This weekend’s “Pieces in Time” Quilt Show will benefit the New Albin Public Library

This Friday through Sunday, October 13-15, over 200 quilted items will adorn the New Albin Community Center, located at 137 Railroad Avenue SW in New Albin. The “Pieces in Time” Quilt Show will feature a quilt raffle, an antique section, vendors, demonstrations, refreshments and more.

Hours for the show will be Friday, October 13 from 4-7 p.m.; Saturday, October 14 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, October 15 from 12-4 p.m. All proceeds from the show will benefit the New Albin Public Library.

“Loose Threads,” the local quilting group, will be showcasing panel quilts and mystery quilts this year. Demonstrations taking place at this year’s show will include microwave bowl holders and small quilted baskets. There will be two raffles conducted during the show, one for a quilt and the other including items such as baskets, pillow cases, dish towels and more. There will also be a portion of the show area dedicated to quilt sales again this year.

Lisa Fruechte and Karen Darling of New Albin began organizing this show in 2006, beginning with the idea of displaying the hand-appliqued, hand-stitched quilts created by New Albin resident Belva Becker in the New Albin Library. In 2007, the show moved to the New Albin Community Center, with half of the event proceeds that year being donated to Rushford, MN following the flooding event that community experienced earlier in the year. Ed Hammell also began welding quilt display frames that are still used to this day for the show.

The “Loose Threads” quilting group became involved in the show in its early years, not only assisting with the show but providing quilts and other raffle prizes. That group first formed 25 years ago when about a dozen women began to gather to share their love of quilting and crafting, with membership continuing to grow throughout the tri-state area of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The group creates quilts for many non-profit organizations, such as hospitals, nursing homes, etc. and meets once a month. Anyone wishing to join the group should contact Arlis Myhre of New Albin at 563-544-4771.

For those who have a quilt they want to display at the show, or who know anyone who wants to display a quilt, contact Robin (563-544-4272) or Peg (507-429-1693). Quilted items for display can be dropped off at the Community Center between 3 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 11.