The Norske Needlers will hold their third annual quilting show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Iola Car Show Building, at 130 Jenson Drive in Iola.
The theme of this year’s show is “Quilted Candy for the Eye.”
Pieced quilts, appliqué, landscapes, embroidery, hand quilted or machine quilted, there will be more than200 quilts, wall hangings, table runners, and other quilted items on display.
There will also be a vendors mall, a sales boutique of members’ items, and a club booth of rummage items.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. local quilter and rug maker Jerry Johnson will host a bed turning of 1950s through ‘70s quilts.
There is free parking, no stairs and food available at the venue.
Forty members of the quilt guild have been busy quilting items for themselves and to give away. Many are involved in making community projects.
The group has been participating in the “Million Pillowcase Challenge” for many years, one member has made more than 500.
These pillowcases are distributed locally to childrens’ homes, nursing homes, the veteran’s home and a host of other charitable organizations.
“Quilts of Valor”, another national challenge, have been created for many local veterans.
Other projects include quilts for Hurricane Harvey victims and other tragedies.
In addition, quilts have been made individually or as a group and given for local raffles at the Iola Historical Society, Jorgens Park in Scandinavia, Dig Pink Cancer Awareness, and other fundraising events.
Many churches display quilts made by members.
A major fundraiser for Norske Needlers is a silent auction, where members bring items tand sell them to other members. In the course of a short meeting, approximately $600 has been raised annually to donate to the local food pantries in Iola and Scandinavia.
New members are always welcome at the meetings held at 6 p.m. the first Monday of the month at the Iola Community Center, 180 Main St.
At each meeting, there is a program to learn and exchange new ideas and techniques. Following a business meeting, there is the popular show and tell of members’ projects.
Workdays are offered twice a month at the Community Center for members to work on their own projects. In addition, a local retreat is also held every year alternating having a teacher one year and “working on your own projects” the other.
For more information, contact Dianne Erickson, 715-677-4683 or email moving@wi_net.com.