Story by Angela Criswell
“Vintage to Modern” is the theme for the 2019 Quilt Show hosted by the Cimarron Valley Quilters’ Guild (CVQG). This year’s event will be held at the Payne County Expo Center on September 20th from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on September 21st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
When CVQG members submitted their ideas for this year’s theme, “Vintage to Modern” was the overwhelming choice. “This theme was chosen to reflect the progression of quilt-making through the years. We are pleased to have over 250 quilts on display in a variety of styles,” said Jennifer Nicholson, show coordinator. One vintage quilt, “Antique Family Square,” was made between 1870 and 1890. A reproduction of that family quilt made by guild member Sarah Wheatley will also be on display. It features a slightly larger block size and has been carefully hand pieced and hand quilted similar to the original.
There will also be several “modern” quilts at the show. The term “modern” refers to quilts that are functional, use bold colors, and are inspired by contemporary designs. High contrast, as well as large amounts of negative space, are often a part of modern quilts. The guild has issued a challenge to its members to make a modern quilt using one of three traditional block patterns.
Some CVQG members have submitted their quilts to be judged. Among the 42 quilts in the judged category will be one selected as Best of Show. Also, there will be one Viewer’s Choice winner selected by show attendees.
Look for the Quilts of Kindness booth at the show. Members enjoy using their skills to make many pro-bono quilts and pillowcases each year. Making and gifting “Quilts of Kindness” to local charities is a major emphasis of the guild, and the 2018-2019 year has been the most productive ever for this project. Charities such as Mobile Meals, Wings of Hope, Payne County Youth Services, and others have received small quilts for a total of 254 clients.
For those who love to shop at quilt shows, there will be several options available. Visitors who want to make their own quilt can check out the patterns, fabrics, and notions available at the vendor mall. Vendors will also have quilt display items for sale as well as sewing machines and spaces to rent for quilting retreats. There is even a scissor-sharpening service. The boutique will offer already-made quilted items such as flags, OSU T-shirt quilts, and bags.
A beautiful queen-sized raffle quilt, “Twilight Song,” will be up for grabs this year. The kit for this quilt was donated by The Quilting Post and sewn by guild members. Additional raffle items will include a Pfaff Passport 3.0 sewing machine donated by Sew N Sews, Stillwater, a vintage Singer sewing machine given by Victoria Berry, Stillwater, a complete cutting system given by World Weidner, Ponca City, a basket of fabrics ($300 value) given by Oklahoma Quiltworks, Oklahoma City, and a kit for making a king size quilt donated by Beth’s Quilting Quarters and Fabric Shoppe of Blanchard. Tickets for these items will be $1 each or 6 for $5. Visitors may also win one of several door prizes.
Many of the guild members work in cooperation with the Quilts of Valor group to make quilts for veterans. This group will have a booth showcasing some of their beautiful throw-size quilts. The public is invited to stop by and make a block to be included in a future quilt of valor.
A light lunch will be available for purchase from the Payne County Home and Community Education groups. They will also be serving slices of their delicious homemade pies.
Appreciation is expressed to the show’s sponsors: Beth’s Quilting Quarters and Fabric Shoppe, Oklahoma Quiltworks, Savage Quilter, Sew N Sews, Stitches Sewing and Service, The Quilting Post, and World Weidner. A thank you is also extended to Visit Stillwater and the many volunteers and businesses who make this show possible.
Tickets for the show are available in advance for $8 a day at Sew N Sews, 211 North Perkins Road, Stillwater and at The Quilting Post, 717 South Main, Stillwater. Admission at the door will be $10 per day.
ABOUT THE GUILD
Cimarron Valley Quilters’ Guild is a non-profit organization founded in 1986 to promote the art of quilt making through educational programs on quilt techniques and services. The meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. The current location is the First United Methodist Church, 400 West 7th Street, Stillwater. Each meeting includes a program, Show N Share of members’ projects and a business meeting. Guests are welcome. For more information on the guild or the Quilt Show visit www.cvqg.org or call 405-377-5671 and leave a message.
