Quilt show this weekend
The Valley Quilt Guild will pay homage to the traveling spirit of its members as the 34th Annual Quilt Show begins today with a theme of “On the Road Again.”
DeRay Jensen, quilt show chair, said the theme of the show was inspired by a quote from a Stephen Ambrose book. The quote dealt with the completion of the transcontinental railroad in the mid-19th century and how fast man could travel.
Jensen saw a correlation between many guild members who are retired and spend a lot of time traveling.
Over 220 quilts will be on display through the weekend, including a number of quilts which were given away as part of its annual raffle in years past.
A patriotic-themed quilt which pays homage to the history of the United States is the showcase. Jensen said this year’s quilt is special, since this particular design came to him in a dream.
Jensen, who started quilting in 1996, joined the Valley Quilt Guild in 2004 after he visited the quilt show.
“If you’ve never been to a quilt show, the first thing that will catch your eye is the color,” said Jensen. “There is such a tremendous variety of color. If you look closer at them, you will see how intricate they are. It reaches out to you as you see each one is a work of art.”
In addition to quilts, this year’s show will display 34 windsocks, which will be hung within the exhibition building and outside. The windsocks, which are yards long, further accent the color of the event, said Jensen.
Demonstration of quilt techniques will be available through the weekend. Products and services from 22 vendors will also be in attendance. A number of quilts from its junior members, under he age of 18, will be on display. Stephen’s Farm House, located in Yuba City, will be the food vendor. Corporate sponsor Sunsweet will organize raffle baskets.
According to Jensen, the weekend’s event is the main form of income for the guild.
Proceeds from the event are used to create quilting classes and arrange monthly meetings which include guest speakers.
The Valley Quilt Guild is active in the community and donates a number of quilts from its members throughout the year. Donations include the Sutter Breast Cancer Quilt Auction and the Camp Singer Guidance Center of the Sutter County Juvenile Hall.