The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Fabric artists featured at Quilts 2019 show
The popular quilt show is underway and taking place Tuesdays through Sundays until March 10.
For 28 years collections of creative, colorful quilts have transformed the visitors center at Lake Metroparks Farmpark into an art gallery of its own.
The popular quilt show is underway and taking place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays until March 10. It will also be open on Presidents Day, Feb. 18.
Quilts 2019 showcases 178 quilts of varied styles, designs and techniques ranging in size from a small block of fabric to those large enough to cover a kingsized bed.
The beauty and craftsmanship of each piece created by area quilters as well as some from surrounding states draws about 10,000 visitors each year, according to special events assistant Andrea Pasquale.
“For wintertime it’s so nice to come in and forget about the weather and just look at all the beautiful quilts,” Pasquale said.
Pat Raymond of Willoughby and Susan Strauss of Willowick were doing just that on a recent wet, windy day. Admittedly not quilters themselves, the pair dubs themselves “wannabes.”
“We come every year and talk about it, but never do anything about it,” Raymond said with a laugh. “The quilts are just stunning.”
Earning Best of Show honors and hanging front and center in the visitors center this year is “Ladies of the Sea” created by Shirley Tchou of Pepper Pike.
The intricate, detailed piece comprised of symmetrical blocks featuring various sea-faring vessels took the quilter several years to complete.
“Periodic Table of Quilting and Embroidery” by Jan Wheeler of Mentor is another submission drawing attention. Completed in black and white, the work resembles a standard chemical table of elements but instead highlights stitchingrelated terms.
Information posted near the quilt quotes Wheeler: “It was a large undertaking, sewing 99 squares together, row by row, but it was worth it…so pleased with the results of all my hard work!”
Throughout the show workshops in which quilters may perfect their craft take place.
On Feb. 12 Felice Dahlhausen, creator of Felice Quilt Designs, assisted several women working with wool quilts.
Retired physician Dr. Jill Baley of Pepper Pike attended the session.
“There’s a feeling out there that only little old ladies do this, but there are a lot of professionals who (quilt) to destress and create something beautiful in the process,” she said.
As Sandy Hommel of Willoughby pressed varied shapes of wool for her quilt work, she noted that she’s enjoyed the hobby for more than 10 years and loves to take classes to learn new things. Her submission in the miniatures category of the show three years ago earned third place honors.
Hanging the quilts presents somewhat of a challenge for Pasquale and other staffers because of the visitor center’s diversified design.
“Unlike a convention center we can’t hang categories together,” Pasquale said. “Sometimes I have to put the quilts just where they fit in the space.”
The task of setting up for the show takes about 2 1/2 weeks. Disassembling the presentation is much less laborious, requiring only a few hours of time.
Although the majority of quilts are picked up by their owners to display in their homes after the show, some are professionally appraised and sold. Pasquale said prices can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on several factors, including quality
and craftsmanship.
Those interested in demonstrations and purchasing equipment and materials for quilting are invited to attend Quilt Vendor Days March 1-3.
For more information on Quilts 2019 visit https://bit. ly/2I7yIY3.