Quilting Guild hosts 25th annual show

THOMPSON FALLS – Patterns, stitches and quilts will be on everyone’s minds as the 25th Flat-Iron Quilting Guild’s annual quilt show hits Thompson Falls.

With over 200 quilts on display, the show will be the largest to hit Sanders County. After switching to a bi-annual timeline, this year’s show is expected to be even bigger and better than ever.

Nothing is off limits as the show will feature bed quilts, wall hangings, quilted bags and totes as well as quilted apparel.

Ro Fundum, quilt show chair and marketing chair, is excited to see what the show will bring to the table.

Not only is she awaiting the show with eager anticipation, she is also excited because the show helps quilters learn new techniques.

“The thing I love about the show is it helps me think outside of the box. You look and see what other people do and it opens up your mind,” Fundum said.

This year’s theme was inspired by the raffle quilt designed and crafted by members of the guild.

The theme ‘Come Fly With Us’ has inspired the subject of the kids workshop hosted at the show.

The workshop will run from 1-3 p.m. on both days of the show and will allow the kids to decorate a birdhouse.

Fundum encourages any quilter to enter their piece into the show – after all, the more the merrier. The quilter can choose whether or not they want their work judged and a number of ribbons will also be available.

Along with first, second and third place ribbons, a variety of special ribbons will be awarded. A viewer’s choice ribbon, as well as a mayor’s choice will be presented among a hand full of others.

Many of the quilts will be available for purchase and for the first year ever, the quilting guild will have a booth where charity quilts as well as a number of items for sale on displayed. A variety of vendors will also be at the event. Although many vendors have been involved in previous years, Fundum said there will be a couple of new vendors in the mix this year.

The Flat Iron Quilting Guild’s membership is always open and the guild is more than happy to help train people who have no experience in quilting.

The show will take place from 10-7 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 and 11-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. All entries must be turned into Fundum by April 22.

For more information on entries or the show in general, people are encouraged to call Ro Fundum at 827-5180.

Featured show: 

This year’s show will feature two talented quilters: Ann Lundmark and Cindy Miller. Both of the ladies are highly accomplished quilters with years of experience.

Ann Lundmark

Lundmark grew up in Minnesota and got her start with garment sewing. After deciding the west was for her and her husband, Lundmark relocated to Montana and settled in Plains in 1986. After taking a variety of classes, Lundmark’s skill level continued to increase until she became an expert. Although she is now on a break from big quilts, she devotes her time to perfecting her machine applique and working on smaller wool projects.

Cindy Miller

Miller originally was raised in Oregon but moved to Plains with her husband in 1971. Miller had strong roots with the 4-H program and learned to sew as an elementary school girl through the program. She entered county and state fairs with her project. Like Lundmark, Miller started making clothes for her family, which later expanded into making her first quilt used as a baby blanket. Largely self-taught, Miller continued perfecting her skills and considers quilting her life-long hobby.