The second annual National Quilting Day celebration presented by Mamie’s Quilters at the Eisenhower Recreation Center on Saturday was a bigger hit than the first year. More than 300 people had stopped by before noon.
“This event gives us an opportunity to demonstrate what we love doing,” said Kim Buske, coordinator for the show.
Mamie’s Quilters chapter member Patt Reed was pleased to see so many Villages quilters at the show this year and also pleased at how many repeat visitors from last year attended.
“We are really pleased with the turn out,” said Reed. “We know what a busy day it is today in The Villages.”
There was a long row of tables holding quilts that visitors were encouraged to touch and turn over. There were quilters doing demos of the different items Mamie’s Quilters make for charity including quilts for the Honor Flight participants, place mats for the Ft. McCoy VA assisted living facility near Gainesville and puppy pillows for the humane society.
Six quilts that earned awards at the recent 2017 Showcase of Quilts were on display. Quilter Martha and Paul Besse walked over to the show from their home in the Village of Collier.
“It’s a wonderful show,” said Martha.
One of the award winners Dawn Mitchell was on hand to tell the story of her first quilt which was awarded second place.
“I had been looking for a sampler. I thought that would be easier to start with,” said Mitchell. She found what she was looking for in a magazine from 1987 her husband found at a used book sale. It was a wall hanging. Working on her own, she would get frustrated from time to time with the process. Sometimes I just knew there had to be a quicker and easier way to do some of the parts than the 1987 directions. Google saved me!”
Sedgefield Terrace resident Judy Robertson brought her visiting sister, Deb Hajek, to the show.
“I am a big quilter. I am really enjoying learning the tips and techniques,” said Hajek.
The show also offered a kid’s corner giving children a chance to show their creativity. Anyone wanting to take a quilt home had the opportunity to participate in the raffle.
