Quilt fest to warm visitors in Genoa

• Reprints

Genoa Main Street volunteer Pat Barger prepares fabric squares for Genoa’s fourth-annual Quilt & Fiber Arts Walk, scheduled for Jan. 25-29. | Submitted

Updated: February 21, 2012 8:15AM

Genoa’s fourth-annual Quilt & Fiber Arts Walk arrives just in time to ward off the late January chill. The expanded event will take place Wednesday, Jan. 25, through Sunday, Jan. 29.

Genoa’s downtown will be filled quilts, weaving, basketry, rugs, collages and needlework of all sorts. Demonstrations, guest speakers, hands-on projects, children’s activities, special meals, contests and free gifts will make for an event that entertains experienced artisans and anyone looking for a fun day out.

Genoa’s Quilt & Fiber Arts Walk is presented by Genoa Main Street Inc. and is sponsored by Basketcases Unlimited, ServiceMaster of DeKalb County and Waste Management.

New this year are weekend and evening events for adults and children who cannot attend during the week. Among them is a presentation by quilting expert Janette Dwyer at 11 a.m. Jan. 28. She will present “A Century of Quilts — The Ruby McKim Story.”

The presentation will be held at CASCO auditorium at 312 Eureka St., opposite the new city hall. Tickets are not required, and a $5 donation at the door is suggested. Parking is available on the east side of city hall.

Fabrics, fibers and fun

Each day of the five-day event will have some of the same activities and as well as several unique things for visitors to see and do. Downtown’s four-block-long display of quilts, needlework and fiber arts will be on view every day.

A miniature quilt show will also be open daily. Each day, visitors can bring their extra materials to swap with others. Certified quilt appraiser Sherry Branson will be available for appraisals and also will do a bed turning daily. Main Street volunteers have completed a quilt that will be on display, with raffle tickets available for purchase; the winner will be drawn on the last day of the event.

Many of the artisans displaying their work also will demonstrate their techniques. Visitors can see spinning, basket making, embroidery, tatting, paper quilling, fabric and bead art, the use of natural dyes, long arm sewing, crocheting, knitting, paper piecing, lace making and more depending on the day. The demonstrations will be held throughout the day and in various locations. Schedules can be picked up at many locations on Main Street including the library and shops. It also posted at www.genoamainstreet.org.

Children’s programs

Main Street volunteer Pat Barger began the children’s program last year. “This year we have so much for the kids to do, they shouldn’t have to wait to try a project,” says Barger. “They will be able to make quilt blocks, learn to crochet, paint T-shirts, make tote bags, put their photo on a T-shirt, make fabric beads and sew a dream pillow. There will be different activities on Saturday and Sunday, so families can come both days. Most projects are free, so families can to have a fun weekend without spending much if any money.”

The culminating activity of this year’s event is the Needle Workers’ Delight. Participants will have a warm winter meal and then sample up to five different quick projects. The activity is being organized by Carolyn McQuillan of Basketcases Unlimited in Clare, a sponsor of this year’s event.

“We have held this type of activity elsewhere, and it is great fun,” says McQuillan. “There will be a perfect light meal for a cold day — choice of homemade soups and breads, a delicious dessert and hot coffee. Along with the meal, there will be different projects set out in stations. People can go from one to another, learn how to do that project and complete it on the spot. The afternoon is a great bargain at $15 for both the meal and projects if paid in advance. The price is just a little higher to pay at the door.”

Reservations are strongly recommended for the Needle Workers Delight, as seating and project supplies are limited. Walk-ins will be accepted only if space is available. Contact the Main Street office to make reservations. Reservations also can be made at the swap table in the Genoa Public Library during the Quilt & Fiber Arts Walk.

For more information on the Quilt & Fiber Arts Walk or to make reservations, contact the Genoa Main Street Inc. office at 815 784-6961, email genoamainstreet@atcyber.net, or go genoamainstreet.org.