Annual quilt show coming to Expo Center

The Crystal Quilters are preparing for a return to the Enumclaw Expo Center, getting ready for their 22nd annual quilt show.

The Crystal Quilters are preparing for a return to the Enumclaw Expo Center, getting ready for their 22nd annual quilt show.

The event is planned for Sept. 29 and 30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Expo Center, 45224 284th Ave. S.E. Admission is a $6 donation and Crystal Quilters will be taking donations of non-perishable food items.

This annual fall event, carrying the theme ”Sharing Our Stitches,” has grown from a small show 22 years ago to one that now hangs 300 quilts. In addition to the hand-crafted quilts, the show will have vendors, a tea room and a country store.

This year’s features quilter is Charlotte Killian, who began quilting in her 20s and has made approximately 400 quilts during the past 60 years.

Crystal Quilters Guild began in 1992 with a few women from the Enumclaw area dedicated to the art of quilting, interested in learning, sharing, teaching and making sure the art form is passed on to future generations. Two of the original members are still active.

Today’s membership is made up of 50 members from communities surrounding Enumclaw. In addition to making quilts for themselves, the members work together to make “comfort” quilts that are donated to charities in the area, including Ashley House, the Northwest Kidney Center in Enumclaw, and Franciscan Hospice in Tacoma. Last year, the group donated approximately 300 quilts, all made from fabric that guild members donated in addition to their time.

Members of Crystal Quilters gather at 1 p.m. the first Friday of each month at the Buckley Fire Station, 611 S, Division St. To learn more, visit http//crystalquiltersofenumclaw.blogspot.com.