Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Calling all quilters in the Howard Lake area



All quilters and “wanna be” quilters are invited to join a new Howard Lake area quilt club.

The very first meeting for the new club is set for Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake.

This first meeting will involve a survey to inquire as to what the group’s interests are, and what direction the club should take.

All skill levels are welcome, including those who have never lifted a finger in an attempt to quilt.

“Quilting appeals to people at so many levels,” quilt club organizer Patty Krohn of Howard Lake said.

“There’s so many levels and so many processes to quilting. Some parts people love and some parts people hate. Sometimes you can farm-out the parts you don’t like,” Krohn laughed.

Creative design is just one process in quilting. People can either create their own patterns or use a book’s pattern, Krohn explained.

Shopping for fabric is one process that many people enjoy, as well as color selection. For Krohn, color selection is frustrating so she seeks the advice of the quilt shop owners.

Actual construction is another process, Krohn explained, that can be individualized to a person’s preference.

For example, some people can purchase a kit and everything they need is included, along with directions. For others, they may buy a pattern or create their own pattern, as well as choose the colors themselves.

“I got into quilting because garment sewing got to be obsolete. I still loved to sew, but there weren’t a lot of outlets,” Krohn said.

Quilting is just not bedding items, Krohn explained. Wall hangings, church banners, place mats, and napkins, are just some of the projects that can be quilted.

“They’re actually becoming works of art,” Krohn said.

A former quilt club in Howard Lake broke up after the quilt shop in town closed, although Krohn says she thinks the group informally gets together from time to time.

Krohn envisions the club offering quilting techniques that demonstrate new notions, possibly host quilting retreats, offer incentives to members to finish unfinished projects they have at home, possibly offer projects as a group like “block of the month,” and have show-and-tell time, as well.

“Most members of quilt clubs are very willing to help beginners, so all are welcome,” Krohn said.

For information about the club, contact Krohn at (320) 543-3780.

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