Pine Needlers put on colorful quilt show

Pine Needlers Jan Andrews-McKirdie, Martha Cathcart, Neva McCarty and Joan Weiler enjoy a break at the quilt show. Photo by Conrad Weiler

The winter crowd that visited Camp Sherman's Community Hall last Sunday was treated to another colorful Pine Needlers quilt show.

Quilters displayed their wares throughout the historic hall's main floor. Upstairs, the attic displays were more fanciful and included teddy bears, a favorite with the young in age and heart, clothing items and smaller quilts.

But this quilt show is more than items presented. It is friends, new and old, meeting each other and exchanging winter news and other information. It is love as expressed in many of the quilts made for family weddings, graduations, friendships and remembrance of past family members. It is also a recording of history, past achievements and future hopes.

"Coxcomb and Applique" was a top made by Elinor Wilson Lowe in 1850 at Monticello, Indiana and finished by her great granddaughter Joann Myers, of Bend, in 2001.

"What a beautiful inspirational quilt for all of us," said Andrea Balosky, master quilter, as people admired the intricacy of the work.

Another outstanding quilt story was told by Jan Andrews-McKirdie in her "The Colors of Fort Rock."

She explained, "My husband and I took a day trip to Fort Rock. The wildflowers were in bloom, but in that dry desert terrain, they were few and far between. Each bloom was a special joy. There were many shades of purple -- from the lightest lavender to the brightest of pink purple -- all tucked in amongst the sage to silver green shrubs. This color palette was so beautiful that I had to quilt it."

Kathy Blann's fanciful "Frolicking Frogs," a large green quilt, was made for her four-year old nephew as a loving Christmas present. Her large "Map of the U.S." quilt was made for her 13-year- old daughter so she could display all the pins (geographical locations) she collected from National History day in Washington, D.C. in 2001.

Andrea Balosky offered "Small Boxes," a scrappy quilt with the usual fascinating detail from this gifted artist.

Tonye Phillips presented "Windowbox," a container quilt appliqued and quilted by hand.

"Being an avid gardener, most of my 'containers' are overflowing with flowers. The 'folk art' flavor has always been part of my quilts," said Phillips.

Barbara Haynes exhibited "Oak Leaves and Acorns" (artist unknown), a beautiful blue and white quilt she had purchased in Yachats on the Oregon Coast.

"I found this quilt in an antique store folded up in a back room. I had to buy it and honor the beautiful, meticulous handwork on it. The stitching is so perfect," said Haynes.

Beth Van Campen exhibited berets, caps, sweaters and vests with her beautiful needlework.

Kim Addison enhanced the variety of the show with the lovely addition of fabric bowls and folk art patterns on display.

Ann Schreiner prepared tasty food, including hearty soups, desserts and beverages.

Once again Pine Needler pot holders were very popular as gift purchase items.

Pine Needler Wanda Stevens and her dog Rusty slept over in the Community Hall on Saturday night guarding the show's contents.