Quinobequin Show Draws Crowds & Potential Members

Whether it was due to the impressive array of quilts on display or the must-see nature of the event, throngs of visitors came out to see the Quinobequin Quilters Quilt Show this weekend to glimpse the mastery of fellow residents.

Held once every two years, the event is part art show, part vendor showcase. In addition to opening the eyes of guests through dazzling colors and intricate patterns, the show also helped support local crafters and jewelers who were selling goods alongside the quilts.

Crowds ranged in age, with both young and old viewing over 130 quilts, taking part in the scavenger hunt and voting on their works.

"There's some incredible creativity here and you really get a sense of how much work goes into each quilt when you view it up close," said Quinobequin Quilters Quilt Show Chairperson Jane Evans during Friday's show.

More than just a showcase for various works of art, the show also serves as a way to introduce the work of the Quinobequin Quilters Guild and its members to the general public. The group has met regularly since 1983 and today hovers around 100-115 members.

According to Evans, the guild is a great way to meet new friends while working with people who are equally passionate about their craft.

"The group has a bunch of different groups of people and you have the opportunity to meet people that you might not in regular circles like church or school events," she said. "And everyone does it because they love it."

Members, Evans said, can also find a sense of civic pride in their work, as the guild also creates "Comfort Quilts." On display at this weekend's shows, these special quilts are created by members and sent to several worthy causes, such as Habitat for Humanity and a hospice in Wayland. A Comfort Quilt gathering will be held at the April 14 guild meeting from 7-9 p.m. in which those attending can help make one of the quilts.

Membership in the guild is always open and potential members can sign up at meetings.  Meetings are held at the Wellesley Community Center.

"Members come from all walks of life," said Evans. "There are people who have quilted for years and others who have just caught the bug."

More information on the Quinobequin Quilters Guild can be found at their official website.