Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012

Los Banos quilt show changes it up with a wine and cheese pairing

Local quilters are hoping wine and cheese will draw visitors outside their usual demographic to a show next month.

The Pacheco Pass Quilters plan their annual Pumpkin Patch quilt show Sept. 14-16 at the Ted Falasco Arts Center, 1105 Fifth St. The Los Banos Arts Council plans to host a wine and cheese reception on the first night.

Judy West, a guild member, said her group wanted to try something new. So, they decided to piggyback off of Los Banos' downtown Wine Stroll, a popular event.

"We thought it might attract different people than what would come to the quilt show itself," West said.

Opening night is also a way to introduce locals to the Arts Council, which sponsors the Quilters. Proceeds from the show -- an average of $5,000 -- go directly into the Arts Council's coffer, West said.

The show offers hand- and machine-sewn quilts, quilting gear, pumpkins and tchotchkes of all kinds. Also planned, are a number of raffles for prizes including the "opportunity quilt."

Cathie Hardy and Sandy Daniels were half of a team of four who pieced and sewed this year's opportunity offering. The ladies said they spent about 10 hours per week for two months on the quilt.

Hardy said she and Daniels have been quilters for three years, and learned everything they know from the guild.

"It's relaxing," she said. "It's something you can take your time and do, and do it right."

Hardy said she has about 22 quilts started, but none finished. "I never get anything done," Hardy said with a laugh. So, completing one in two months was an unusual task.

Daniels said jokingly: "I was pushing her. 'C'mon, we got to get it done!' "

The wine and cheese reception is planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 14, and the entry fee is $10. For tickets, contact West at (209) 827-8929 or Cyndi Roelofs at (209) 826-6132.

The show is scheduled on Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sept. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets, good for both days, are $5. For more, contact West or go to www.pachecopassquilters.org.

Enterprise reporter Thaddeus Miller can be reached at (209) 388-6562 or by email at tmiller@losbanos

enterprise.com.

Enterprise reporter Thaddeus Miller can be reached at (209) 388-6562 or by email at tmiller@losbanos enterprise.com.