Needles and pins, thread, fabric, and friendship are the mainstay of a large group of women in Poolesville and the upcounty…The Village Piecemakers Quilt Guild.
This women’s quilting group dates to October 1995 and was started by Sharon Miller, Fran Woodyear, and Dara Tokarz whose vision was to educate others in the art of quilting. The first meeting was held in the art room of Poolesville High School and attracted sixteen women. The guild incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2017 and currently has a membership of fifty-two talented women.
Besides their mission to promote quilting, they have completed many community service projects over the years, including quilts for foster children, nursing homes, comfort quilts, meals on wheels placemats, quilts for fire victims, and utility quilts that were sent to refugee camps internationally. This year, the guild is looking closer to home and has found lots of personal need in the Ag Reserve.
The guild sponsors several retreats each year, field trips and classes. The members share ideas and techniques they have used and show their masterpieces. Most make their quilts for family and friends and as a community service.
Under the leadership of Pam Klobukowski, a group of members came together to make a quilt to raise funds for Ukraine. The Poolesville Presbyterian Church generously provided the use of Speer Hall for the project. Over the course of a few hours, fabric – the colors of the Ukrainian flag – was cut and pieced into thirty-six heart blocks. Borders were added and it has been quilted and bound. In the next few weeks, the Village Piecemakers will begin selling raffle tickets. The proceeds will go to a Ukrainian relief organization. Tickets will also be available on Poolesville Day. The lucky winner will be notified after the drawing at their October Quilt Guild Meeting on October 11.
The Guild welcomes new members – whether seasoned quilters or those who want to learn the craft. To join or for more information, you can join them at their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm at Town Hall.