MOUNT GILEAD — About 200 vibrant, multi-colored quilts were on display Saturday at Park Avenue Elementary School. The “Garden of Quilts” show filled the room with a riot of colors in a variety of quilting techniques.

The quilts were made by 60 members of the Morrow County Quilting Guild who come from Morrow County and several surrounding counties.

The Quilting Guild celebrated their 25th year with their Biennial Quilt Show this year. The guild named Linda Miller 2017 “Honored Quilter.” It’s an honor given to only one member of the guild at the quilt show and Miller said she was surprised and delighted.

Miller is one of the original five women who started the quilting guild in 1992. Miller said she had never quilted before, but liked sewing and had sewn for many years, beginning in 4-H. She said she “started quilting when the quilt guild started.”

“I enjoy designing quilts and like challenges that teach new skills,” Miller said.

Quilting Guild President, Julie Blankenship said she had never quilted before joining the guild. Her grandmother quilted and she said she wanted to learn and found that there is every level of quilter in the guild. She said that guild members were very helpful in teaching her. There is also a yearly retreat where members share ideas and learn new techniques.

Members also donate a quilt when they are able, for one of the organizations the guild supports. Several quilts in the show are headed for veterans, Heartbeat of Morrow County or Snuggled in Hope at Flying Horse Farm.

One popular activity at the show the past two years is the “Bed Turning” of members’ quilts. Cheryl Jason brought a Daisy Quilt made by her great-grandmother, Mary Hupfer had a Flying Geese quilt made with material from Alaska and Judy Rollenhagen brought a quilt made in 1,000 pieces of silk fabric.

Each member is asked to bring a quilt that has a special story.

Co-chairmen for the event were Robin Jordan and Kim Porter. They join Julie Blankenship in welcoming all to attend and join the guild. Meetings are the third Saturday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Gilead.

Viewers’ Choice and Raffle results of the quilt show

The “Viewers’ Choice Ballot” results were: Hand quilted bed quilt, first place – Dianne Connell, second place – June Boner; Machine quilted bed quilt, first – Carol Williams, second – Robin Jordan; Hand quilted lap quilt, first – Kim Porter, second – Kim Porter; Machine quilted lap quilt, first– Margaret Sterry, second, Suzanne Beck;

Crib Quilt –first – Suzanne Beck, second – Dorothy Houpt; Wall Hanging, first – Brenda Gompf, second – Susan Zurc; Applique quilt, first – Linda Miller; Mixed technique, first – Carol Williams, second Margaret Sterry; Miniature Quilt – first, Carol Williams, second – Marcella Garverick; Antique quilt, first – Judy Rollenhagen, second – Kim Porter; Personal Item, first – Linda Miller; Home Décor, first – Stacy Coons, second – Judy Rollenhagen.

The raffle quilt was won by Tammy Millisor. Proceeds for the raffle go to the Humane Society, Hospice, Park Avenue School for hosting the event and First Presbyterian Church for hosting the guild every month.

Quilters, from left, Cheryl Jason, Kristin Crump and Kim Porter who participated in a “Bed Turning.” Each member of the guild brought a quilt with a special story. This 1,000-piece quilt was made by Judy Rollenhagen.
http://www.morrowcountysentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2017/10/web1_quilt.jpgQuilters, from left, Cheryl Jason, Kristin Crump and Kim Porter who participated in a “Bed Turning.” Each member of the guild brought a quilt with a special story. This 1,000-piece quilt was made by Judy Rollenhagen.

The 2017 “Honored Quilter” Linda Miller with the display of many of her quilts and over 100 ribbons from county fairs.
http://www.morrowcountysentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2017/10/web1_quilttwo.jpgThe 2017 “Honored Quilter” Linda Miller with the display of many of her quilts and over 100 ribbons from county fairs.

By Alberta Stojkovic

The Sentinel