Almost every inch of the building at the Kern County Fairgrounds was covered with patchwork reminiscent of a craft from long ago.
The quilts on display ranged from traditional Dutch dolls, to dragons, and even the Denver Broncos.
The bi-annual Quilt Show, which is the main fundraiser for the Cotton Patch Quilter’s Guild, was held Jan. 25 and 26. Steffani McChesney, the Publicity Chairman, says the guild starts planning this event a year ahead of time.
According to McChesney, 192 quilts were featured in this year’s fair. Ribbons were awarded in various categories, including appliqué, pieced and mixed.
Cindy Seitz-Krug, who has been quilting for 15 years and has taught several workshops around town, was a featured quilter at the fair.
“I don’t do any of it for money, just a hobby,” said Seitz-Krug.
She also makes her own patterns and says she finds inspiration from tile work, architecture and stained glass.
The guild takes part in a program called Home of the Brave, which gives quilts to families who have lost someone in war.
Another charitable activity the guild takes part in, is making quilts to cover Isolette incubators that are used for premature babies.
According to McChesney, the guild makes 300 to 400 of these quilts a year.
This craft may seem time consuming and difficult, but, said McChesney, “I’m an average quilter, and I made 15 this year.”
Sally Knox, recently retired, expressed an interest in quilting. “It’s just amazing what people do with fabric,” said Knox. “It’s always fascinated me.”
This craft isn’t just for women, according to McChesney. They drag in their husbands to do the heavy lifting.
“Ninety percent of people leave, and if they like quilting, they’ll go home and do it themselves because it’s so neat,” said Seitz-Krug. “It’s very addictive.”