Every Library Needs a Quilt!
Our local quilters are a talented group!
The Community Leaf Quilt
As part of the Indiana DNR's ReLeaf Grant Program and because every library needs a quilt, the West Lafayette Public Library asked area quilters to create natural-looking "leaf" blocks for a community quilt to enhance the new library's design theme and colors. CJ's Quilt Shop provided background fabrics to maintain consistency. There were no size requirements for the blocks, so quilters could let their imaginations soar.
Our early estimate of 20 blocks quickly climbed to more than double that number. Leaves--in an array of colors--were appliqued and pieced. Some have intricate embroidery work and some are even three-dimensional.
Quilters love a challenge, and they exceeded all expectations with their enthusiasm and artistry.
The following quilters contributed blocks: Jan Freeman Tina Brauer, Joy Brooke, Sandra Trapp, Marge Peterson, Sally Weeks, Steve Patch, Connie Harth, Susan Fisher, Cathy Campbell, Joan Fulton, Jean Reynolds, Joanne Kuske, Bev Waisner, Shelley Woloshuk, G. Jane Ottinger, Roseanna Halsema, Pat Baugues, Lisa Geisler, Barbara Mexin, Suzanne Herbst, Adrienne Glatz, Shelly Estes, Lisa Studebaker, Florence McDarland, Carolyn Kald, Mary Rausch, Rosemary Furkin, Theresa Blaisdell, Marissa Blaisdell, Cheryl Erskine, Eva Gembarovicova, Linda Kerber, Barbara Robinson, Char Steffen, Rose Martin, Hannah Joy Pheasant, Esther J. Pheasant, Mary Jasheway, Norma Bishop, Janet Blickenstaff, Gloria Klutzke, Ann Caddy, Anastasia Krutulis, Annabel Drazin, Kathy Atwell, Karen Moyars, Margaret Overhauser and Frances Cargnino.
Three blocks were judged by the public as the favorites. The creators of the blocks received gift certificates from CJ's and also will have quilting books in the library with bookplates commemorating their achievement. These blocks were artfully created by Eva Gembarovicova, Mary Jasheway and Joan Fulton.
Putting the odd-sized blocks together into one quilt took a lot of time and a bit of creative magic on the part of Anastasia Krutulis. Viki Kirby quilted it on "Gracie," CJ Hurst's Gammill long-arm machine. Anastasia then bound the quilt and added some embellishments.
See if you can find the five Cicada beads on the quilt!
As you can see, the result is a stunning piece of community artwork. All of the quilters involved can be very proud of the project, and patrons will enjoy the quilt for years to come.
The quilt is located on the beautiful curved wall on the second floor, near the elevator between the Elm and Walnut public meeting rooms. Come take a look.