Small Town News

Local quilters display work

---

At one time, making quilts was a necessity, but now it has developed into an art.

Local quilter groups showcased beautiful blankets ranging in colors, patterns and technique at a quilt show held on Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27 at the National Guard Armory.

Groups represented at the show were the Susanville Scrapaholics, the Diamond Mountain Quilters and the Honey Lake Quilters.

People walked around looking at the blankets, or browsed among fabric and quilting supplies offered by vendors in attendance.

There were also raffle baskets with the proceeds going to the quilting groups.

In addition, the quilters made approximately 30 quilts that were donated to the Soaring Eagle Blue Star Moms.

According to Debbie Hicks, who meets with the Scrapaholics and the Diamond Mountain Quilters, shows have been held before, but this is the first time all the groups have gotten together for an event.

The show provides a way for the quilters to show their skills and talents as well as get new and fresh ideas for quilting projects, Hicks said.

Pat Vermillion, of Janesville, attended the event as a "wanna-be" quilter.

She said she has done some quilting, making blankets for her great grandchildren, but nothing to the caliber as some of the blankets at the show.

"I'm a fabric collector. But, I have to have an idea. It has to say something to me," she said.

Laurissa Memmott, of the Honey Lake Quilters, had seven quilts in the show and said she has been doing basic quilting for about 20 to 25 years.

Now, Memmott said she uses a long-arm machine, which stitches the top and bottom of the quilt together.

"(Quilting) is creative and fun and relaxing and I get a lot of enjoyment out of it," Memmott said.

She said she also enjoys giving quilts for gifts because it is a gift of love.

When people started making quilts, Memmott said it was because they needed blankets.

"Now it's a hobby and an art," she said.

According to Memmott, there are a lot of new products to make quilting easier and its not just cutting squares and sewing them to-* gether.

There are a lot of different quilting techniques including table runners, lap quilts, wall hangings, rag edges and appliques, which Memmott said is when people cut out pieces and sew them onto the squares.

"It's a billion dollar business now," Memmott said. "It sure is fun though. It's addicting ... in a good way."

Hicks also described quilting as an addiction.

She said it is something to do and its creative, yet challenging. Quilting, Hicks said, can be like a jigsaw puzzle in putting the pieces, colors and patterns together.

Quilting is also something Hicks said transcends generations,

She said it is an activity our grandmothers and mothers did and something mothers can pass on to their daughters.

"Even sons, as men are in the guild, too," Hicks said.

Memmott said she is teaching her 7-year-old daughter how to quilt and she got her first sewing machine at Christmas.

If anyone is interested in quilting, Memmott said joining a group is beneficial because anyone at any level, whether beginners or advance, can join.

She said the group provides advice and can help pick out fabrics, colors and patterns.

The Honey Lake Quilters meets at 6 p.m. at the Janesville Fire Hall every third Wednesday of the month.

For more information about the group call Sandy Caldwell at 253-3007.

The Scrapaholics meet at 6 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday at the Episcopal Church located at 1155 North St. in Susanville. For more information call Hicks at 257-9501,

The Diamond Mountain Quilters meet the at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at the community center on 75 North Weatherlow St. For more information call Joyce at 257-8252 or Marie t 257-5221.



Copyright 2010 Lassen County Times, Susanville, California. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 Lassen County Times Susanville, California. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

More from Lassen County Times