LOOKING FORWARD – Around The Frame

As exciting as 2015 was, 2016 looks to bring even more excitement to the local quilt scene.

On Saturday, March 19, International Quilting Day will once again be celebrated as the Appleseed Quilter’s Guild hosts the 26th Annual Gathering of Quilters at Wayne High School from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. In 2014 nearly 800 quilters attended The Gathering and they expect to exceed that count this year. This year’s theme is “Better Quilting Through Education”.

This year’s featured speaker is nationally known teacher, quilt designer and fabric designer Pat Sloan. Pat will share stories that present a fun and entertaining look at her life as a quilter, give tips and ideas to help inspire quilters to try new techniques and how to use color to highlight the fabrics in their quilts.

Besides a quilt exhibit featuring quilts inspired by national speakers who visited the guild over the past year, there will be opportunities to have your scissors sharpened, your quilts appraised by AQS certified appraiser Donna Kooistra, enter the ugly fabric exchange and quilt contest, show and tell and find the latest the quilting world has to offer in the vendor’s mall.

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One of the highlights of The Gathering will be the raffle of the quilt “Whispered Lace” designed by Amy Ellis, made by Julie Farrimond of AQG and quilted by Cindi Fletcher. The quilt comes from a book of modern quilt patterns and will be the first modern quilt the guild raffles. Proceeds benefit a most worthy cause: The Fort Wayne Rescue Mission. If you desire lunch, you need to pre-register by March 1. Entry and lunch is $20. Walk-in guests will be charged $15 and receive a shopping bag with a commemorative pin (while supplies last). Lunch and door prize opportunities won’t be included.

For more information go to: www.appleseedquiltersguild.com
Next up is String-A-Long Quilt Guild’s 16th Biennial Quilt Show.

Over 300 of the members’ quilt art pieces will be on display Friday-Saturday, April 2-3 at the Porter County Expo Center, Valparaiso, Indiana. The show features raffles, silent auction, a boutique area and vendors galore. This show serves the nicest lunch catered by Susie’s Café.

Come by Born Again Quilts to pick up a coupon to save a dollar on the regular $6 admission. For more information go to: stringalongqg@yahoo.com.

On April 8-9 Blessed are the Piecemakers of Harlan United Methodist Church, 16434 SR 37, Harlan will hold their 5th biennial quilt show from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The theme is Pink: The Color of Spring. Project Linus quilts will also be on display. On Saturday at 1 p.m. there will be an old-fashion bed-turning featuring quilts from various time periods. Sandi Brothers of A Quilt of Many Colors will vend quilt products.

A contemporary quilt wall hanging will be raffled to benefit the church’s ministry programs.

Admission is $5. Lunch is $5 for the “meal deal” or ala carte.

Anyone wishing to exhibit a vintage or contemporary quilt (not necessarily pink) may do so. Contact Rose at (260) 657- 5768. Deadline is April 1.

So mark your calendars, choose your designated driver and plan to feast your eyes on the talents of Northern Indiana quilters! A lot of hard work goes into these shows and the members appreciate your support.

Lois Levihn is the owner of Born Again Quilts restoration studio and vintage quilt gallery. Located at 4005 South Wayne Avenue, the hours are Wednesday 5:30-7p.m., Saturdays 9-2p.m. or by appointment.