Quilters guild shares memories
The Martha Washington Quilters Guild is celebrating 35 years of promoting quilts in all forms, and according to Melanie Scott, “you couldn’t learn from a better group of ladies.”
On Friday and Saturday, the group’s talents will be evident when members host their 2015 Quilt Show at Church of the Covenant, 267 E. Beau St., Washington. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
The guild has adopted a vintage theme, and it will raffle a quilt, “Vintage Memories,” that was made by its members. In addition, more than 200 quilt entries will be displayed, including 102 heirloom quilts, and there will be demonstrations, vendors and a flea market. Lunch also will be provided by Presbyterian Women of Church of the Covenant.
Scott, who has been a member of the guild for nearly seven years, is serving as chairwoman of her third show.
“It’s a complicated undertaking. You have to have a certain amount of crazy,” she said. “Everyone puts so much time and effort into it. A lot of quilts are vintage quilts, and they are not allowed to be hung. They must be placed on a rack or ladder because they are so fragile.
“We are running out of room. I hate to say cut down the entries because of the enthusiasm. I can’t wait to see it.”
Among the entries is an 1845 quilt that was made by a young girl who died when she was 21 years old.
Each show also includes a fabric challenge, and this year it’s Crazy Blocks, which will showcase members’ creativity and handiwork. More than 40 blocks were made by 30 women.
“We all get the same requirements, but how each person translates that is different,” member Sue James said. “We incorporated fabric of two longtime members. It’s not just a mishmash of fabric.
“Some members do hand work, others sew. One person is meticulous on stitches; I like hand work. We’ve very proud of this quilt. It showcases so many talents.”
In addition to visually sharing their craft, members of the guild also reach out to various charitable organizations throughout the year. In fact, proceeds from the show will be used to benefit the guild’s outreach programs. Members make:
• Comfort quilts for Washington County Children and Youth Services.
• Pillowcases for the Million Pillowcase Project and ConKerr Cancer. This year, the guild has donated 263 pillowcases, which will be given to children undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments at local hospitals.
• Christmas stockings, which are filled for U.S. military personnel on the front lines and in military hospitals and distributed through Boastie’s Boxes.
• Pillowcase-style dresses for at-risk girls in underprivileged areas of the United States and around the world in conjunction with Little Dresses for Africa.
• Quilts for veterans through Quilts of Valor and Paralyzed Veterans.
The guild also assembles a quilt containing messages of love and support that were made at the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure, then donated to an area hospital, and members made 35 dog beds for the Washington Area Humane Society.
“It’s a nice way to deal with scraps,” Scott said, referring to the dog beds. Added James, “It’s one more way to recycle.”
Members donate fundraising items for Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Mrs. Claus Club, which provides wigs for cancer patients, and a conducts a book drive for the Church of the Covenant Preschool. They also participate in Farm Heritage Day at the SpringHouse Country Market and Restaurant and Artisans Day at the Washington County Fair.
In January, the guild began conducting a mentoring program for 13 young quilters, the youngest of whom was 6 years old. Eight of their quilts will be displayed at the show.
“We’re a sentimental group of ladies, and a very spiritual group,” James said. “We see it as giving a part of ourselves. For certain people, it’s their passion.”
Admission is $6 at the door, or $10, which includes two quilt raffle tickets. For more information, email Melanie Scott at melaniebethscott@yahoo.com or visit the guild’s website, www.marthawashingtonquiltersguild.com.