Mariposa Piece Makers 2010 Quilt Show By Linda Gast

On Saturday May 1, 2010 the Mariposa Piece Makers joined in this years 5th Annual Mariposa Butterfly Festival by displaying quilts at the Mariposa History Center and Museum. The motto of the Mariposa Piece Makers is "Creating a Community Fabric, One Stitch at Time".  

There just isn't any better place to display quilts than the Mariposa Museum and History Center. Mariposa Piece Makers Quilt Guild took full advantage of the setting and the weather, hanging quilts along the wooden porch of the Museum, on picket fences and throughout the antique filled Counts House on the Museum grounds. The quilts moved with the gentle breeze on the most beautiful Spring Day yet this year. The members of the Quilt Guild have worked hard for two years to put on this show. They certainly didn't disappoint. There were many antique quilts and old patterns, but some of the most creative were the contemporary quilts that were designed by the individual quilters.

I came with the idea of getting a few photos, but as I progressed through the display I took one photo after another. Even then it was hard not to take photos of all the quilts. Some quilts were displayed on the old Cannon Ball Stage in the carriage house, another was draped over a rocking horse, a sewing machine and one was used as a table cover. There were quilt guild members stationed at every turn to answer question and to pull back the quilts with their white gloves so visitors could see the back side of the quilts.

Rachel O'Rourke demonstrated hand quilting on her wooden quilt frame. One of the quilts that O'Rourke had on display was titled "Nearly Divorce". She laughed, "The quilt was for my husband."

Inside the Museum, members of the Guild had Bed Turning presentations throughout the day. The bed was piled with quilts and members of the guild turned the quilts and told stories or gave other information about each one.

The Quilt Show was only one of many events going on in Mariposa during the Butterfly Festival. It was possible to start at the Quilt show in the north end of town and work your way down to the arts and crafts at the intersection of Hwy 49 South and Hwy 140. Throw in an outstanding parade and you have a full day of entertainment.

The whole town was decorated in Butterflies and over 3,500 Painted Lady Butterflies raised by individuals and school classes were released throughout the festival, making a unique experience for young and old alike.

For more information about the Piece Makers and how you can become a member go to: http://www.mariposapiecemakers.com 

For more information on the Mariposa Museum and History Center go to: http://mariposamuseum.com

Linda Gast
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