For those who quilt, the activity is both a calmative and an addiction — and, now and then, an opportunity to showcase hard-won skills.
Though the Fort Verde Days Quilt Show will not occur until Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8 and 9, organizers Peg Miller and Jackie Holmstrom are already putting out the call for entrants.
The need is somewhat pressing. In 2012, the first biennial quilt show boasted more than 160 entries and an attendance of more than 3,000 people. The 2012 and 2014 event organizer Jeanette Teets said that in 2014, however, the event featured almost half as many quilts because so many quilts were featured in the first year.
Now, Miller and Holmstrom are hoping to avoid a junior slump in 2016.
In short, they stated via press release, “If you have a quilt you haven’t entered in a previous Fort Verde Days Quilt Show, plan to enter it this year. This is a non-juried show celebrating the joy of quilting, and all levels of skill and ability are encouraged to participate.”
Any quilted item — from placemats and table runners to art quilts, wall hangings, baby quilts and bed quilts — are acceptable for entry.
Though space for larger quilts is somewhat restricted, according to Miller, there is plenty of space available for smaller quilted items. She added that the entry process is simple, with a flat $5 fee per entry.
Older donated quilts will be available for sale at a minimal cost with sale proceeds going to area organizations. Admission will be free, but donations to cover the cost of the show are always welcome and can be given at the event.
“The quilting community is really, really strong here,” Miller said, but added that there is currently no quilting guild, inspiring many Camp Verde quilters to attend the Quail Country Quilters Guild in Cottonwood.
Regardless, there are no competing priorities. “I don’t care where you live,” Miller said. “If you want to enter our quilt show, you’re welcome.”
Miller invited anyone interested to attend the informal Camp Verde quilting group, which meets next on Wednesday, July 27, at 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s.
For more information on the Fort Verde Days Quilt Show, call Peg Miller at (928) 567-5322 or Jackie Holmstrom at (928) 567-3023.
