Excitement builds as annual quilt show approaches
THE FLAT-IRON Quilting Guild’s 2019 Raffle Quilt, “Reflections,” will be given away at the Quilt Show at 3 p.m., April 13, at Thompson Falls High School gym. Funds help the Guild provide free quilts for cancer patients and families in distress. (Photo courtesy of Flat-Iron Quilting Guild)
One of the premiere art events of the year, the 2019 Flat-Iron Quilting Guild Annual Quilt Show, is Saturday, April 13, in the Thompson Falls High School gymnasium. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
The theme for this year’s show, “Reflections,” acknowledges that the group is celebrating being 30 years old. Theme colors — purple, green, and white — are traditional 30th anniversary colors. Members often create quilts that incorporate the annual theme.
Valerie Hoynacki, a guild member for the past five years, was chosen as this year’s featured quilter. She will have her own booth where event-goers can visit with the artist and see several of her quilting creations.
Admission of $3 includes a boutique of items hand-crafted by Guild members, free refreshments, and the 4-H Fashion Review at 2 p.m., where youth showcase their own-sewn fashions.
“The Guild makes lap- and child-sized quilts to be given to many people in need of a ‘warm hug,’” says Hoynacki in a press release about the show. “Currently we are working with the Sanders County Cancer Network, Sanders County Coalition for Families (SCCFF) and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Each member is asked to make only one charity lap quilt a year as well as an item for the boutique. The Guild supplies fabric and batting for the charity quilts members make.
“To support these efforts, the Guild creates a raffle quilt, sponsors this quilt show and sells items at its boutique at the show and yearly at the Huckleberry Festival.” Many quilts, lovingly created and donated by the members, are available free for any local cancer patient to choose from at several county businesses.
THE SHOW will include a section of antique quilts, and prize-winning quilts from past shows, and an opportunity to vote on your favorite quilt for the “People’s Choice” Award. Any quilters who would like to display their antique quilts will find an entry form at www.Facebook.com/FlatironQuiltingGuild, or through Mary Anne’s Fabric Shop in Plains (406-826-3777). Entry forms must be received by March 29, mailed to: Ella Larson (406-827-1938) 60 Swamp Creek Loop. Trout Creek, MT, 59874 or emailed completed form as a PDF to flatironquiltingguild@yahoo.com.
Raffle tickets for this year’s king-sized “Reflections” quilt that has been on display at First Security Bank in Plains will be available at the show, with the winner being drawn at 3 p.m.
Says Hoynacki, “Flat Iron Quilting Guild always welcomes new members from beginners to experienced. The Guild meets monthly for a few hours of “open sewing” or a workshop and a regular group meeting. The camaraderie of the group is supportive and inspiring to enhance the love of quilting. We are also always appreciative of any donated material, partially finished blocks and quilt tops, or any quilting supplies.”