops, indoor hobbies become more pronounced as the cold months make their appearance. On Saturday, Oct. 14, local quilters came together for the Quilt Show at the Boundary County Fairgrounds.
At the entrance of the building, attendants were greeted with smiles and the offer to enter a few different raffles. In the first room, the local vendors were located. Dustin Kralik of Stealthy Skunk Gear showcased his handmade bags and other items, and Velda Williams of Stitchin’ Dreams brought cloth and pre-made quilting starter bags.
Further into the building, the eye was met with quilts hanging everywhere, as well as booths, including Quilts Beyond Borders and the Bonners Ferry Women’s Cancer Education and Support Group.
During the Quilt Show, there were demonstrations throughout the day that taught techniques such as Square-in-a-Square, taught by Teresa Rives; Barqello, taught by Velda Williams; and free-motion on a home machine, taught by Sharon Helms, with Carol Jean Hubbard ending the demonstrations with her Scrap Happy, Bowl Cozy and Mug Rug demonstrations.
Out of the many colorful quilts on display, there were some behind glass that were made during the Civil War era, one donning a fair ribbon from Iowa stitched into it, and others with dates embroidered into the pieces of cloth which showcased their uniqueness.
One of the many stories behind the hard work and intricate details of the quilts that were showcased at the Quilt Show, was one of family legacy. The late Jeanie Karr began the idea of a quilt that was made up of embroidered state flowers with the names of their respective states. She was unable to finish the project, but her daughter, Jennifer English, with the assistance of Teri Metier and Janice Roth, combined their efforts to make Karr’s vision come to life. The finished quilt was on display during the Quilt Show for all to enjoy, as well as all of the other extravagant and artistically crafted quilts that surrounded it.
The long amount of time spent indoors over the cold winter takes a toll on the amount of indoor activities one can achieve. Quilting being one of the many indoor hobbies that some in the community take on to pass the cold days, there is a group of quilters that participate in their own little game. The Mystery Quilt is a game where the group of quilters come together in order to make their individual quilts from weekly clues. Upon receiving the final clue, the quilters will know what their quilts finished look will be. Over the past three to four years, these ladies have utilized the game to help the winter pass by more quickly. All ending up with the same clues, and ultimately, the same pattern, it is noticeable how each person showcases their own artistry.
These ladies use bits of cloth, and encouragement from one another, to form a community of artists around the area who share the same goal: to not merely pass by time, but to bring a warm hug to anyone that wraps the love infused arms of every quilt around their shoulders.
Quilts Beyond Borders have come back from summer break and are beginning to meet over the winter months. They meet in the Boundary County Extension Office to offer support for local quilters both beginners and advanced. Their next meeting will be Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information on the meetings contact Carol Jean Hubbard at 208-255-6980.
The Bonners Ferry Women’s Cancer Education and Support group attended the gathering with hand painted pumpkins and a raffle for a quilt. With their motto, “We care, we’ve been there,” they are here for the community to assist with gas vouchers for those needing treatment outside of the area, as well as to provide support for families and individuals afflicted with the illness. The group is Non-Profit and has been in the area since 1996. They meet on the fourth Monday of every month at the Panhandle Health Meeting Room from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. For more information call Margaret at 208-267-3751, or Virginia at 208-267-2711.
Bonners Ferry Quilters meet every third Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Evergreen Elementary School in Moyie Springs. They use that time to host demonstrations, show and tell, host sew days, and other activities. Their next meeting is today, Oct. 19, with a sew day and potluck.