Always in Stitches, the quilting group that got its start at the Abington Community Library,has done an amazing number of things in 7 years. The group got its start in September of 2006 when the Abington Community Library began offering free weekly “Tuesday morning learn to quilt class” with a Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) facilitator, Peg Winter. The group's first quilts were completed by February 2007 and put on display at the Library. Astoundingly, several of the women admitted they had never sewn a stitch in their lives, but the work was exquisite.
The women weren't willing to stop, and moved on to more advanced projects that spring. Peg had to start a second beginners group on Tuesday afternoons to accommodate a waiting list of future quilters. During the fall of 2007 that second group was welcomed into the original group, and Always in Stitches was formed! The group now has over thirty participants that meet regularly, always welcoming the Tuesday afternoon ‘newbies’ into their fold. They have been extremely generous with their new-found talent and have donated numerous items for charities and people around the world.
Each woman has taken a different direction with their quilting. Some have remained traditional quilters, following specific patterns. Others have added new and exciting techniques and have created their own patterns and combinations. They are all charming, they are all beautiful, and many have been hung around Clarks Summit for the enjoyment of all during the Abington Business and Professional Associations Downtown Go Around (DGA).DGA is a celebration of all things Clarks Summit, held on the 2nd Friday of each month, with food, fun, music, and other activities available throughout the town. The Borough Building’s old fire station is a communal meeting spot with scheduled acts and events.
This month, quilters will be demonstrating their craft, a raffle for a queen-size quilt with matching shams will be available, the Folk Lore Society will be singing, and a harpist will be playing. Activities begin at 5PM and go until 9PM and are free.
Quilts made by Always in Stitches are now on display at the following businesses: Abington Community Library; Sole to Soul; Sanderson Place; Everything Natural; Beta Bread; Paulette's Pretty Purses; Kidazzle; Jaya Yoga Studio; Duffy's Coffee House; Abington Art Studio; A1 Gold and Diamond Mine; Body & Soul / Mary Koczwara Hair Studio; and Clel's Place.
And, there is one very special quilt, made of glass, also on display for the month at the Abington Community Library, made by Karen Reid. Make sure you stop and see it!
Leah
On behalf of the ACL
