Quilt lovers across region unite for The Quilters Harvest
Quilt and sewing lovers got together this weekend to create some magic at this years Portneuf Valley Quilt Guild’s “Quilters Harvest.” About 175 quilts were on display at the Mountain View Event Center for people to vote for their favorite one.
“It’s not your grandma’s quilt show,” said Suzanne Cowgil, the co-chair for Portneuf Valley Quilt Guild.
The 2018 Quilters Harvest attracted people from all over the region to come together and share a love. All levels of quilting were in attendance to check out the art.
“We have them from novice all the way to amazingly beautiful,” Cowgil said. “There are hand-piece quilts, machine-piece quilts, there are embroidery quilts. There are all different ways to do this.”
The show not only had people who quilted as a hobby there, but it brought out businesses that wanted to take advantage of the many crafters in one spot.
“We’re getting our name out there to people who aren’t in our area,” said Caitlynn Parsons, of the Idaho Falls’ Brady’s location. “In Idaho Falls we already have the market cornered for wool and boutiques. As for Pocatello, we don’t get a lot of business from here, so we’re out here trying to get people interested into going to Idaho Falls.”
Some of the vendors were even giving lessons.
“It’s been great to get new people into quilting, because it’s a really great way to get people involved in an art form that they didn’t know about but also it’s something that they can do for life,” said Jenni Berg, the owner and educator at Gary’s Sewing Center. “I teach younger people, I teach older people and I teach everyone. It’s great.”
Not only were they handing out lessons, but quilting enthusiasts exchanged tips with one another.
“I like getting ideas,” said one Portneuf Valley Quilt Guild member. “Try to make everything just a little bit different and tweak it to our own taste.”
Events like these are a family affair.
“I’ve just had a life long love for sewing,” Berg said. “I was taught by my mom. That’s a lot about quilting. It gets passed down from generation to generation.”
Members are always welcoming more into their growing community.
Raffles and quilts were also sold at the show to help raise money for “Quilts of Love,” “Hope and Compassion” and “Bright Tomorrows.”
The PVQG meets at Quail Ridge Assisted Living in Pocatello on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
