Quilt and Textile Show returns to Batavia this weekend
According to a recent Quilting in America survey, there are 16 million active quilters in the United States. That means one out of every 20 Americans quilts.
"Almost everyone knows someone who quilts or they own a quilt that was made for them," said Bonita Deering, owner of Prairie Shop Quilts in Batavia.
Batavia's Quilt and Textile Show will be held at historic Shannon Hall this weekend. The show brings quilters from the Midwest in to see the amazing display of fabric art.
"Quilts have a way of bringing back fond memories. I think people come to the show to relive those memories," said Deering. "I hear from people all the time, 'My grandma made a quilt for me. I've had it forever. It's worn and has holes in it, but I love it."
Quilters not only come to the show to see the art and craftsmanship, they come to learn and to find new materials. In 2014, quilters spent $3.76 billion. It is a growing industry with new quilters getting involved each year.
The Batavia quilt show offers an opportunity for both new and experienced quilters to learn new techniques and see a variety of quilts.
"The quilt show offers very basic quilts and very intricate ones," Deering said. "Beginners can see what appeals to them in design and color and go from there. The demos given by teachers from Prairie Shop Quilts teach a variety of techniques for all levels and are a great jumping off point to get into quilting. "
This year's Quilt and Textile Show will feature a special exhibit of patriotic quilts and the quilt from Quilts of Valor. The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover all combat service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Through the efforts of the foundation, quilters across the country have made over 40,000 "Quilts of Valor" and presented them to combat veterans from all military branches, including World War II veterans, Vietnam War veterans, and active duty service members.
"With the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the 40th anniversary of end of the Vietnam War and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, these quilts have special meaning," said Carla Hill, Depot Museum director and show organizer.
Throughout the weekend, there will be special demos and classes as well as a presentation, "I Quilt, Therefore, I Am" by textile artist Laura Wasilowski. A vendors area offers the latest in quilting materials, fabrics, and instruction books.
Sandwiches, snacks and beverages will be available for purchase at the show from Valley Sheltered Workshop in Batavia. Valley Sheltered Workshop is a nonprofit organization that provides physically and mentally challenged adults a place of employment.
The real star of the show is the actual exhibit in Shannon Hall. Over 100 beautiful quilts from across the Midwest show the artistry and creativity of the artists who spent countless hours designing and stitching the fabric art. Local quilters from the Prairie Star Quilters Guild of St. Charles will be exhibiting their 2014 challenge of creating quilts that represent their memories of their hometowns.
"Quilts are works of art," said Deering, who sponsors the show each year. "Quilts tell stories. They bring warmth and comfort. What's not to love about that?"
The show takes place from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 17-19, at Shannon Hall, Eastside Community Center, 14 N. Van Buren St., Batavia. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for children ages 10 and younger. For details, visit www.bataviaquiltshow.com/.
If you go
What: Batavia Quilt and Textile Show
When: 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 17-19
Where: Shannon Hall, Eastside Community Center, 14 N. Van Buren St., Batavia. Admission: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for children ages 10 and younger
Details: Visit <a href="http://www.bataviaquiltshow.com">www.bataviaquiltshow.com</a>/.