SLIDELL – Technology may have changed many things from the way they were done hundreds of years ago, but the passed down tradition of quilting is one thing that is only beginning to be affected by the computers of today.
Quilting, a hobby that has been taught from one generation to the next for hundreds of years, was on full display at the Northshore Harbor Center this past weekend, where the Gulf States Quilting Association held its convention that comes to Slidell every other year.
One of the big highlights of the show, which draws nearly 1,500 people to view an incredible array of finished quilts, was the donation from the group members to Slidell-area first responders.
Quilters from the four states that are part of the Gulf States organization commit to donate as many quilts as they can make in two years for the convention, which is held every other year.
The quilts are given to first responders for use when they answer a call, not only for children going through an emotional and traumatic situation, but also larger quilts for adults.
“These quilts give victims a sense that someone cares about them, and it comes at the most difficult time when we answer emergency calls,” First District #1 Chief Chris Kaufmann said. “We truly appreciate this donation.”
Slidell Chief of Police Randy Fandal said “these quilts really do ease the pain of the victims, and that can be adults as well as children.”
Safe Harbor Director Sheri Eastridge, operating a home for victims and their children in domestic violence situations, said “we keep these quilts by our front door, giving one to a child as the first thing they get when they are coming to live in our home.”
Gulf States Quilting Association (GSQA) Past President Renee Hoeprich, who is the designer of this year’s raffle quilt, said the donation of the quilts is part of their mission statement to do something for the communities where they are represented.
The two-day convention offers quilters a chance to display and share their work, while vendors and sewing machine vendors are renting booth space to sell their goods. Some sewing machines sell for as much as $10,000.
There is also a judging portion of the conference, recognizing technical and artistic aspects to the quilts, many that have 100 to 200 hours of work in them. The quilts were hung throughout the Harbor Center, however, show attendees are asking to never touch the quilts unless they are wearing white cotton gloves.
There were over 400 entries in the competition portion of the show. Quilts that were for sale on the floor display can bring as much as $2,000, Hoeprich said, depending on the many hours and materials used. However, Hoeprich indicated that most of the quilters who attend the show simply enjoy sharing their work for others to see.
As for technology changing the longtime hobby, Hoeprich acknowledged there is a new addition to their work with laser printing of quilt material that is then sewn onto the quilt.
“You would be surprised how many young people have found the love of quilting and are joining our groups,” she said. “It’s a wonderful thing to do with others and creates great memories spending time together, doing something we all love.”
She added that virtually every quilt is created with a theme in mind, or motivation to show love for a special someone, or class of people such as servicemen.
Hoeprich said that quilting is as popular as ever even though it may not be one of the highest profile hobbies around. Locally, the Slidell Camellia Quilters meet every third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church on Second Street. For more information, e-mail [email protected]. There is also a quilt group meeting at Lamb of God Lutheran Church at 57210 Allen Road in Slidell. Call the church at 985-847-1877 for more information.
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