A group of quilt makers from the area recently participated in a trip to learn about quilts and other masterpieces from around the world.

A group of six members from the Cranberry Quilt Guild traveled to Paducah, Kentucky, a UNESCO Creative City and home of the National Quilt Museum, during the last week of April. The trip was planned by the Circle of Friends Quilt Guild of the Palmerton area.

The 1,900-mile round trip was to the annual American Quilt Society quilt show, which hosted approximately 30,000 people over the four-day event.

Quilts on display were from the United States, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

They were truly pieces of art, with all genres of quilting being represented.

The sewists, and designers of the masterpieces were on hand to discuss their techniques and time-consuming artistic applications.

The group also took in a few classes that were both fun and informative.

The National Quilt Museum exhibits were inspiring with color and size that filled entire 20-foot lengths of wall.

Now that they are back, the group is gearing up for the guild’s monthly meeting this evening.

The meeting and auction for members will take place at Faith United Church of Christ, off Airport Beltway in Hazle Township. Up for grabs in the auction include patterns, forgotten quilt tops, books, fabrics, and quilting tools. Any member can bring in their items for the ‘auction’ that they no longer need or use.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The meeting begins at 6:30.

Any member bringing an item is requested to come in early for items to be placed.

Proceeds from this event benefit the many service projects the guild takes on.

Quilt of Valor is currently offering its members an online Block of the Month. These blocks can then construct an entire quilt. This can be an individual project or a project taken on by a group of members. These quilts are beautiful tributes to area servicemen and women.