Creating Lasting Memories: The Art and Tradition of Quilting
Quilting has been a cherished American tradition since the earliest days of the colonists. Brought over from Europe, it’s shifted from simple, practical blankets to intricate works of art.
The Calico Geese Quilters of Sullivan County, NY, are keeping this tradition alive. They blend historical methods with a splash of modern creativity.
This group includes about 60 quilting enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned pros. They gather at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Liberty to quilt, chat, and show off their projects.
Table of Contents
The History and Evolution of Quilting in America
Quilting in America goes way back, right to the colonial era. Settlers brought the craft from Europe, using sheep’s wool and flax grown on their farms.
When the cotton gin came along in the mid-19th century, everything changed. Suddenly, cotton fabric became much more accessible and popular.
Groups like the Calico Geese Quilters keep quilting in the mainstream today. They mix old-school handwork with newer machine techniques, adapting as times change.
Quilting Techniques: Hand vs. Machine
Quilting techniques have changed a lot over the years. Some folks still love the slow, meditative pace of hand-quilting, while others go for the speed of machines.
Laurie Nathan, co-president of the Calico Geese Quilters, jokes, “I used to say if God wanted me to quilt by hand, there’d be no machine.” Now, though, she’s gotten pretty good at both.
She credits a technique called applique for her growth. It’s when you sew a fabric shape onto another piece, and it opens up a lot of creative doors.
No matter how you do it, the basics stay the same. A quilt has three layers: the top (usually pieced from fabric scraps or bought pieces), a middle layer of batting, and a backing. You sew them together and finish with a binding around the edge.
The Calico Geese Quilters: A Community of Creativity
The Calico Geese Quilters aren’t just hobbyists. They’ve built a real community around their craft.
Co-presidents Laurie Nathan and Adrienne Reyes really embody that spirit. Nathan, who used to be a clinical psychologist, stumbled onto the group at a small quilt show. Reyes, a lifelong sewer, found quilting was a way to stretch her skills in new directions.
Activities and Contributions
The group meets regularly to quilt, catch up, and show what they’re working on. They also pitch in for good causes, selling quilts at markets and donating the proceeds to local charities.
Some organizations they support include:
- The Federation for the Homeless
- The United Way
- The Women’s Shelter in Barryville
The Calico Geese Quilters also donate quilts directly to these groups. They always sew in a Calico Geese label, so people know where the quilt came from. That little touch helps build real connections.
The Art of Quilting: More Than Just a Craft
Quilting isn’t just about sewing—it takes patience, a willingness to learn, and a bit of stubbornness. Nathan and Reyes say you need to be ready to pull out stitches that aren’t quite right or seams that just don’t line up.
Practice helps, but honestly, every quilt is a testament to the maker’s dedication. There’s always something to learn, and maybe that’s what keeps people coming back.
Special Projects and Commissions
The Calico Geese Quilters also take on special projects and commissions. They’ve made small quilts for babies, big ones for adults, and even custom quilts from the clothing of loved ones who’ve passed away.
These personalized projects carry a lot of emotional weight. Each quilt becomes something truly unique.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Every year, the Calico Geese Quilters raffle off a quilt they’ve made together. The money goes to local organizations.
This year’s quilt will be raffled in October. They haven’t started on the 2027 quilt yet, but they’ve already picked out the design and who’s leading the charge.
Staying Connected
Adrienne Reyes keeps members in the loop with an online newsletter that goes out at the end of each month. It’s a handy way to keep everyone up to date.
- Upcoming agendas and meeting schedules
- Photos of works in progress
- Updates on community activities
- Information on where donated quilts have gone
The newsletter is a great resource for members and anyone curious about the group. It helps people feel connected, even if they can’t make it to every meeting.
Conclusion
The Calico Geese Quilters of Sullivan County really show how a traditional craft can pull people together. Their passion for quilting shines through, and they’ve managed to make a real difference in their community.
Honestly, it’s kind of inspiring to see a group like this keep the art of quilting alive. If you’re curious about them, check out the original article or reach out to the Cornell Cooperative Extension at 845/292-6180.