Clearmont Women’s Club Quilting Bee to Be Held

March is national quilt month, and the annual Clearmont Women’s Club Quilting Bee will be held on March 9 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Clearmont Community Center.

A quilting bee is an old tradition. In the 19th Century, quilting held a high importance in many homes and was an essential part of homemaking. Women gradually turned it into a relaxing hobby while socializing with their friends. It was a way of showcasing their talents and exchanging community news. Many quilting bees were held before a wedding, with the bride’s quilt being the focus.

Fran Felz, quilter, at a previous quilting bee

Cheryl Roebling, President of the women’s club, talked about the upcoming event, saying that the quilts are being donated to various entities around the area, but this year they are not sure yet where they will donate the quilts. In the past, Roebling said, they have donated quilts to the VA, the homeless shelter, and The Sheridan Foster Parent Exchange, founded in 2013, which provides ‘care kits’ for children placed in the foster care system. The kits include seven days worth of clothes and other important essentials, including sometimes quilts from the Clearmont Women’s Club.

When asked what size quilts they make, Roebling said they make lap quilts, twin and full size, with an occasional queen size quilt as well. Roebling said that all quilters or anyone wanting to help are welcome to attend.

“We have people who like to iron material, or who like to finish the quilts and we tie them with yarn, so we have lots of people who like to tie the quilts” She added that they have a potluck lunch, and they sit down and have lunch and have fellowship with each other. She said in the past they have had between eight and 15 people who join in the quilting bee.

Roebling added that they sometimes have a quilt made by one of the quilters and donated to the Clearmont Women’s Club to be raffled off to raise funds for the Ann Roebling Scholarship Fund for a high school senior.

“Its always a hit and the winner is always in love with it.” The drawing is held at the annual Clearmont day, and she said that this year they might make some potholders or something so there will be a first, second and third place winners of handmade items.

Anyone is welcome to attend the quilting bee.