More News

Quilting is love made practical, says Pat Scully of the Southern Comforters quilt guild.

"It's an art form that's both beautiful and useful," said the Greenbelt resident. "It allows you to wrap someone in your love."

Love at its best is now on display at the Publick Playhouse in Cheverly as the members of Southern Comforters present some of their work in an exhibit called "Comforters Keepsakes." Featuring traditional bed quilts, small wall hangings and art quilts, the show highlights a variety of colors, patterns and techniques including appliqué, piecework, mixed media and machine quilting. The cost of the nine quilts on display ranges from $50 to $500.

"It's a beautiful exhibit. The exhibits are very well put together and their craftsmanship is amazing," said Sonya Kitchens, the assistant director of the Publick Playhouse. "We've probably had more people come in here specifically for the exhibit than any other show in recent history."

The guild, based in Bowie, formed in 1982 to promote an appreciation for the rich heritage of quilting. Scully, a member for about 10 years, has two pieces in the Cheverly exhibit: "Jewels on Velvet" and "Christmas Hunter's Star."

A self-taught quilter, Scully had been making quilts for about five years before she attended one of the organization's annual shows. These events, which typically take place in Bowie's C. Elizabeth Reig School every March, showcase the talents of local quilters.

"I was bowled over by the work," said Scully. The March 2011 show will mark the event's 20th anniversary, she said.

Members combine their love of quilting with community service by donating quilts to various organizations. Recipients include Bowie's Chapel Forge Special Center for children with disabilities and the Pediatric Oncology Unit at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Members also provide quilts to the American Red Cross, which gives them to wounded service members.

Southern Comforters also promotes the education and art of quilt making. Beginners and experts alike can show off their work, listen to lectures or work on a quilt together during twice-monthly meetings at the Christian Community Presbyterian Church in Bowie. Members also attend weekend retreats in the fall prior to Thanksgiving and during the winter in February. Quilters slip away to a retreat center in West River in Anne Arundel County to socialize and work together on one project called a "community" quilt.

Interacting with others while handling soft, beautiful fabric adds to the appeal of quilting, Scully said. The rhythm of hand stitching can ease stress, she adds, "and at the end you have a beautiful item people can use."

Despite its humble appearance, quilting is actually a multi-million dollar industry after factoring in the cost of equipment, tools, fabrics and workshops, Scully said.

New quilters can gain support from Southern Comforters as well as classes available in local fabric shops, but they shouldn't be afraid to show love through this art form, members say.

"The most important thing isn't your skill but the story you tell through your quilt and the emotion you bring out of the viewer," said Bowie resident Evelyn Kirby, a member of the guild for 10 years. "There's no such thing as an ugly quilt."Southern Comforters Quilt Guild of Bowie

How it makes a difference: The guild promotes an appreciation for quilting and donates items to local organizations. For information, go to www.southerncomforter.org or send an e-mail to president@southerncomforters.org.