Feb 9, 2022
‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’: Museum Quilt Guild’s annual challenge encourages creativity
BATAVIA — If you like quilting, a display at Richmond Memorial Library may be the place to be in February.
The Museum Quilt Guild display will be at the library throughout the month. It features 21 small quilts with various interpretations of this year’s annual challenge theme of “Rock, Paper, Scissors.”
They feature a variety of techniques and subjects.
As for the theme?
“Rock” signifies the traditional quilt block or quilting technique, while “Paper: indicates paper piecing, foundation or English paper-pieced. “Scissors” represents traditional needle turn, or modern fusible or raw edged applique.
The quilts on display vary from copies of vintage quilts to contemporary abstractions.
“It takes as long as it takes to make a quilt,” said Publicity Chair Lori Ivison. “Some people are inspired and make a quilt in a few days. Some take months. Some are hand sewn; most are machine sewn.”
Past challenges have included flora and fauna, modern solids and literature. Ivison said there are records of challenges beginning in 1993.
Members were asked to choose a category for their quilt when submitted. So far, scissors is winning with nine entries, but members will be able to vote for their favorites in several categories on blue ballots.
The public can vote for their favorite “Viewer’s Choice” on white ballots.
The votes for the viewers’ choice and the members votes will be counted after the show is taken down on Feb. 28. Winners will be announced at the March meeting on March 19.
The average quilter is between 30 and 85 years old. Many quilts are made for grandchildren, weddings, and other gifts.
Some Museum Guilt Guild members display quilts regularly in larger shows and have won prizes.
“All of us enjoy working with color and fabric and showing our quilts at out monthly meetings and at shows. We encourage each other,” said Ivison. “It is a pleasure to work with design and color. It is a way to enjoy leisure time, occupy ourselves during games on TV, and feel creative.”
Some of the quilters who have entries in the challenge show will be available at the library from noon until 2 p.m. Feb. 19 for an informal meet and greet.
The guild began by meeting at the Holland Land Office and now meets at the VA every third Saturday of the month at 9:30 a.m. Masking and social distancing are required for the meetings. Guests are welcome to visit for a short business meeting, information on local quilt-related activities and community service.
Dues are $20 a year for guild members. Additional information is available as a handout at the show.
