Private Show

Every year for over thirty years, our church holds a quilt and needlework expo. People put their handiwork on display for others to see. Last year, I put Mom's and Gram's handiwork in the show. Many people mentioned seeing their quilts. The one Mom made using cookie cutters for patterns was popular.

Setting such an event up takes a great deal of time and effort. It means that choir rehearsal the night before the event begins is confined to the sanctuary where every pew is covered with cuddle quilts that are donated to children undergoing medical difficulties. The quilts are beautiful.

After rehearsal, one of the event coordinators offered to show me the rest of the displays - a private showing since I can not attend the full event with so many people there. As I wandered through room after room and down the hallway, I was amazed at the variety of designs and colors, at the delicate stitching and tiny little crochet patterns. The fellowship hall was a veritable treasure trove of floor to ceiling quilts hanging proudly on specially designed racks.

Some of the needlework had beading, some of the quilts had hand stitching of designs. All of the entries were beautiful and represented hours and hours of labor - true masterpieces. This year the colors were remarkable - deep purples, royal blues, vibrant reds.

I was torn between standing and admiring and keeping on moving because I wanted to see everything before I ran out of steam. How proud each recipient of these wonderful works must be to cover their sleeping place with warm and gorgeous quilts or to hang extravagant needlework on the walls in their abodes.

The people who created these masterpieces are artisans for sure. I was delighted to have a safe viewing and went home with my heart full of joy at being able to see so many works of love.