Quilters' Tea and Chinese Auction coming Monday

Fronen Steppdecker, The Odessa Quilt Club elected officers at the October annual meeting. President, Lise Ott, Vice President, Dolores Nelson, Secretary, Debbie Buscher and Treasurer, Charlene Kagele oversee a number of committees and their chairmen to put a number events to promote quilting education and appreciation.

A Quilters Tea/Chinese Auction takes place Monday, February 11, at Any Occasion Banquet Hall. Hundreds of quilting and crafting items will be available to bid on, and the event is open to the public.

March 18 brings 90 to 100 quilters to town for an all day mini quilting retreat, Quilt Til You Wilt, with 16 hours of continuous quilting, quilting demonstrations and a little shopping around town. Of course, there is food, starting off the day with Grannie BarBar’s sweet rolls and followed by a potluck lunch and dinner.

The main event of the year is the Annual Quilt Show, April 26 and 27, during Spring Fling. Thanks to the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, the Guild is able to advertise widely, including information about the Car and Truck Show and yard sales, drawing more visitors to our town.

Exciting this year is a quilting education event with nationally known instructor Maggie Ball. Maggie has spent time in Mongolia teaching quilting skills and coordinating a venue for the arts and crafts to be made available for sale. She will be presenting a lecture and trunk show June 28, and it is open to the public. This event coincides with the Red, White and Blue Quilt Show sponsored by Experience Quilts! Maggie will lead a guild workshop the next day.

September brings Deutschesfest and with it the Vintage Quilt Display at Old St. Matthew’s Museum Church. An added attraction this year is planned of exhibiting a collection of working treadle sewing machines.

The guild meets every Monday, except major holidays, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Museum Barn. Business is conducted the first Monday of each month, with the remaining Mondays reserved for work parties or demonstrations. All are welcome, there are no dues for membership. Visit http://www.odessaquiltclub.com for more information.