West Virginia State Folk Festival

Thimbles and Threads Quilt Guild Show

By: Brenda K. McCartney

 

What do you do with a thimble, pins, needles, thread, and material? Let the Thimbles and Thread Quilt Guild show you, as they have been busy again this year using these items to make beautiful quilts!

 

This past year, their participation in the national program, “Quilts of Valor,” has resulted in presenting five quilts to local veterans. Even as you read this article, more quilts are in the making to be presented at the Senior Center this fall, 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. Over 180 of these quilts have been given since the beginning, several years ago.

 

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 have added 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.

 

The members are anxious to share their ideas, skills, and beautiful quilts with you! So---take a few minutes and stop by the Trinity United Methodist Church on Main Street and see the display! There may be some of the members actually quilting!

 

The Quilt Display will be open on Friday, June 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday, June 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

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.