Cranberry Quilt Guild hears about physical side

of quilting in April

What do quilting and back pain have in common? Any sewist knows that working with any size fabric can be a challenge depending on your environment. Whether you have a dedicated quilt studio or a small table top machine, many physical problems can arise from improperly positioning yourself or your quilting tools. Throwing a bed quilt of any size around a machine faces daunting challenges and skill is required to navigate these operations we do on sometimes a daily basis.

To meet that challenge, Cranberry Quilt Guild’s program committee arranged for Ting Oh, a physical therapist from FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center of Hazleton, to speak to the members at their April meeting regarding their many repetitive and often strenuous tasks.

March’s meeting was a welcome return for members, on hiatus since late November. The group now numbers 62, with new members joining almost monthly. Changing up the meeting a bit, the show and tell feature began the meeting. Patterns and techniques were shared, along with some good conversations on historical items presented.

The Tip of the Monthwas given by president Deb Kessell. She showed a ‘strip stick’ which opens seams helping to keep them flat to avoid bulk in the final quilting process. A premium quilting spray was also featured as a tool to make the process go smoothly.

Members may also present what didn’t work well as a future tip of the month. Feedback from a bad result can be as helpful as a good one.

Barn quilts are making a resurgence. A meeting with some information on this is being planned. With the return of nice weather, the guild is anxious to know more. Techniques and designs will be discussed as you don’t need a ‘barn’ to make and display one.

Dates for the annual NEPA Shop Hop were released. They are October 27 through November 11. Each year a shop hop is held for enthusiasts to travel throughout the region visiting quilt shops. Each shop has a designated block pattern to purchase and the fabric is attached. These all go together and produce a beautiful quilt or table runner. A list of participating shops will be published in a future article.

Marie Shulenski, Quilt of Valor chairperson, advised the guild that 47 quilts of valor have been presented so far by the Cranberry Quilt Guild and its members.

Forty more are ready to go and volunteers are needed from the membership to help bind them. Kits to complete a quilt are available to any member by seeing Marie, or contacting her regarding a sponsorship. Six members of the guild will venture to Paducah, Kentucky for a five- day journey to American Quilt week, and various points of interest along the way. The group plans to share details and experiences with the guild at future meetings. Each meeting features a short refreshment period with members signing up to provide a few goodies. Cranberry Quilt Guild meets the fourth Monday of the month, with doors opening at 6 p.m. at Faith United Church of Christ off Airport beltway in Hazle Township.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly recently recognized the ALA poppy poster winners at their monthly meeting. The first-place posters will now go on to council to be judged. Shown from left are Lilah Gower, Skylah Dennis, Natalie Nelmes, and Lydia Zink. In the back row are Weatherly Area School District art teacher Maddie Zink , Maci Kane, Frederique Allen and Brandon Antolick. Missing from the photo are Rosaleigh Bates, Brianna Kiddish, Emma Heister, Trinity McCutcheon, Izabel Jones, and Taylor Jones.