TISDALE — Nineteen quilters displayed about 106 quilts at the bi-annual Tisdale Quilters show.
Quilts ranged from images of coffee to bedazzled patterns.
“There are members that quilt non-stop, apparently,” said Helen Gress, president of the Tisdale Quilters. “Some of them are very passionate and go about it like a job. And then there are others who do one or two. There are many people, about 13 or so who go once a month, so here in addition to sewing at home.”
She admitted she may have exaggerated when she said they treat it like a job.
“But there are several women who create in excess of 20 quilts in a year, and that’s a lot.”
At the show, the Tisdale Quilters donated quilts to North East Outreach and Support Services, as well as to the Make a Wish Foundation. This resulted in 40 quilts being donated at the show.
“We feel good about making a quilt, knowing it’s going to go to someone who is experiencing a tough time in their life.”
Charity quilts are typically once a done a year.
Ruth Howes, North East Outreach’s director of operations, said the quilts will go towards families in their shelter.
“Each time that a resident moves out, their bed is made up with a new quilt and a new pillow in it,” Howes said. “And when they leave they get to take their new pillow and new quilt with them. It’s a nice little piece of home and it’s something they can take forward with them into their new lives.”
She said that while they could buy blankets for them, having a homemade quilt is different.
“This comes from the love and the heart of the people that have made these quilts and that makes them just a little bit extra special. And there is something about having a quilt on your bed that is handmade that is just seems a little warmer or cozier than a blanket from the shelf.”
Gress said she was happy with the show this year.
“We’re happy with the number of door prize raffle items... We’re happy with the number of visitors, and we’re happy with the response from the visitors.”
