Wildflowers in Bloom in Llano showcases the art of quilting

DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR

LLANO — After attending other quilt shows, members of the Texas Hills Quilters decided it was time they hosted one of their own.

So on March 28 in Schorlemmer Hall at St. James Lutheran Church, club members are lining the hall with some of the best quilts around during the Wildflowers in Bloom quilt show.

“It’s a way of sharing the love of the skill and the art,” said Ginger Shilts of the Texas Hills Quilters.

Quilting is more than sewing together pieces of cloth to create a blanket. Each quilt tells a story, even if it’s something as simple (but important) as the love the maker has for the person getting the quilt. For quilters, there are also the stories they share when they gather to make quilts.

The Wildflowers in Bloom event showcases some of the best work being done currently as well as from years past. The Llano show includes a bed turning. This, Shilts explained, involves showing off antique quilts on an antique bed. After a few minutes on display, organizers pull the quilt off the bed and put on another one.

Folks who come to the show can check out the numerous quilts on display as well as take in demonstrations, visit with vendors, participate in a silent auction and prize giveaway and browse the boutique.

“It’s a great chance for people interested in this beautiful art to see many different quilts,” Shilts said. “And if somebody is interested in learning to quilt, they can come and find out how to get started.”

Quilting has changed over the years. While you can still do it by hand, innovations have helped make it easier for quilters. Shilts said she’s always sewed but only picked up quilting a few years ago thanks to some of those modern inventions. She said cutting a straight line with scissors is difficult, but with the advent of the roller cutter, lines are now, well, straighter.

She’s found a creative outlet through quilting she hopes others explore.

“Quilting — it’s painting with fabric,” Shilts said. “That’s how I’d describe it.”

Along with a creative outlet, quilting is a way to share love and express compassion. The Texas Hills Quilters donate quilts to area veterans. They participate in Quilts of Honors, which is part of the Quilts of Valor program that gives quilts to veterans returning home from overseas.

During the show, the Serving Project bus will be parked outside the hall. The bus — a two-part vehicle — takes veterans across the country for specialized care and other needs. People can tour the bus, but it’s also a part of the show because one local quilter — Ludie Smith — made a quilt that will hang in the vehicle.

“I’m really excited to see that,” Shilts said.

The show includes the Leta Dinwiddle Memorial in honor of Dinwiddie, who passed away in 2013.

“Leta was a prolific quilter from the area,” Shilts said. “She gave away so many quilts. There are people around the area who have one of her quilts. She was just a wonderful quilter.”

People also may buy chances to win the guild’s quilt, which is on display at Arrow Head Bank on the courthouse square in Llano.

The show is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Schorlemmer Hall, which is located at 1401 Ford St. Admission is $5 at the door. The first 100 paid attendees get a quilt bag filled with goodies.

The Texas Hills Quilters meet 11 a.m. the third Monday of the month at 100 Exchange Place in Llano. Call (325) 248-0300 or search for the group on Facebook for more.

daniel@thepicayune.com