The Turlock Quilt Guild will be showing its colors on Feb. 18 and 19 at its annual quilt show. The “Stars Among Us” themed show will feature a special presentation to United States veterans by Quilts of Honor.
The presentation of quilts to veterans of foreign wars is a regular thing for Quilts of Honor. The group hopes to honor members of the military by showing them appreciation for sacrifice and service. Their hope is that quilts will provide comfort, love and healing to veterans who have dedicated themselves to service in the United States military. A group of veterans will be presented with quilts at the show.
“We want to thank these military men for all that they have done,” said Mary Ann Bloom, show coordinator.
The show will include quilts by members of the Turlock Quilt Guild, along with other local quilters. Around 155 quilts or examples of needlework will be on display. The show’s featured artist is Barbara Barker, now president of the Turlock Quilt Guild. Members nominated Barker as this year’s featured artist.
Barker’s love of sewing started 60 years ago when her grandmother taught her embroidery and sewing. She remembers making clothing and using her grandmother’s treadle sewing machine. She made all her own clothes through high school. Later, she made clothing for her children and pajamas for her grandchildren.
Barker is involved in Quilts of Honor, which is based out of Valley Springs. She was awarded a City of Turlock proclamation for her donation of time and quilts. She said she started by adding backing to the finished quilt tops, and got more involved as time went on. One of her quilts was delivered to a veteran with her name and phone number accidently attached. That veteran called Barker, and she said they both ended up crying.
“That was when I knew I just had to keep doing it,” she said.
The Quilts of Honor presentation will take place at 11 a.m. on Feb. 18. The show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 18 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 19. There will be more than 20 vendors at the show, all offering craft and quilt related items. There will also be food for sale and demonstrations by experienced quilters.
Admission to the Turlock Quilt Guild Show is $7, but children under 12 and veterans are free. The event will be held at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway.
To contact Andrea Goodwin, e-mail agoodwin@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2003.
