TORRINGTON – “This is my first quilt, really my first thing I’ve actually sewn,” Talia Kimbert said.
She and 12 other 10 to 16-year-olds participated in the four-day quilt camp put on by Goshen County Quilters.
The camp began on Tuesday, June 22 and ended Friday, June 25, and took place in Platte Valley Bank’s community room. Each day lasted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“They get a combination of learning to sew with a machine and learning some basic quilting techniques which they can carry on in the future,” said Jane Dorn, who has been involved with Goshen County Quilters for about 16 years.
According to Kimbert, her grandma and aunt encouraged her to attend the camp.
Another participant, Averay Birkley said, “I decided to come because my grandma taught me how to sew and I just love sewing.”
The class is geared toward beginners, second time and third time quilters, according to Dorn.
The event was started in 2003, taking place every year except in 2020.
Dorn said it takes three to four days for each participant to complete his or her quilt.
“The quilts are 40 by 60, which is big enough to take a nap under,” she said.
Each participant got to pick fabric with their favorite colors or themes. According to Dorn, they all work on the same pattern.
Right away, Birkley knew she wanted to use pastels and flower patterns for her first quilt.
Kimbert said, “basically I just took my favorite animal and my favorite colors and waited to see what they came up with.”
Instructors, most from Goshen County Quilters, cut fabric and assisted. Dorn said there was about one instructor for every two students.
To participate, there was a $25 fee. Dorn said the funds covered about half the fabric costs and the quilting club covered the rest.
Dorn said most participants usually bring a sewing machine, but the instructors provide any other machines needed. Students also bring their own thread.
“We just think it’s a good opportunity to pass on a craft or an art technique to a next generation,” she said. “Sometimes they have family members, like grandmothers or mothers that sew, and some don’t have anybody in the family that sews, so this is an opportunity for them to sew.”
Dorn said snacks were provided and students worked at their own pace. Birkley said one of her favorite parts of the camp was making new friends.
