Batavia display shows what artists can do with needle and thread

Bonita Deering knows there are some really talented quilt artists in the Fox Valley, judging by the work she sees in classes at her Prairie Shop Quilts in Batavia.

But usually the public does't get to see them, as most quilters just show them to friends and family.

"Let's see if we can get them to come out of the sewing room," she said to her husband - and they came up with "Mission: Seams Impossible."

The results of the contest's latest theme are the first thing visitors see upon entering the "Threads From Past to Present" Quilt and Textile Show: 15 quilters' interpretations of "America the Beautiful."

The contest began in January with "Read Between the Lines," with a librarian as a guest judge. Other monthly themes were Abraham Lincoln; "Man's Best Friend," in which one quilter chose remote controls; greeting cards; and desserts.

"It was the most fun thing to do," said Mary Beth Clark of South Elgin. Her quilt was a map of the U.S. on a background of the American flag. The map consisted of people's faces and handwritten names of volunteer organizations. Stitched into the flag's stripes were additional verses she and sister-in-law Diane Tehan of Thailand wrote for the famous patriotic song, honoring the spirit of volunteers.

The quilts were among more than 150 on display at the show, which continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Eastside Community Center, Wilson and Van Buren streets, Batavia. It is sponsored by the Batavia Park District.

Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for people 60 and older and free to those 10 and younger. For a discount coupon, visit bataviaparks.org.

One of the most noteworthy quilts is one called "Ground Zero," a Lone Star pattern made of photos of the faces of the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks on the U.S.

Next to it is another one by the same artist, drawing plenty of "oohs": a 15,000-piece king-size miniature nine-patch, with some pieces not much bigger than a thumbnail.

There's a state fair champion quilt.

And then there's "Purple Passion," incorporating Crown Royal whiskey bags at the request of the quilter's father, who thought the bags were neat. It was the last quilt she worked on before he died. Besides the interesting use of lighter purple pieces to contrast with the bags, "I like the story behind it," said viewer Carolyn Jones of Glen Ellyn.

Many quilts had stories behind them, such as one whose pieces were put together in the 1880s by a man taking the "rest cure" for tuberculosis; his granddaughter and great-granddaughter finished it in the 1970s. Or another featuring red and blue embroidery because the quilter's mother got tired of working with all red.

"I don't quilt, but I've had such an appreciation for the beauty of the quilt," said Carla Hill, Batavia Depot Museum director and show organizer.