Thimbles and Threads Quilt Guild Show

By: Brenda K. McCartney

 

What do you do with a thimble, pins, needles, thread, and material? Perhaps a make a quilt! A quilt begins with a scrap of material, made into a large enough throw to keep you warm in the winter and also, be passed down through generations with love and affection. Some of these quilts will be on display at the Trinity United Methodist Church, on Main Street. So, stop by! The Quilt Guild may have some members actually quilting and they would love to share some of their quilting ideas and skills with you.

 

As in past years, the Quilt Guild has participated in the "Quilts of Valor" national program. In 2024, the Guild was able to give five quilts to local veterans. These quilts were presented to Ronal Bonnett, Richard Freeman, Jerry Helmick, Layne Jenkins, and David Kemper, at the annual Veterans Program at the Gilmer County Senior Center, in November. Even as you read this article, more quilts are being made to be presented to more veterans, in recognition of their service to our country. Other projects include "Quilts for Kids". These quilts are presented to youngsters, who suffer from illness and trauma. Since the Guild started the "Quilts for Kids Project" over 180 quilts have been made.

 

In addition to these group projects, some of the members have their own projects, which they share with family and friends, and often display for public viewing. Some of these members items have been displayed at the Cultural Center in Charleston.

 

As in past years, the members of the Guild, have made some aprons, potholders, and other articles. This year they may have pin cushions and hanging cathedral window squares-with musical instruments on them.   All of these lovely articles will be for sale. Proceeds from these sales go toward purchasing more materials and to help defray the cost of making the quilts for the Veterans and the youngsters.

 

Thanks to all who have stopped by in the past and please, stop by again this year!

 

The Quilt Display will be open on Friday, June 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday, June 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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Results of Thimbles and Threads Quilt Guild Show-2024 by: Caren White

 

Last year, people who stopped by the SHOW were not just from West Virginia. In fact, there were some 225 names on the guest book, with eleven states represented. Some Festival goers came from California, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Michigan, and other states.

 

Viewers voted for their favorite quilt in multiple categories.  The votes were tallied and the winners were as followed:

 

1. On Cloud Nine-by Caren White

2. Cardinals and Dog Wood Flowers-Pat Self

3. Take Me  Home--Kayla Stewart

4. Bucket Hat--Angela Mitchel

5. Lilly Pad-Dreama Rose

6. Butterflies-Pat Self

7. Embroidery Basket-Joan Murphy.

 

Results of Thimbles and Threads Quilt Guild Show—2023 by: Caren White

 

Last year, people who stopped by the SHOW were not just from West Virginia. Eleven other states were represented at the show—with some festival goers from New Mexico, who came the furthest distance.

 

Viewers voted for their favorite quilt in multiple categories. The votes were tallied and the winners were as followed:

 

A. King & Queen Category---Purple Grandmother’s Flower Garden—by Caren White

B. Full & Twin Category—Pink Postage Stamps—by Angie Mitchell

C. Baby & Lap Category—Geraldin’s Applique Baby Quilt—by Angie Mitchell

D. Miniatures Category—Snowman—by Drema Rose

E. Wall Hangings Category—Orange and Purple with Prairie Points—by Patty Thrasher

F. Clothing Category—Patchwork Vest—by Caren White

G. House Hold Items Category—Sewing Machine Mat with Accessories—by Drema Rose

H. Hand Quilted Category—The Green Leaves—by Heather Phares

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The Thimbles and Threads Quilt Guild had its beginning in 1997 with members meeting monthly in local churches and with holding an annual quilt show during the West Virginia Folk Festival. It is during the show that various projects and demonstrations are shared with Festival goers. Ribbons are awarded to exhibitors based on viewers’ choices in the various categories.

The guild provides many opportunities for learning the art of quilting and other needlework techniques. Members attend special workshops and shows as well as relying on their individual talents to produce many individual and group projects. Many members are active in the State of West Virginia Quilt Guild.