Quilting bee event in Odessa brings visitors

The Odessa Quilt Club’s annual ‘Quilt ‘til You Wilt’ event took place in the social hall of Heritage Chuch this past Monday, gathering together quilters from all over the area and beyong. According to organizer Laura Estes, approximately 100 people attended the event at some time during the day. Registered visitors numbered 91, but several of those brought along a friend or two.

The church basement hummed with activity, sewing machines whirred, irons stood silently at the ready and conversation continued unabated throughout the day. Demonstrations of various techniques and novel ideas were presented by Odessa club members and visitors alike, and those in attendance could to the demonstration or stay at their machines as they chose.

Each attendee brought along a potluck dish to share for the noon and evening meals. Odessa club members were busy in the kitchen, readying the food and washing dishes afterward.

The event began at 6 a.m., when Laura Estes arrived to unlock the door. Within 15 minutes, another 15 or so people had arrived and begun to set up. The day was scheduled to end at midnight if any diehards were still on their feet by then. Estes said about 30 quilters remained when she went home at 9 p.m. and was relieved by Charlene Kagele. As it turned out, the last quilter left at about 11 p.m., Kagele said. Not a bad showing at all.

Cindy Bell, formerly of Odessa, was the happy recipient of a quilt made by the Odessa club members just for her. Some of the squares include pictures of Cindy and other club members at various events. Others have writing on them, wishing Bell the best in her new life on the other side of the mountains.

Several of the quilters took breaks during the day to visit downtown Odessa. One of their favorite stops was, of course, The Quilt Crossing, but other places of business also benefitted from their presence.