Pine Needlers host winter quilt show

A light dusting of snow added a festive seasonal touch to the annual Pine Needlers winter quilt show held last Sunday, February 20, at the historic Camp Sherman Community Hall.

A steady flow totaling hundreds of people strolled through the hanging quilts downstairs, admired and examined the materials and exhibits upstairs, talked with friends, or enjoyed the food service provided by the Pine Nuts club.

The colorful and artistic quilts hanging from the ceiling had attached story cards that told memorable tales:

“This quilt (Dresden Plate) was lovingly made by my husband’s grandmother,” read one by Marcia Dern.

“She was a prolific quilter and I was blessed to receive this quilt upon her death. Thank you Grandma Grace.”

During the day, music wafted through the quilt-crowded hall as Bill Johnson and Doug Phillips softly played their guitars.

Gifted quilter Tonye Phillips continued her ‘container’ presentations with a colorful Fruit Basket quilt. She also displayed another vibrant quilt, “Viva Mexico.”

“This quilt was inspired by a nine-month trip my husband, our two sons, and our dog took to Mexico on our sailboat,” said Phillips. “The colors are so ‘Mexico’.”

“Snowflake,” a quilt made by Jan Andrews-McKirdie, was quite appropriate on the snowy, winter day.

“This quilt was the last in Diane Phalen quilt book and it just cried out to me, ‘Choose me, choose me.’ So I did,” said McKirdie. “It has been hanging in our home during January this year and both my husband and I really enjoy it.”

Once again, potholders were popular sale items. These are made by “Pine Needlers” and friends and make wonderful gifts or a remembrance of the show.

Helen Mason had her “Challenge Quilt” on display.

“It was a challenge because of its size. Also, it was a modified ‘log cabin’ with a tree and other items added,” said Mason. “I learned a lot about drafting on this project.”

Kathy Bourdage displayed the “Laurel and Hardy” quilt she had made for her son, Scott, a fan of the old-time comedians.

One of the prettiest and largest quilts at the show was Carole Vogeltanz’s “Flying Home,” a bird theme quilt.

Scholarships for local students have been given out for many years by the Pine Needlers from money received during the show. Alan Dale and Bill Young, the most recent students honored, each received $500 awards in 2004.

The Pine Needlers group has donated more than $10,000 for various projects over the last six years.