The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

The largest Quilt Show in Cowlitz County will be held when Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild of Longview, presents its annual event on April 28 and 29. “Quilting for the Art of It” will be held at the Youth and Family Link facility in Longview.

One hundred fifty quilts will be displayed in 21 different categories, including Youth, Traditional Pieced, Mixed Media, Applique, Art, Wearable, and more. They will be arranged so visitors can be inspired and enjoy the quilts’ beauty at a leisurely pace. Guild Block of the Month and Challenge quilts, including those from other years will also be on display.

A special display titled “Giving Back to the Community,” will feature a collection of quilts made by Guild members to be donated to various organizations in the community. There are an additional 100 quilts expected in this display alone, usually in lap or baby sizes.

A variety of free short demonstrations/workshops will be held throughout both days and include Utility Sewing, Feed Bags into Shopping Bags, and others.

Other special events include Bed Turning on Friday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and on Saturday at 1 p.m.; Scouts and 4-H presentation Saturday, 11 a.m. Bed Turning has been a crowd favorite over the years. Antique quilts are gently laid out on a bed, one covering the other, and a regional researcher tells the story of each quilt as she turns the quilts back.

Local 4-H and Scout groups will join in on Saturday for a short workshop on Utility Sewing. Youngsters are encouraged to learn the essential skill of sewing and to kindle an interest in the art of quilting. As many quilt shops and guilds have disappeared in the northwest it is imperative to work with youth organizations to foster a new generation of quilt artists.

Vendors will include Peggy’s Handmade Chocolates; The Potholder Lady; Castle Rock Wood Shop (quilt racks, wooden quilting notions, etc.); Janet Fogg Quilt Patterns; and Pampered Chef. A Quilter’s Boutique will sell handmade items, gently used books, patterns and quilting accessories to help offset the quilt show expenses.

A raffle will feature nine small quilts made by Guild members and a gift basket. The drawings will be held on Saturday at 3 p.m. You need not be present to win. Raffle tickets are $1 each. Proceeds will be donated to FISH of Cowlitz County to help with its mission of giving immediate help to people in need.

Quilt Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $5 per day, 4-H and Scouts are $1. Children under 12 are free. The Youth and Family Link facility is located at 907 Douglas Ave., Longview.

Longview’s historic downtown has lots of antique and resale shops plus a wide variety of great eating establishments. A 10% discount is offered at Quality Inn for Quilt Show visitors.

Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild’s mission is to provide members of the community with a vibrant, supportive, creative group to encourage others to learn and appreciate the art of quilting. Meetings are held at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 2218 E. Kessler Blvd., Longview, on the third Monday of the month except for August, December, and January. For more information, email lolquiltguild@yahoo.com.