LW artisans keep the art of quilting alive

QUILTING BEES

Beginning in the early 1990s, Coastline College held sewing and quilting classes in Leisure World. The classes were taught in the Clubhouse 3 lobby and sewing room. During those years, a bond was formed between Leisure World residents and other non-resident class members through their love of quilting.

When Coastline dropped its senior classes in 2010, the Quilting Bees Club formed and continued to meet at Clubhouse 3. To keep the wonderful art alive for future generations, members share their knowledge and love of quilting. The club has been expanded to include many avid knitters and other needle artists.

Members have all skill levels, from beginners to professionals who share patterns and new techniques. Show & Tell, held at the end of the weekday meetings, is a sight to behold as members display their latest creations.

Club activities include making charity quits for local organizations such as Precious Life Shelter, the Orangewood Group Home (in addition to quilts, one member makes over 100 pillow cases a year so the kids don’t have to keep their belongings in plastic bags) and Memorial Hospital. In addition to tiny quilts for the neonatal intensive care unit at Memorial, members make pillows for mastectomy patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Several members also provide quilts to the Quilts of Valor program. The club meets on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. in Clubhouse 3. Following the business meeting, members gather for several hours in the lobby and sewing room to work on projects.

All are welcome.

The new Needle Arts Studio contains eight heavy-duty sewing machines.

Lisa Quient holds her quilts.