Hundreds flock to Camp Sherman quilt show

Nearly 700 people attended the Pine Needlers quilt display on July 11.

Dozens of quilts lined the Camp Sherman Community Hall, even up to the rafters.

The Pine Nuts were in the back selling sandwiches, fruit and other savory treats (including cake) to raise funds for the Community Center.

They sang out their rallying cry: "When the quilt show comes each year they say, go, you Pine Nuts! Always glad to help my dear. Let's go you Pine Nuts!"

The Pine Needlers now have two authors in their midst. Tonye Belinda Phillips was at the show with her new book: "Hand Appliquéd Quilts Whimsical Designs and Simple Techniques." The upper floor of the community hall was filled with her quilts.

Last week's story on the Pine Needlers incorrectly stated that Phillips was the group's first author. That honor in fact goes to Andrea Balosky, who moved to India about three years ago.

Balosky wrote "Transitions, Unlocking the Creative Quilter Within." Pine Needler Susan Shaull referred to Balosky as a mentor to their group who taught them the tricks of the trade.

Shaull has been with the guild about seven years. She started sewing when she was in high school and even took in sewing when she was a young wife. This year she had a quilt on display she started in a "mystery class." She made it as a tablecloth to go with a wall hanging. She subsequently sold the table and moved the wall hanging. Now the quilt hangs on a special rack, made from driftwood by her husband, who is one of the Pine Nuts.

Projects created in a mystery class remain a mystery until the end, or so the "author" of the mystery hopes. The author defines parameters and gives hints about the theme of the quilt over a period of time.

Liz Weeks, of Sisters, is also a member of East Cascade Quilters. She joined the Pine Needlers when she and her husband stayed briefly at Camp Sherman's RV park while their house was being built.

Her mother taught her to sew, and this year she displayed a quilt for which she did the quilting and her mother did the embroidery.

As artistic and difficult as the finished products look, several members have said anyone can learn to quilt. Just take it step by step and you will be surprised at what you can create.