The age-old practice of quilting is one that prizes carefully handcrafted patches assembled to create a larger expression of the pattern. Though the art form has adapted to changes in technology, the practice remains essentially the same, with lone quilters creating unique patterns from collected fabrics.
The Lompoc and Buellton area has enjoyed quite the population of quilters: The Quilters Etc. Quilt Guild of Lompoc has been meeting for more than 30 years to share quilts, fabrics, patterns, techniques, and to showcase the collected works of members every few years. The guild’s upcoming A Stitch in Time event exhibits members’ quilts while also raising funds for the group.
“The thing about quilters is we are always wondering what other quilters are making,” said Quilters Etc. publicity chairwoman Judy Stevens. “We love to go to shows and see what other people are doing to get ideas or inspiration.”
Quilters Etc. members are busy crafters. With a membership of more than 70 quilters, each member is required to make one quilt for donation each year. The quilts are donated to local charities and programs, including care facilities, with several members contributing more than the single required quilt each year, Stevens explained.
The A Stitch in Time show is a chance for members to showcase their pet projects: the complex, vibrant, or meaningful quilts they make for pleasure. The quilters, Stevens explained, acquire fabrics from local stores or vendors, cut up the fine fabrics into little pieces, and reassemble them into differing patterns.
“Today, quilting is an expensive art,” Stevens said. “In the olden days, great, great, great grandma cut up the old shirts and fabrics to make bed coverings for warmth; we use very expensive and nice fabrics, cut them up into tiny pieces, and assemble patterns from them.”
These expensive and complex works aren’t usually for bed coverings or for throwing across a couch. Many guild members hang the quilts on their walls or on quilt stands. The showcase will show hung quilts, like any art show, even though the pieces can serve another insulating purpose.
A special opportunity quilt will be on display at the show with raffle tickets available for purchase. The quilt was inspired by the work of local artist Alvin Cabral, who sculpted a series that depicts each California Mission. Cabral gave Quilters Etc. members the go ahead to use his depictions as the inspiration for a quilt.
“The patterns were drawn up, and then the ladies in the guild volunteered to do the panels,” Stevens said. “The panels are hand embroidered; it’s not done by machine.”
The quilt includes small panels of 20 of the California missions surrounding a large centerpiece depiction of La Purisima and the state. The panels were all machine stitched together by Dawn Ferrier, who owns the Creation Station in Buellton, Stevens explained.
Also for raffle at the show are several mini quilts, which hang on small stands that can sit on a table or mantle. The mini quilts are an example of the kind of intricate detailing that can be attained in just one quilt patch, whether in geometric patterns or simple stylized depictions.
“There will be a bit of everything,” Stevens said. “Some are patriotic or traditional, some will be very bright florals, geometric patterns, kids’ quilt … .”
Whatever the style, the efforts of Quilters Etc. are sure to be unique. While quilters are known for working off of patterns, many experienced quilters make their own designs.
“It’s really easy for us to follow a pattern,” Stevens said. “So many quilters have become artists and they are using fabric almost like paint.”
Arts Editor Joe Payne wants to stay warm in style. Contact him at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Oct 2-9, 2014.